A very interesting look at Christianity, filtered through the life of Miller. I must say though, while I like Miller's style, the more I read of him, the more I am surprised at how shallow and basic his thinking on theological matters is. I think the theology is basically sound, but it is sound in the same way a pop Christian song is sound -- it's sound more because of how little theology is there rather than how well considered the points.

To illustrate the point, the quotes in the "praise" section in the beginning of the book include names like Brian MacLaren and Dan Kimball, who would not agree with me at all as to the definition of the Gospel. We are about as far opposed as possible in theology. So if neither I or Brian MacLaren can find a point of disagreement in this book (that supposes to explore the meaning of the Gospel), I have to conclude that the Gospel was not very thoroughly defined.

Many people would not care. They would say that Christianity is more about serving and living right. I am happy to say that Miller does not fall into that trap. Shallowly defined as it is, the Gospel is of primary interest of this book.

That's the way it should be. After all, Christians are no where defined as people who live better than other people. We are not "good people," or even often "better people." We are "forgiven people." The good news of the Gospel is not a call to live better lives, though that is often the result of the Gospel. The good news of the Gospel is that, even though we are sinners who deserve nothing less than death for our sins of greed, lust, hatred, and selfishness, Jesus came to earth to die that death we deserve. In repentance and faith we can be forgiven.

I wish that had been more defined in this book, because it's good news indeed. ( )

This book really helped me think about humility and loyalty to Christ above culture. Will probably offend many; those who stop to think will find it insightful. ( )

This book really helped me think about humility and loyalty to Christ above culture. Will probably offend many; those who stop to think will find it insightful. ( )

This book really helped me think about humility and loyalty to Christ above culture. Will probably offend many; those who stop to think will find it insightful. ( )

I liked a lot of the ideas in this book, particularly that Christianity isn't a formula but a relationship with God, and that Christianity shouldn't be used to make a person feel that he or she is better than someone else. In general, I liked the style--it's very conversational, and the author is refreshingly honest about the odd things that he thinks about and his own failings. I do think that he needed a better or more careful editor. The book had several spelling mistakes (some of them repeated) and other simple errors that should have been corrected. ( )

This is my favorite of the Donald Miller books. ( )

I actually had started this book before I ever knew about “Blue Like Jazz” - but put it down before I ever really got “into” it.

This book, like “Blue Like Jazz”, kept me pretty interested - when I’ve been asked what it was about, I have trouble finding an answer though.. Again this book reminds me of sitting and talking to someone and someone typing out all of the ideas and conversations over a period of time - but only the conversation coming from one side of the coffee table - Don Miller’s side.

I’m still a little thrown back at Don’s attempt at making sure that every reader knows he likes to smoke a pipe and drink beer. It’s not AS prevelant in this book, but there nonetheless.

There is some amazing insight into who God is in this book to be sure. Some paragraphs needed to be read a few times for me to even attempt to grasp the ideas Miller was putting out there. I’ll say that the last chapter was pretty incredible - relating the Love of God to the love Romeo and Juliet had and showed in the Skakespeare play. Pretty interesting. ( )

Not as good as Blue Like Jazz, but interesting. He talks a lot about his theological journey.

I love his writing style. ( )

I like many of the ways that this author discusses Christianity. He takes a easy look at it, one that is less about rules and more about really wanting to be close to Jesus. ( )

Reading Donald Miller always challenges me. I am forced to consider if I believe because it's convenient, because it's tradition, because it's easy, or because it's real to me. This book is no exception.

A great think book. The author is honest and straightforward about relating to God. He talks about what a real relationship with God is -- not the complex rituals we have created that supposedly bring us back to God.

A good book to keep in my library to re-read and re-fresh. ( )

Donald Miller explores what it means to relate to a deity. He honestly discusses truth, salvation morality. ( )

Okay...this book is more difficult to read...still a good book...but I haven't finished it. ( )