Snack of Choice:A Free Pastry from Panera because of our frequent visits and a free medium coffee from Dunkin Donuts because it was my birthday in February!
Story behind the story:
NavPress provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am under no compulsion to provide a favorable review. But I wonder, is it bad that I brought my free book and free coffee into Panera to claim my free pastry and free internet? Panera gets a positive review!!
Story Line:
This recasting of “Abba’s Child” for an emerging generation of readers focuses primarily on the first label in the title – “The Poser.” The idea is to realize who we are in Christ and how to live honestly with our struggles. Brennan Manning, author of The Ragamuffin Gospel, speaks from personal experience about the danger of acting like we have it all together in front of others. Some of his first declarations are opening up about the reality of sin in his life. He no longer is going to hide behind the “Christian smile” and the “everything is good with God” mindset. He shows us the better (and freeing) alternative of honesty to the world, myself, and God. He reveals that our identity is Christ is a much greater realization in my life than self-deception.
The Real Story:
I heard a pastor say recently that if you want to grow in your Christian walk, camp out on what God’s love for me really looks like. This refreshing look at the love of God and brutal honesty about myself really gave me some great things to dwell on.
I do have a word of caution. This book’s target audience is the teen generation. This message is essential for any teen generation, but there are some more mature themes and even at least one instance of mild language. We also have some theological disagreements. If a teen is encouraged to read this book, it would be important for a parent to travel this road with them and read the book (maybe even in advance).
If I were to title this book, I would leave out the “Fakers and Wannabes” as I believe this may be the only time these words are used within the pages. Keep it simple… “Posers: unmasking the real you”
However, with all that said, these authors have gained my respect as fellow believers. They have struggled, but are willing to openly share their struggles. My favorite passage is in the closing pages – the story of the dog’s dilemma. Excellent.
Check out:
“My Identity in Christ” Bible Study; The Preacher’s Ecclesiastes – “Soap Bubbles, Soap Bubbles…all is Soap Bubbles.”
Rating:
3 smiling masquerade masks out of 5.
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