At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, this is one of those books that may actually be life-changing. ( )

NCLA Review - Frank Viola is a leader in the house church movement; the author of numerous books that challenge the institutional church-at-large. From Eternity to Here expresses Viola’s views concerning the purpose of God. While his theology (he has little regard for theology) is not new, his articulation from God’s perspective above was new to me. Viola presents God as passionately loving both his Son and the Bride; identified, not uniquely, as you and me. We are the church and the children of God. With great passion, Viola tells us just how much God loves us, through Christ, as if this was new, and we did not know. Those who praise the book say it will change the way you see God. It will free you from theologies. For me, I did not find anything new but I do appreciate how passionately he speaks about God’s great passion for us as participants in His eternal purpose. I also appreciate the way he digs deeper into Scripture for an understanding of God’s ageless purpose for everything. Viola speaks eloquently to his audience, that is, to those who have left their existing “corporate church” and those who want a fresh way to view the church. A discussion guide is available on Viola’s website. Rating: 4 —BM ( )

http://isthistheway.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/frank-viola.html ( )