Book Review: Jesus the Game Changer: How
the Life and Teaching of Jesus Changed the World and Why it Matters
The Book of the Series
By Karl Faase with George Marriott, Photography by Jane Faase. Olive Tree Media, 2017.
This is a Christian coffee table book, with
added oomph. Unlike a lot of coffee table books, this is one you will actually
want to pick up and read. When you begin to read it, you’ll want to read it
all. Actually, I’m doing it an injustice in some ways to call it a coffee table
book. It’s a little smaller and more manageable to hold. But I want it on my
coffee table. I want my unsaved family members and friends to see it in pride
of place. Because it means far more to me than the latest art or travel book.
Last year on this blog I reviewed “The Book
That Made Your World” by noted Indian writer Vishal Mangalwadi and discussed
that for a layperson like myself it was a difficult read in places. Not so
Jesus the Game Changer. Both books have a similar purpose- to discuss how the
Western world has developed throughout history because of the impact of the
Bible and the teachings of Christ. (Vishal Mangalwadi is in fact one of the
persons interviewed in the book). Both look at the various areas of culture
that are transformed by Biblical teaching- education, health, finances, science,
democracy and more. As such both are complementary in informing the reader in
divergent ways about the massive debt the modern world owes the Bible and the
person of Christ.
The book of Jesus the Game Changer is
actually part of the resource materials of a media series- a set of DVDs, an
associated study guide and this book of the series. My local church, Bridgeman
Baptist, has just been involved in a nationwide series involving over 200
churches studying the topic. I heartily recommend the DVDs for informing,
inspiring and deepening your Christian knowledge and faith. But one does not
need to have viewed the DVD series to read the book. As a book lover, the book
is the icing on the cake.
This is truly a beautiful book. It feels
lovely. It is full of beautiful photography. The format is clear and it’s easy
to delve into different sections. It’s no dry treatise but is peopled with
interesting and inspiring “game changers” from history and some living today. How
could I resist a book whose first “game changer” is William Wilberforce, one of
my heroes, born in my birthplace of Hull, exactly two hundred years before my
birth? We are introduced to people who are living out their faith, grappling
with issues such as forgiveness, the distribution of wealth and care of the
unlovely.
The book records interviews with some of
the world’s leading theologians and academics from prestigious universities,
Christian apologists and leaders in health care, business, politics, media and
more. It includes quotes which are deeply profound and thought provoking. To
give just two examples:
“We
have gotten so used to the idea of freedom and democracy and economic
prosperity, we take it for granted. We have no idea that if it is a cut flower
it will continue to look beautiful for a season but ultimately it’s lost the
connection to the source of life.” Eric Metaxas, bestselling author, biographer of
Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther, and radio host, New York.
“But
I think that there’s a deeper reason here. In the end, giving is a way of
protecting your heart, insulating your heart against what we all feel. We all
know it’s [money] a seductive thing. It’s potentially an idol. All idols are
seductive.” Professor Ian Harper, corporate economist,
Melbourne.
This book is peopled with active
participants, and in the final pages, the reader is included. The book
acknowledges the many Christians who faithfully work and give behind the public
eye to advance the gospel in many differing spheres of life. It also gives a
brief guide and prayer for the unbeliever to find faith in God through Jesus
Christ. We can all be game changers.
I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this
book. It’s refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking.
“Jesus the Game Changer:How the life and teaching of Jesus changed
the world and why it matters.
The book of the series.” Karl Faase with George Marriott, Photography by Jane Faase.
Olive Tree Media Ltd. 2017
Available from http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/shop/
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