Unleashed, by Erwin Raphael McManus

In his book, Unleashed, Erwin McManus urges Christians to see Christianity for what it has become and for what it was meant to be. Christianity has become a religion, a church club that only exists for itself. A place where we go because that’s what a good Christian does. It’s what our parents did and our grandparents did.  He points out that we’re breeding civilization in our churches and we’re buying it!

Mr. McManus  impresses upon the reader how Christians today think that once they become Christians,  life will be happy go lucky. I mean, our God wouldn’t make us feel uncomfortable for anything, would he? Isn’t he a God of love? Aren’t we supposed to leave church feeling good about ourselves?

He uses the word barbarian over and over again to prove his point. Just like John the Baptist (who probably was considered a little eccentric), we are called to be different and set apart. Not because we go to church on Sunday without fail, but because of this burning passion to win others to Christ. We should exist to serve and love the lost! When was the last time you showed your neighbor that you love and care for them? We’re really good about doing this with our church friends, but not “outsiders.” I live in a town of 400 and I barely know my neighbors!

For me, this book came at a great time.  I’ve been wondering about why we keep doing this “church club” and why we think it’s a well-oiled machine. I recognize this problem and chose this book specifically to find out how to fix myself! Only, Mr. McManus gave no real advice for how to carry out this change. Truthfully, I imagine it will look differently for each person and ultimately I should find my answers in God’s word.

I will be asking the Lord for wisdom on what this looks like for me and how to raise barbarian children instead of civilized ones.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”