Gods at War: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart

The teaching pastor of the fourth largest church in the U.S. follows his blockbuster Not a Fan with a hard-hitting book about the allure of idols: money, sex, food, power, achievement, and family. He weaves Bible text explication with contemporary or classical Christian thought and personal stories. In his chapter on the "god of family," for example, he explicates Genesis 22 on Abraham's test with Isaac, quotes a story by C.S. Lewis, then does not let himself off the hook in showing how he can make his own family an idol. He then turns the challenge to the reader. A distinctive and increasingly popular feature included is QR codes that take readers to more web content on a particular theme. Idleman's tone is authentic and theologically mature for a relatively new voice on the scene, and companion preaching videos make this a package that faith explorers and long-time Christians will appreciate in home groups and church classes as well. Idleman is not a one-hit wonder, but with a pastor's edge and comprehensive approach shows he's engaged in the battle to turn readers' hearts to God. (Feb.)