Honestly: Really Living What We Say We Believe

Johnnie Moore
Harvest House (2011)
ISBN 9780736939461
Reviewed by Steven King for Reader Views (1/12)

 

Originally, the word “Christian” was a term of derision, denoting those who were of “The Way,” or more specifically those whose life emulated Jesus of Nazareth. The fact they lived differently and were willing to lay down their very lives for the cause got peoples’ attention. In the modern era, what has the word Christian come to symbolize? Does a distinctive pattern of living still typify those who claim the brand “Christian?”

Johnnie Moore has written a very transparent inspection of what authentically living as a Christian might look like. In his “Honestly: Really Living What We Say We Believe,” he shares his own doubts about Christianity and a variety of situations that helped him cement his Christian faith. It is refreshing that he speaks from the tongue-in-cheek caveat, “My name is Johnnie Moore, and I’m a pastor, but I’m nursing some serious trust issues with Christianity.”

Perhaps many do…especially if you can relate to Johnnie’s story. How many families are engulfed in hatefulness and venomous exchange all the way to the church parking lot, only to plaster on “learned,” insincere smiles for other church attendees? Too many homes are battlefields feeling the effects of impending divorce leaving children struggling to separate the biblical faith from apparent contradictions. The final blow for Johnnie came when his parents divorced and he watched years of family value inculcation wash right down the drain. Life challenges have a way of casting the shadow of doubt across faith—but is that a problem?

Not according to Johnnie: life’s interruptions force you to embrace your own, authentic faith. Once your faith is real—you can live what you say you believe. Doubt can progress to radical commitment when honed in the school of hard knocks.

Moore has divided his work into five main sections:


Part 1—From Doubt to Belief
Part 2—Belief to a Healthy Soul
Part 3—From a Healthy Soul to Perseverance
Part 4—Perseverance to Mission
Part 5—Mission to Vision

As you take this journey with Moore, you will have many eye-opening experiences:

• Imagine attending a church service in modern Rwanda…in 1994, over 1,000,000 Rwandans lost their lives as the Hutus battled the Tutsis. What would it be like to be in a church service where victim and propagator now worshipped God together?
• Rediscover the possibility of spending quality time with Jesus. There is a way to live above the kinetic activity of the information age.
• As you contemplate religious faith, would it humble you to realize that you have idols in your life keeping you from authentic faith? Maybe, those idols are a lot closer to home than you ever imagined. Do you value anything above God? Even yourself?

This excellently written book is the type of Christian work where you will want to stop and re-read the previous paragraph to make sure you “got it.” Moore’s writing is filled with biblical insight and wit—when you are finished reading it you will have someone in mind you want to send it to.

Do you struggle with doubts? If so, you are in good company. Too infrequently, the world sees an example of authentic Christian living…what could this generation experience if all Christians came to terms with their doubt and lived honestly: really living what we say we believe? I highly recommend “Honestly: Really Living What We Say We Believe.”

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure