4/18/11

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Organized offering of spiritual Q & A on a wide range of topics

Mostly culled from the author's previous responses to letters and emails, this new work from Lucado will appeal primarily to new and near believers. Those who are theologically literate or who have been walking with the Lord for many years will find most of the questions basic. "How can I know what God is like?" "How do I get out of a bad mood?" "Why should we pray?" The problem of pain and suffering. "How do I get along with my mother-in-law?" 

Lucado's answers affirm scriptural truths. As always, his writing is lucid and engaging. For those who are learning biblical values and wonder what a life committed to God is all about, this book from a veteran pastor will be helpful. At times, however, he seems not to deal with the anguish in a query. Instead he uses the question to present (what may appear to be) platitudes to a weary heart.

At other times, Lucado treads on shaky ground—for example, in his discussion of "eternal truth and historical particularity" (pages 92-93), a discussion of holy kisses, feet washing, and the wearing of veils. While in principle, his explanation makes sense, this kind of thinking can lead to throwing out babies with bath water all over the New Testament, to spiritualizing specific behavioral exhortations. 

Lucado makes a grave and sloppy mistake as a Bible expositor when he uses Hebrews 9:15 (words comparing the old and new covenants and specifically written to Jewish believers in Messiah) to support his premise that heaven will be comprised of people from every tongue and nation (it will, but that's not what this verse is about) who may never have heard of Jesus (also what this verse is not about). In fact, some may interpret his words on pages 222-223 as a universalist view of salvation. However, his responses on the next several pages seem to refute that argument. Ultimately, God is judge. 

Finally, if you're an aspiring writer, you'll be heartened by Lucado's closing words, an addendum called "The Write Stuff." As there are a plethora of books on the market on spiritual guidance, this offering will appeal mainly to Lucado fans and pastors seeking to expand their libraries. A relatively quick read. *** 

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