Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview

David Christian
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781463405229
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/11)


David Christian (nom de plume) asks the reader to look at who Jesus was, who Jesus is, and who Jesus will be in his book “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview.”

The author’s choice to remain anonymous, his set of ground rules, and his stated “secret purpose” of the book may “raise the shackles” for many potential readers (this reviewer included).  However, within a few pages I discovered that David Christian has a writing style that draws in the reader; I suddenly found myself compelled to turn and read the next page…and the next…and the next right on through to the last page of the epilogue.

Christian’s writing is academic and scholarly, steeped in Biblical literature and history. He is well read, as evidenced by the number of referenced quotations from noted influential theologians, philosophers, scholars, and educators. These include: Marcus Borg, Henri Nouwen, Elaine Morgan, John Dominic Crossan, Robert Eisenman, and many, many others.

Using stories, parallels, and parables, Christian exposes the prevalent biases, ingrained patterns, and divergent opinions found in our culture as well as in the church. I found the concepts of formation, framing, and “gressing” especially interesting.
 
 “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview” has helped me:

  • Recognize my personal biases, blind spots, and worldview
  • Seek a balanced understanding in discerning the will of God
  • Continue to pursue my life long spiritual journey
  • Crystallize and strengthen my personal beliefs

As to the author’s conclusions; they are his, opinions drawn from his experiences, his interpretation, his background, and from the relationships within his personal community. He challenges the reader to think independently, to look to the Bible in their search for truth, and to continue in their faith journey. Christian’s ground rules of reading the book include: Think about it, talk about it, and maybe even meditate on it, and to enjoy the resultant “re-creation.”

David Christian is a strong advocate of Saint Augustine’s admonition: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, and in all things charity.”  Although primarily a motivational message to the Church, “Finding Jesus: To Learn Abba’s Worldview” is a book for everyone. Christian and non-Christian alike will be challenged by the idea of joining in following the Augustine’s principle for following Abba’s worldview.

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