This book serves as a nice introduction to a liberal, Christian theology and the practical implications. I have been anticipating this book for awhile, and I found it to be very refreshing. Some of McLaren's books feel as if they are simply stating what the last book said in a different format ... but not this book. He does an excellent job providing a model by which individuals can interact with global crises in a systemic manner without becoming overwhelmed. McLaren is likely to become much more prominent, along with Wallis, as the '08 election approaches due to the loss of power and failings of the religious right during the 2000-2008 presidential terms.

Strengths of the book: Provides historical context for Jesus' interactions, addresses the 'kingdom of god', nicely articulated list of current ,global crises and a good model to understand how the current crises interact.

A lot of the criticisms of this book are related to him only utilizing the gospels (which he has since said was only a starting place), not giving traditional evangelical theology enough credit, and daring to interpret Jesus' message outside of a Western, individualistic culture. ( )

McLaren proposes that a true understanding of Jesus's core message "can infuse us with purpose and passion to address the economic, environmental, military, political, and social dysfunctions that have overtaken our world
- if people of faith moved beyond political polarization and a few hot-button issues to the deeper questions nobody is asking;
- if the world's leading nations spent less on weapons and more on peace-making, poverty-alleviation, and creation-care;
- if a renewed understanding of Jesus and his message sparked a profound spiritual awakening in a global movement of faith, hope, and love;
- if we believed that God's will really could be done on earth and not just in heaven."