Ed Gungor Reviews

Page Two

Added May 25, 2009

What Bothers Me Most About Christianity

Honest Reflections from an Open-minded Christ Follower

Author: Ed Gungor
Publisher: Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Inc.
Publisher Website: books.simonandschuster.com
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: June 2, 2009
Genre: Nonfiction/Christian
Format: Trade paper
Price: $15.99
ISBN-13: 9781416592556
Author Email/Website: www.edgungor.com
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Do you have questions or concerns about Christianity? Do you wish you could sit down and discuss certain issues with candor and without being subjected to any condescending stares? Ed Gungor's new book, What Bothers Me Most About Christianity, is the next best thing to having an insightful conversation with someone who really cares about both you and the answers.

This author has a gift for not only identifying hot topics but being courageous enough to discuss them without an arrogant spirit. Although we all realize that reading a book is a one-sided conversation where we 'listen' to the author, these pages come as close as you can get to a real dialogue between reader and writer. That's because Gungor writes about what most people are thinking, making an instant and immediate connection to readers. I found myself quickly turning the pages to see his next insight and marveling that his thoughts and ideas fit the situation so well.

The chapter titles give a preview of what's to come, ranging from issues like why God appears to be a bully in the Old Testament to the mess some church members make of Christianity. Each page reveals more of Gungor's trademark honesty and wisdom, making this book enjoyable as well as informative. Most noteworthy is Gungor's attitude in writing this book. He doesn't forge ahead shouting his new revelations; rather, he humbly walks alongside fellow Christ-followers, quietly offering his opinions and beliefs. When the last page is turned, I can almost see his face, wearing an expectant expression and wondering what I thought of all he said. If you haven't 'met' Ed Gungor yet, start with this book and then move on to all his work. He's someone to listen to.

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Added February 11, 2008

The Vow

How a Forgotten Ancient Practice Can Transform Your Life

Author: Ed Gungor
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: January 2008
Genre: Nonfiction: Christian Living
Format: Trade paperback
Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 978-0-8499-1911-4
Author Email/Website: edgungor.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Wow.

That's the first word that came to my mind after reading The Vow. These pages say something new to Christians, even though the title refers to an ancient practice. Vow-making was common in Biblical times and throughout history until the Reformation. Today's Christians are mostly unfamiliar with this concept, but I urge you to give Ed Gungor some time to explain it. This is undoubtedly a revolutionary and relevant practice that could breathe new life into our post-modern world.

The author discovered the power of vows while casually reading the book of Acts. His study has taken him down the paths the ancients traveled, and now he's holding out his hand to bring readers along on his journey. With his trademark conversational style of writing, this principle is communicated with energy and excitement.

The vow-making process is clearly defined and viewed from both an historical as well as a contemporary angle. Specific vows and their purposes are discussed in an understandable way and with a contagious enthusiasm. Readers will sense the potential for transformation that is inherent in vows and understand how this can further their worship of the Lord. The anatomy of vow-making is examined slowly and carefully, over the course of two chapters. It's at this point that the message of these pages leaps with life, as vows are seen to enter our ordinary daily lives, giving us a way to reach higher to touch the hem of an extraordinary God. Vows unlock doors that may have been hidden by religion or traditions.

Ed Gungor writes with his eyes fastened on the Lord and his heart set on stirring Christians to a more authentic way of life. This book is a unique challenge to step into a divine adventure.

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This page was last updated on May 25, 2009

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