The Unsaved Christian by Dean Inserra

This engaging book deals with the problem of cultural Christianity. The author does a good job of addressing the problem of “religion” versus having a heart felt faith centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Too often people identify themselves as Christian because they identify with a particular denomination or were baptized in a particular church. But their Christian faith is not the central part of their being influencing all aspects of their life.

The author describes Cultural Christianity as admiring Jesus but it does not think He is needed except in a crisis situation. Some of the chapters include the following topics:  Religion without Salvation; Civic Religion; False Assurance and the Country Club Church to name a few. What is very helpful is that there is an appendix in the back of the book which summarizes the types of Cultural Christianity and addresses ways to approach those individuals to have meaningful conversations.   Also helpful is at the end of each chapter there are discussion and reflection questions which makes it easy to discuss the book in a group setting. As someone who has been told, “I am a Christian, but not a Christian like you are,” I appreciate the insights and ways to respond when someone says that to me again.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.

Stages of the Soul by Nancy Kane

I did not know a great deal about spiritual formation before reading this book and I was intrigued to read about the stages in one’s spiritual journey. There are five stages in the soul’s journey toward wholeness:  Our First Love – Called into Saving Faith; Obedient Love – Learning the Ways of Godliness; Persevering Love – Invitation to Intimacy; Sacrificial Love – Living for the Kingdom Here and Now; and Intimate Love – Being Light and Love for the World. After each chapter, there is a summary of the information discussed along with questions for personal reflection.  Also there is an epilogue demonstrating how the soul stages journey can be lived out in a church setting.

This is a book to read thoughtfully and slowly. I think this is a book I will go back to again and again to see where I am at in my own spiritual journey. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to go deeper in their relationship with God.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.