Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

(review by Deanna) (see review by Julie here)

I read Jesus Manifesto: Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ as part of a publisher's program I'm trying out.  I don't think I would have normally chosen it because having "manifesto" in the title makes it sound too uni-bomber-like, but I got some good content out of the book.

The authors believe that the true meaning of the Good News of Jesus has been left by the wayside for the sake of things that are fine, but not the point.  They point out that Christians are missing the truth and power of Christianity because we are following a set of ideas, a code of ethics, right vs. wrong, happiness or any number of other things when what we really need to follow and seek is a person, Jesus Christ.  They contrast the religion of Christianity with the indwelling of the person of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 

I will say that the book was organized and written a little oddly.  The introduction was reactive and even a little defensive.  It seemed like the first chapter had the main content and then the next couple didn't really have anything to say (although, by the last half of the book they had warmed back up and were covering some more ground).  Also, they do something that is very common and accepted but I find upsetting: all references, not just references to other materials but also every scripture reference, is in the footnotes in the back.  I would much prefer "As Paul stated in 1 Cor 1:9," to just a footnote.  Or just put the reference in parentheses.  I spent half my time flipping to the back of the book.  I believe this method is intended to seem scholarly and improve the flow of reading.  For me, it seems like it obscures the scripture references and destroys the flow of reading.  Finally, the authors state in the introduction that they intend to write in an "ancient devotional tone" because it's respectful and serious.  They proceed to do so... about 75% of the time.  The rest of the time they are inserting facebook posts or making semi-jokey puns or making veiled (or not veiled) criticisms of contemporary items they disagree with, such as "WWJD", A Purpose Driven Life, etc.  The jumping back and forth in tone was a little disorienting at times, however I didn't find it to obscure the point of the book.

Overall, the book was consistent with Biblical truths and both wise and relevant in some of their points.  I found it personally relevant and helpful in several ways.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not encouraged or 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”