I would describe the book as an emergent version of MacArthur’s Gospel According to Jesus.
Those who hold to MacArthur’s Lordship salvation, while facing severe challenges to consistency and exegetical integrity, will find much in this book to agree with. (3) The soteriological framework is a reformed platform that places believers under the law, and at least flirts with works salvation (if not proclaiming it implicitly). (2) Where there is attention to Biblical passages, they seem often badly handled (even incoherent at times), and certainly not with any careful exegesis. There is significant emphasis on emotion and experience, and little on Biblical exegesis. (1) It seems to be written on the framework of an empirical rather than Biblical epistemology. My findings are that, while it contains many commendable statements and is well intentioned, it makes at least three fatal errors – errors that make it fairly useless for promulgating truth. While I cannot recommend the book, if one was to read it, I would encourage them to judge it not based on my assessment, but based on how it agrees or disagrees with Scripture. I must judge a book by the words on its pages, and I must test them in the light of Scripture. Still, I cannot judge a book based on the benevolent intentions of the author. I hope to meet him and discuss these matters with him one day. Though I haven’t met him and haven’t researched his theology beyond what is presented in Crazy Love, I expect that Chan is a delightful brother in Christ. He wants to challenge people to commit more of themselves (all, in fact) to the Lord. I truly appreciate what Francis Chan was attempting with this book. Many churches are taking their people through Crazy Love, in services, Sunday schools, book clubs, and “Bible” studies.įor those with little time to suffer through the whole review, I will offer the following brief summary at the outset: One recent title that is increasing in its influence is Francis Chan’s dynamic appeal to discipleship, creatively titled Crazy Love.
Sure, books are often helpful, but we should always remember to judge them in the light of Scripture. In such cases I appeal to churches to consider Paul’s exhortation in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
I am not sure why, but it still surprises me that churches which typically speak of the sufficiency of Scripture will substitute a trendy title for the word of God. I don’t often review books, but occasionally a title will capture the imagination of the evangelical world, and will find itself elevated to Sunday-morning-text status.
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