Wilson (Why Me? Straight Talk About Suffering
) gets in the face of evangelicals as he writes in a somewhat acerbic style, posing challenges to today's church on matters both personal and societal. This book will spur readers to examine their motives, actions and reactions to life's dilemmas in light of Jesus' teaching and example. Tackling those niggling character qualities that Christians often make excuses for not exhibiting, Wilson uses personal narratives and brief vignettes from today's news to expound upon the Christ-like responses the world requires of God followers: authenticity, vision, significance, holiness, purity, forbearance, charity, trust, tolerance, faith, integrity and commitment. Throughout this work, Wilson generates a good share of his material by citing stories from his own childhood and past. This works both for and against him; some Christian readers will relate to his frankness and the criticisms he lodges against the church, finding his jeremiad hard-hitting but necessary. Others, however, will wince as he describes his own missteps in relating to others, as the book's tone alternates between cynicism and contrition. Rather than encourage change, this book can leave a bitter aftertaste. (July)
