Braun
writes that Christians in America, especially the younger generation
engaging a post-Christian culture, are framing a relationship with
God exclusively around beliefs that make little difference in the way
life is lived. Millennials have seen holiness defined in behavior: no
drinking, dancing, or sex. Not wanting to fit into this definition,
they have abandoned holiness altogether. The idea of a holy,
set-apart people has faded.
“It
doesn't take much to simply believe in Jesus. In fact, that doesn't
cost us anything. But following Jesus, that's another matter.” (13)
It
is a misunderstanding, Braun says, that holiness is defined as
behavior. “Holiness is new affections, new desires, and new motives
that then lead to a new behavior.” (12)
To
help us embrace a right view of holiness, Braun explains the holiness
of God, the seriousness of sin, the power of shame, and God's
unconditional love. He then writes about all God has given us toward
holiness and how it affects daily living, including values,
community, mission, and artistry.
This
is a great book to help Christians of all ages understand the current
young Christian's view about sin, accepting it as a way of life
instead of an evil to overcome. (16) I also appreciate Braun's
section on the “third way” of interacting with the world, binding
ourselves to the culture around us without losing our distinct mark
as followers of Christ. (114) Young Christians would do well to read
this book to come to a true understanding of biblical holiness.
There
is one comment he makes I find disturbing. “God cannot fully exist
without the community of persons within His being...” (105) That
would make God not complete in Himself. It would seem to indicate God
did not “fully exist” before he created mankind. That is not the
accepted evangelical Christian understanding of God.
Food
for thought: “Holiness in the whole sense (pun intended) of the
word means a life focused around God both internally and externally.”
(16)
Tyler
Braun is a twenty-something worship pastor. He and his wife live
in Portland, OR. You can find out more about him at
www.manofdepravity.com or follow him on Twitter @tylerbraun.
Moody
Press, 176 pages. Publisher's product page.
I
received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an
independent and honest review.
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