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HomeShop at BookSurgeJuvenile Non-FictionAnimalsLions, Tigers, Leopards, etc.The Jesus Sessions: Getting Beyond the Bumper-Sticker Gospel |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 4 customer reviews )
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4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Really thought-provoking stuff Feb 07, 2010
By J. Greco
A disclaimer: I am the author's brother (you can read about some of my exploits on pages 83-84). That said, my attempt is to write a review of "The Jesus Sessions" that is as objective as possible.
"The Jesus Sessions" is John's first published book-length manuscript. In it, he attempts to answer a question that has endured for over two thousand years: Who is Jesus of Nazereth? While Jesus' recorded ministry was only three years long, we gain a remarkably rich understanding of the type of Liberator-King that He was from John's exploration of His personal conversations with others. Rather than present a one dimensional and oversimplified rendition of Christ's character and compassion all too common on modern-day billboards and bumper stickers, John underscores the fact that Jesus spoke with diverse people in vastly different ways as He met both their physical and spiritual needs. As such, He was always concerned with their hearts above all else.
The book unfolds in eleven short chapters. John takes the reader from conversation to conversation, giving him or her a clear and concise social and historical background to each "Jesus session." The author explains central Christian tenets (concepts such as "faith", "grace", etc.), thus putting forth a very accessible work for those just becoming familiar with Christianity. In reality, "The Jesus Sessions" can be read to satisfaction by those who identify themselves as life-long Christians or those who do not yet.
John also gives the readers life-appropriate examples from his own experiences that illustrate the heart of Jesus' teachings. The reader is taken through John's parents' divorce, disappointments with friends, uplifting moments in his school days, and radical life changing moments from his childhood and adolescence. In that sense, "The Jesus Sessions" is both theology and therapy, as I am imagine that most readers will be able to identify experiences that they might have had in common with the author.
On a final note, this book is rich in pop-cultural commentary. John does not throw mud in any kind of culture war (that is, trying to point out every instance in which our culture departs from God's intended rhythm). Rather, John uses television shows, film scenes, and pop music lyrics to illustrate Jesus' main points. For those of you who enjoy a pastor or teacher who frequently brings pop culture into sermons or lectures, this book is for you. It even has a soundtrack on iTunes!
Kudos to John on his first book. Again, I'm partial.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Getting Beyond the Bumper Stickers Mar 02, 2010
By L. Brandau
The Jesus Sessions is sometimes written in a light-hearted manner, but John Greco is very serious about letting his readers know who Jesus is, how we should worship Him, and reaching deeper than bumper-sticker religious mottos. He uses experiences of people he has met and compares them to individuals in Scripture. The author describes what it really means to be born again, and covers many of the struggles that young people face. In one chapter, the author had to deal with an out of control unsaved friend and compared his situation to how Jesus interacted with Nicodemus.
This is also a book of heartfelt stories. There is a powerful story of Lucy, a Wiccan bookstore owner, and his embarrassment when he learned how Christians had treated her. There is a personal example he tells of why he felt like an outcast when he was young, and a captivating story of meeting his estranged grandfather. Another story is about a mission trip to Jamaica and how the people affected his life and the choices he made. Even more poignantly is the tragic story of Horatio Spafford and his utterance of It is Well With My Soul.
Although there are many serious topics covered, this is not a stuffy lecture book from the author. This is written in a contemporary Christian manner with references to pop-culture and current events. Each chapter is followed by Questions for Reflection and Discussion which would make this an interesting and informative Sunday School lesson book or book club selection. The Jesus Sessions is perfect for teens to young adults.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A book for all Mar 19, 2010
By Michael Wallace
This is an excellent book regardless of how long and far you have ventured into your personal spiritual journey and relationship with Jesus Christ. Though this book would be a great read for someone who maybe just has a few questions and a curiosity of who Jesus is, it is also full of insight, and challenging questions for those who have given their lives and hearts to the Savior of the world. For me, the author, John Greco's style of conversational writing helped me re-see and re-encounter the stories of Jesus as radical and immortal stories of love, rather than over read, over heard, over analyzed, and over preached historical texts which I had sadly become condition to see. Through the soundtrack songs of each chapter, and the personal and challenging questions throughout the book, John encouraged me to re-examine my beliefs, and passion and to draw close to the One who loves us all on a personal level. Thank you John for guiding me back to the basics and awakening in me a passion for our Savior that had grown somewhat dormant over last few years and reminding me that Christianity is not a religion we subscribe to, but a way of life.
-Mike W. (California)
Jesus lives Jun 12, 2010
By Barbara L. Austin
"Georgia girl?"
I loved the book! The author is very knowelgable and interesting as well as touching and comical. My husband and I both enjoyed the book very much. Great job Mr. Greco.
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