A Domesticated Gospel

My latest book of impact is Erwin McManus' The Barbarian Way. (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 2005 - Seems I'm always about a half a decade behind!) McManus and John Eldredge are two faith leaders and writers who really give voice to my own hunger for the vibrancy, courage, and focus I too often find lacking in current, Western organized Christian expressions. Here's a sample of what fuels my jets:

"So what is this good news? The refined and civilized version goes something like this: Jesus died and rose from the dead so you can live a life of endless comfort, security, and indulgence. But really this is a bit too developed. Usually it's more like this: if you simply confess that you're a sinner and believe in Jesus, you'll be saved from the torment of eternal hellfire, then go to heaven when you die. Either case results in our domestication. One holds out for life to begin in eternity, and the other makes a mockery out of life.

The call of Jesus is far more barbaric than either of these. It is a call to live in this world as a citizen of an entirely different kingdom. In its primitive state, the good news could never be separated from the invitation of Jesus to, 'Come, follow Me.'" (page 32)

So what do you think? Is McManus right? Have we so domesticated Jesus and the gospel that it bears no resemblance to who Jesus is, who we should be in Him, and what we are commissioned to do?

I'll see you around the next bend in the river.