Naked Gospel???

"How could the Gospel be naked?" you may ask. Well, I asked just that. Through http://www.blogtourspot.com/ I have had the pleasure of receiving books from time to time that I may review in exchange for my receipt of them. I recently received a copy of "The Naked Gospel: The Truth You May Never Hear in Church" by Andrew Farley. For more information on this book go to http://www.thenakedgospel.com/ . I was a little skeptical. A lot books in this arena I feel are preachy and verge on being overly critical of Christianity without providing any alternatives. Well, let me tell you...I was pleasantly surprised. I L-O-V-E love this book. I have already recommended it to two of my friends and my husband. Its straight forward approach is refreshing. I love Andrew Farley's mix of his own personal experiences (without being overbearing) and his use of well-researched scripture quotes. What I found most rewarding as a reader is that the scripture quotes he used were not the same overworked Bible quotes. He also gives you background and contextual insights that help with the application. He by no means says he has THE answers, but he definitely provides a new way to look at things. I found myself saying "Me too!" as I read. I have had my moments of disenchantment, frustration and depression with Christianity, and I have always felt it was my fault, and I was just falling short. I am not trying to get off the hook here, but it was nice to see that I was not alone in trying to work my way out of what sometimes feels like a pit. We Christians are often guilty of picking and choosing what we hold ourselves accountable for, and this isn't always to our benefit. Like Andrew Farley I have "already accepted the work of Christ as the means to heaven. But it [is] my approach to daily living that [is] beating me up." (pg. 81) I am grateful that Mr. Farley has opened my eyes to some new ways to look at my daily living. If you are interested, you can get this book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310293065 .