This book invades the church culture and points out the flaws and foibles while showing you how to "become perfect." Before anyone takes this book to heart, it might be good to understand what satire is. According to the dictionary Google uses satire is:
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
The book is poking fun at some of Churchdom's most tightly held traditions and cultural practices. It is not meant to be taken literally or at face value. It is meant to be digested with the proverbial grain of salt.
I have to say that I have been to the church described in the chapter on finding the right church--orange vested parking attendants and all. I have received the swag offered by this church, and while it is interesting and informative, the size of the church itself cannot create the intimacy among its members that smaller churches can. This is not to say that the preaching at this church is faulty, but that when the pastor or some other leader is followed like this, the church loses something in translation.
I've had time to reflect on this since the passing of Billy Graham this week. He often filled arenas with people who were hungry to hear what he had to say, but he never pastored a church. He took his message to where the people were.
The book itself is entertaining when viewed in its satirical glory. Reading between the lines of the book can bring you closer to God, but that is something you and God have to figure out.
I give this book Four Strong Stars, because I fear that some people could read it and believe what it's actually saying.
My thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for allowing me to read and review this book.
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