True Religion: Taking Pieces of Heaven to Places of Hell on Earth

Palmer Chinchen, PhD
David C. Cook (2010)
ISBN 9780781403436
Reviewed by Chad Feight for Reader Views (08/10)

 

 

I recently received a copy of “True Religion” from Reader Views and, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Palmer Chinchen, PhD, attempts to “bother” Christians. His purpose is to spur Christians on to action, to cause Christians to see the world beyond their own sphere of influence; then go there. Chinchen wants to see Christians begin to DO something to show this love that they have received.

As I began to read this book, I was worried this was going to be another one of those books that talks about how terrible a job the Church has been doing in certain areas.  However, after getting into the book, I noticed it was less about the church (with the exception of Chinchen’s unnecessary rant on church membership) and more about personal decisions and lifestyles.  I found myself looking into my own life, my own actions, and my own decisions, and trying to decide what I could do better to begin to see more people see the love of Christ.

There were some drawbacks to this book that kept it from receiving the full five stars.  First, Chinchen comes across as a bit of the “I’m better than you are, that’s why I’m writing the book and you’re not” type of personality.  Unfortunately for him, he seemingly inadvertently points out some of his own contradictions, such as how we need to simplify our lives and live with more necessities rather than expensive pleasures.  Not long before or after these points, we read something describing his favorite cable television show, or his golf game.  Chinchen also makes some statements that I believe are more to stir the pot and sell books rather than to actually accomplish his purpose of causing the church to act.  Statements such as “the next revolution for God is out there [outside the United States]…not in here [U.S.]” (p. 51, parenthesis added) are memorable, but seem a little self-serving and not scripturally-based. 

In spite of the drawbacks, which can be overlooked fairly easily if the reader keeps the focus on the overall message, the book is deeply enthralling.  I was able to read this book in about four days in the midst of a busy schedule.  The writing was stellar and the stories are priceless (not to mention sermon-worthy for those other pastors out there).  The challenge of “True Religion” is clear and unwaivering…see the need, meet the need.

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