Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dear God, We Need to Talk by Darren Schalk

Do you have some pet peeves about God? Schalk realized he did. He knew God did some things he didn't like nor understand. God acted in ways that just didn't make sense.

He wrote this book to ask questions – not give answers. We'll never have the answers. We'll never figure God out. But Schalk does want us to think about what God does and how we feel about it. This book is not a theological study of God's character and actions. It is more like a conversation, with Schalk telling stories about his pet peeves.

Some of the pet peeves he talks about include the fact that God allows us to look stupid in front of other people, that He doesn't always provide for us the way we want Him to, that He doesn't keep to our time schedule, that He wants us to change, that He doesn't make everything better, that He won't ignore our sin, that He seems to leaves some prayers unanswered, and that He doesn't behave the way we would if we were God.

Schalk tells great stores on himself that illustrate his pet peeves. He's a great story teller too. He wants us to be honest with God. He shows us from Job's experience that honesty with God is what matters.

Questions for personal thought or group discussion have been added at the end of each chapter. They are the strength of the book. Since the book is very conversational in style, it would be a good choice for a discussion group. There is much to talk about in the book.

Food for thought: “I'm not always fond of the route God lays out for the race, but I always like His finish line.” (51)

Go to www.darrenschalk.com to check out the study guide for the book.

Darren Schalk is the curriculum editor for the Church of God of Prophecy and associate editor for OAR, Inc. He promotes discipleship around the globe and serves on several interdenominational boards focused on the topic. He and his family live in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Passio, 240 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

No comments: