9/06/2010

Review: Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, published by Thomas Nelson. Jesus Manifesto brings Jesus to the front and center. Sweet and Viola seek to highlight Jesus’ sovereignty and supremacy. This is a great little text that is worth the read. I found it to be very devotional and it met its goal of bringing Jesus front and center. It is always good to be reminded of the centrality of Jesus to the life of the believer.

This not a book that wows you. There is nothing controversial or new. It is a book that you read and then you find yourself thinking about an illustration from it. It is a book you read and then find yourself mulling over some description of Jesus. It is a book you read and then find yourself quoting it to someone else in conversation.

The only thing that twinged me as a downside was from the introduction. The comment made there is, “So what is Christianity? It is Christ. Nothing more. Nothing less. (xxii)” I agree that Jesus is central to the Christian. However, to say that Jesus is the full sum of the Christian faith is not exactly accurate. I would suggest that this be edited to highlighting his centrality. This statement by Sweet and Viola I think pushes down toward the problematic view of “me and Jesus” that is predominant in our post-modern world.

Overall: grab the book. It’s always worth the time remind ourselves how incredibly great Jesus is.

Tags: christianity, Jesus

http://www.varsityfaith.com Trevor

I read the book and I didn't like it too much. The problem I have with this book is not its call to follow and worship Jesus, but that they never really define which Jesus it is to whom we should ascribe worth. Is it the “homeboy Jesus” of the Hollywood-types, the “baby Jesus” of Ricky Bobby, or the Jesus who lived, was killed in a public execution, and was resurrected within the ongoing story of people who believed themselves to be called by God.

In the final analysis, it seems that Sweet and Viola want to challenge the people who are intent on praying and embodying the Lord's Prayer. It seems they want those people to give up that agenda and, instead, become modern-day, middle-class mystics who meet in suburban house churches, chanting to a disembodied Jesus while sipping coffee from Starbucks.
http://danielmrose.com/ Daniel Rose

I don't know if I would say that. I thought they did a decent portraying Jesus. I think the book is really limited and could have been much better. However, I am not sure that I agree that they are desirous of people chanting to a disembodied Jesus. That might be a bit harsh.

I think they were looking to identify the crucified and resurrected Jesus. But, maybe I missed something…
http://www.varsityfaith.com Trevor

Ok, agreed. May be a bit harsh, but that was the image that kept creeping in my head while I was reading! It just seemed like Sweet was trying valiantly to show his skills as a pseudo French philosopher.

I thought their “Magna Carta” that was distributed online in June 2009 was stronger than this book which came in its aftermath. Granted, they may have started with only that online document in mind and then been approached by Thomas Nelson Publishers with the book concept…but I just couldn't get excited about the book.
http://danielmrose.com/ Daniel Rose

I totally agree that the online Manifesto was better than the book. I couldn't get real excited bout either. I was hoping it would be more in the vein of The Cross of Christ by Stott. But, sadly it was a bit thin.