9/9/09

Fearless by Max Lucado


I wanted to read Fearless because the subject matter is universally relevant. What person is never afraid of anything, ever? But I wondered how this book would differ from what has seemed like a string of fluffy, feel-good titles from the author (not all, but some). The net royalties Max has received from my acquisition of his books could buy him a nice lunch. 

I was pleasantly surpised. The characteristic way Lucado weaves words together in his opening chapter is pure poetry. They draw you in as you anticipate what’s coming down the pike. Continuing on this highway will not disappoint. Always the master story teller, Lucado’s anecdotes warm the heart and encourage the spirit. Structurally, the book is well organized by types of fear (disappointing God, mattering to others, worst-case scenarios, storms of life, etc.).

The topic is fear. But it is more than that. Ultimately, this is a book about what makes us tick and how we relate to God and the world around us. Using the lamp of Scripture to support his points, Max shines a flashlight into the dark, hidden crevices of our hearts, reminding us of basic truths about trusting God in all circumstances. And he has heartening words for those who struggle with fears about their fears.
I have only two minor criticisms regarding issues the author or his editors might find difficult to discern in the midst of a cultural Christian enclave. The book seems to be written as though most readers understand who Jesus is and what following him is all about. A topic as important as fear could have been made more relevant to a broader readership by a change in jargon, for starters.
Second, Lucado makes a troubling statement in describing Jesus' relation to his kinsmen. The Messiah never “gave up” on synagogues. The public announcement of his ministry happened in one. He wept over Jerusalem and for his Jewish people. And he didn’t teach his followers to give up on synagogues either (they were often the first places Paul--who exhorted Gentiles not to boast in Romans 11:18-21--visited in his travels). Therefore, minus 1 star (because aside from the aforementioned flaws, the book is a valuable, inspiring read).****


A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.