THE NAKED GOSPEL by Andrew Farley - Book Review

Andrew Farley is no stranger to challenging traditional beliefs and encouraging Christians to take another look at what they believe. The lead teaching pastor of Ecclesia (EcclesiaOnline.com), a growing church on the high plains of Texas, Farley also co-hosts “Real Life in Christ,” a thought- provoking television program that disputes many long-held ideas about Christian living. It airs every week on ABC-TV in West Texas and New Mexico.

Farlley earned his bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a master’s degree from The University of Georgia and a Ph.D. from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Before moving to Texas, where he is now a tenured professor at Texas Tech University, Farley served as a professor at the University of Notre Dame for five years. He teaches courses in second language acquisition and an Honors seminar course titled “Early Church and Contemporary Christianity in Conflict.”

Farley has received teaching excellence awards or recognitions from three different universities. He has authored or co-authored a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and three textbooks published by McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

He lives in Lubbock, Texas with his wife, Katharine Hayhoe, and their son, Gavin.  For more information, see http://www.thenakedgospel.com/



From back cover copy:  "Jesus plus nothing.  100% natural.  No additives.  It's the truth you may never hear in church.  The Naked Gospel is a chapter-by-chapter assault on the churchy jargon and double-talk of our day.  It puts forth a message that is simple but life changing.  With a fresh take on Scripture and an unapologetic style, The Naked Gospel will challenge you to reexamine everything you thought you already knew."

The Naked Gospel is a deep, thought-provoking book, yet the Scriptural truth is presented clearly, in a way that is easy to understand.  The book contains many Scripture quotes, which are explained in context.  Farley clearly explains the difference between the old and new covenants, the place of the law, grace, the cross and Jesus' blood sacrifice, once for all.  He also challenges misconceptions we may have regarding forgiveness, and what it means that we are in Christ, and that Christ lives in us.  Farley hopes that the book will serve as a catalyst, enabling the reader to wrestle with his/her belief systems.  What is offered to us as Christians is a life of true freedom, in which we live from the heart.

The book is thoughtfully written, and is based on the personal journey of the author.  For an informative interview with the author, check out www.Christianbooks.com.  Enter The Naked Gospel in the 'search' box, then follow down to locate the interview.

This  book  would be an asset to any pastor's library. I also recommend it for personal and small group use.  Discussion questions are provided. 

*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Zondervan.

Here are the blogs featuring The Naked Gospel during our April 26-30 Tour.




A room without books is empty

A Sunny Place

Awesome God . . . Ordinary Girl

Be Your Best Mom

Belbellita

Bell Whistle Moon

Blessed

Blog Tour Spot

Book Nook Club

Flores Que Sonham

Hurdling Hurdles

Jesus Needs New PR

Karen R. Evans

Musings

Musings by Lynn

Pix N Pens

Ponderings by Andrea

Sueth sayings

Tasra Mar

The Friendly Book Nook

The Gospel Writer

The Scroll