Can a christian have the best of both world? Michael Wittmer says yes! And he makes a strong case for it within this book.
Far too often, christians think that they have to choose between either enjoying the world or serving Jesus wholeheartedly, Wittmer however shows us that this either/or dichotomy is false. Wittmer does this by giving Christian the meta-narrative of the whole bible in 4 acts, creation, life, fall and redemption.
Within creation, Wittmer helps us see the purpose of creation. He talks about what it means to be created in God’s image, what is man’s purpose here on earth and also why everything we do here on earth matters to God. Wittmer reminds the readers that we are not to have a platonic understanding of the world — to see fleshly/physical things as “lower” than spiritual things. Instead, Wittmer points out that both are created by God, and can be used to glorify Him, there’s nothing inherently wrong with what is physical. What is wrong is the sin that is in the world and that is in us. Which is what he brings out in the next section.
Wittmer then brings the readers to what the fall is, and it’s effect on creation. Thereafter, he brings the readers to the redemption plan of God. Within this section, Wittmer then talks about what it means to live in a fallen world for christians. He talks about how christians are called to be int he world but not of the world and what it means for us to be “redeeming” the creation world that we live in. Within this, he also talks about the 2 kingdom perspective and the Kuyperian kingdom perspective. He shows the issues between the two perspectives and then proposes his own alternative view that sits between the two. Personally, I found this section most enlightening and enjoyable. I have not read much about both of these kingdom perspectives but Wittmer has given me a good concise introduction to it and has whet my appetite for it.
Overall, I found this book talks not only about theological issues, but at the same time brings about practical implications and applications into the reader’s life. I have found the thesis of the book refreshing and thought-provoking. If you are a christian who wants to live a faithful christian life in this day and age, I encourage you to give this book a read.
Rating: 4 / 5
If you’re interested, you can get it here and here (free international shipping), Kindle.
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
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