Sweet (SoulTsunami
, SoulSalsa
) argues that Christendom overemphasizes doctrine and reason at the expense of a relationship with God, and that it's time to "replant the faith in the rich biblical soil from which it has been uprooted." To shift from right thinking to right living, Christians must restore various relationships—with God, His revelation, other people of faith, those outside the faith and creation. Sweet might surprise some readers when he says that Abraham should have questioned God about the command to sacrifice Isaac, and that in not doing so, Abraham failed part of God's test by leaving his community. The author borrows from Eastern mysticism, especially in a section about creation that echoes the modern environmental movement's criticisms of airplane travel, the fishing industry and Freon. Sweet's political orientation also surfaces in a general accusation that the world's richest nations are to blame for the plight of the poor. In trying to swing believers from rationalism to relationalism, Sweet challenges evangelicals by saying that the text of the Bible does not become the Truth until it is lived out. Sweet's existential approach will not fit with many formal, historic understandings of the Christian faith, but then, that's the point. Extensive questions for discussion are included. (Sept. 21)
