(Re)union: The Good News of Jesus for Seekers, Saints, and Sinners

In accessible prose laced with catchy subtitles (“The Tactic of Enemy Love”), humor, and a touch of irreverence, Cavey (The End of Religion), teaching pastor of the Meeting House, one of Canada’s largest Anabaptist churches, issues readers an enthusiastic, direct invitation to become Christ-followers. Acknowledging that “angry gospel preaching” has hurt, insulted, and offended many people in the name of Jesus, Cavey apologizes, claiming that “the gospel is joyful news, happy-making news.” In separate chapters, Cavey presents this good news in one word (“Jesus”), three words (“Jesus is Lord”) and thirty words (“Jesus is God with us, come to show us God’s love, save us from sin, set up God’s kingdom and shut down religion, so we can share in God’s life”), accompanied by graphics. Cavey illustrates his arguments with relatable, personal stories, which will likely entertain, if not convince, readers; for example, he compares sin inherited from Adam to “corporate solidarity,” similar to when his error of scoring a touchdown for the opposing team became a team, not individual, loss. While Cavey’s theology will not satisfy all readers, his evident goodwill, passion, and intriguing arguments will appeal to the Anabaptist community and those interested in reconsidering their relationship to Christ. (May)