Jesus Manifesto – tread carefully.

This book is a bit of a paradox.  Much of the description of Jesus is biblically sound as is much of the exhortation to follow Him as revealed in Scripture rather than some god we may have created.  And yet.  The authors have a wide spread and well earned reputation as being fully engaged in the emergent movement, which is more Gnostic than Christian.  And this book has endorsements by and quotes from varied theologians and authors (such as Ed Young, Jr. and Jack Hayford) who are more into experience based faith than biblical faith to the degree that the sense of unease is warranted, as much of the content of the book confirms.

 In the introduction, Sweet & Viola rightly observe that, far too often “The person of Jesus has become increasingly politically incorrect and it being replaced by the language of “justice”, “morality”, “values”, and “leadership principles”.”  I heartily Amen! this statement.  And yet, on the next page they tell us that “Each new generation, in every culture” is supposed to determine – for them – who is Christ.  That people do this is why we have such a fractured brotherhood and myriad splinter groups that are not even within the camp of Christ.  This pattern of sound teaching and error continues throughout the book.  A great list of what the church should not be is found on page xviii and then, two pages later, the authors hold up modernists (Ludwig Wittgenstein), apostates (Karl Barth, who “found” ‘errors and contradictions’ in Scripture, calling some content “myths and fairytales”), and mystics (Thomas Aquinas) as great theologians from whom we should learn.

 I freely admit that the style of this book is not for me – the authors try too hard to find punchy, unique terms to describe biblical issues.  I prefer plain talk, fewer adjectives and metaphors  (for example – "Jesus is the dramatic pitching of God’s tent, wherein God is with us, making beautiful music for us to dance to – if we only will”, found on page 61).  Another format gripe I have is that each chapter is full of endnotes – between 30 and 78 notes for each chapter, and they are all at the back of the book.  Often not so much as a Scripture reference is given in the chapter; one must turn to the back of the book to find out that note 4 of chapter 1 refers to Revelation 22:16.

 Speaking of chapter 1, right off the bat I am on high alert due to this: “The Lord is preeminently concerned about our knowing Him.”  Phil 3:10, John 14:9, Heb 8:11, and 1 John 2L20 & 27 are cited in the endnote.  These passages describes the desire of the Apostles to know Christ, not the desire of Christ that men would know Him or Christ making known that He is God.  This is not to say that Christ cares nothing about us knowing Him – simply that the authors have made a bold statement and have not backed it up with Scripture.  But let me also say how important it is to recognize what they point out on page 11, that Christ is the presentation of all of Scripture and “it does violate the Christian faith if we do not see Jesus in the Old Testament.”   Failing to preach Christ in all of Scripture and see Him revealed in all of Scripture is a common situation in many churches.   Near the end of the first chapter, we see a hint of the New Age perspective that is prevalent within the emergent movement – “Paul’s ministry was built on an inward revelation of Christ”, followed by two passages that do not support this.  All revelation of Christ is from without man – “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds”.  And Paul’s own testimony proclaims Christ was foreign to him until the Lord struck him down on the road to Damascus.

 In chapter 2, page 24, the authors claim “Colossians is the high-water mark of divine revelation in all the New Testament.  Ephesians shares that accolade, and Romans comes in just behind.”  This is based on their personal views – nothing based in what Scripture tells us.  It is dangerous to hold one book or passage of Scripture above others, as we tend to twist what we read to suit ourselves – much as Thomas Jefferson edited his Bible.  On page 29, Sweet’s self-proclaimed Wesleyan theology peeks out, as the false doctrine of universal atonement is revealed.  Christ died to reconcile the elect, those chosen by God, to the Father.  His death was not on the account of “a fallen cosmos”.  And I’m at a loss to explain what is meant, still on page 29, by “But by His death, He slew all negative things.”  No endnote, no explanation.  No support in the Scriptures, either, which tell us that ungodly men will grow worse and worse. 

 Chapter 4 opens with a common misapplication of Revelation 3:20, which is a warning to a church, not an evangelical invitation.  And the focus on one’s relationship with God is not “Jesus Christ, God the Son, knocks at your door and asks if you can come out and play.”  On page 62 we find a simple misstatement of what is not fact as fact: Harley Davidson attempted to have the sound of the motorcycles (which sound is not call the “Hog Call”) trademarked but did not do so, as the authors claim.  This is either sloppy research, writing, and editing or it’s an indication that the authors care not for truth.  This chapter has some good and bad (remember the pattern) but the following put the entire theological framework of the author in question:

 -                     Page 67: “Whether in alliance or defiance, the question of Mary is also our question: How can this be?  How can Jesus be born in me and grow in me?”  Jesus is NOT born in nor does He grow within believers.

-                     Page 68: Christians ought to be “learning how to impart an implanted Christ.”  The point here is to rightly oppose work-based sanctification; we cannot impart Christ to others.  This is a New Age perspective, not the biblical Truth that God calls sinners to repentance and faith in Christ and gives them the ability to do so.

-                     Page 70: A great reminder that, as Martin Luther discovered, “try to be like Christ, and you will quickly realize that don’t have a prayer of becoming like Him.”  He is talking about the futile attempt of trying to keep God’s Law.

-                     Page 76: We are properly told, “Jesus Christ is the author and perfecter of our faith, not a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing.”  Yet the book has many quotes from Roman Catholics, who have the Lord either as a babe in Mary’s protection or as the Lamb Who is still on the cross because His sacrifice at Calvary was not good enough nor is it complete.

So as not to make this too long, I will make a few comments on the remaining chapters and then summarize my perspective.  On page 82, we are told that to have the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5) has “nothing to do with cognitive skill or intellectual brainpower” but is “the relational knowing of Christ.”  The Greek word for “mind” in this verse is Strong’s #5426, which means “to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by impl. to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intens. to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):--set the affection on, (be) care (-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind (-ed, regard, savour, think.”  This concept of having the mind of Christ is also found in 1 Cor 2:16 (“but we have the mind of Christ”) is based on Strong’s #3563 which means “the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by impl. meaning:--mind, understanding.”  What is the authors’ intent in insisting something contrary to the Word, focused on a “relational knowing”?  They then rightly tell us that “Jesus cannot be separated from His teachings” – which would result in the failed religion of works. 

Pages 86 & 87 reveal the answer: they hold to the mystical Roman Catholic view of Christ, not the biblical view of Him.  They maintain that Christ is a mystery to Christians, yet Scripture tells us Christ is God revealed, the mystery unveiled to those who believe.   “Only by living the mystery can truth be discovered.”  But the Bible is replete with clear teaching on all the essentials of the faith. 

On page 96, we are told, “The gospel is not the eradication of you; it is not self-negation.  Rather, the gospel is the radical reconfiguration of the “self” within a relational context.”  The endnote claims that Matt 5:17 supports this as Christ came to fulfill (to keep perfectly) the Law, so He came to fulfill you!  This is based on the humanistic notion that people have an element of good (god?) in them.  The next sentence, top of page 97 contradicts this, with the biblical Truth that “The old self has been put to death”.   Put to death, but not negated?  Put to death and fulfilled?

The authors’ universal atonement and humanistic human goodness is clearly proclaimed on pages 108 & 109 as they claim “The deepest hungers of the human heart are for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.”  The Bible declares humans are, by nature, at war with God (Romans 5:6-11), not seeking Him (Romans 3:10-12).  We are told that Christian call them (poor people) “sister and brothers” and identified them with Christ.”  “The poor were “us”, not “them”.  A Roman Catholic source is noted as the basis for this view, which is perfectly lined with Rome – but not with the Word of God.  The passage in Matthew 25 does not tell us that poor people and prisoners, et. al. are Christians (our brothers and sister) because of their standing in society.  This passage is in the context of Christians who were in prison, etc. and depended on other Christians for food and clothing, as the Roman prison did not feed or clothe its prisoners.  Nowhere in Scripture are we told that being poor or sick saves one’s soul.  Only those redeemed by the blood of Christ are the brothers and sisters of Christians.  The top of page 114 continues this unbiblical view, failing to understand the severity and integrity of God’s judgment on the deeds of all men.  Sweet and Viola twist this into a “freewheeling generosity” while Rev 20:11-15 reveals how dreadful judgment day will be.  It’s not that God ignores the sins of His children - He poured out His wrath on Christ on the cross on our behalf. No one should belittle the wrath of God; His judgment is not freewheeling or generous.  As Romans 8:1 tells us, the only safety is in Christ, as our deeds will be shown for the worthless rubbish they are (Isaiah 64:6).  Still on the top of page 144, the authors make the classic mistake of viewing the Sermon on the Mount as a list of commands and blessings.  Read in context, it’s clear to see that in Matthew 5 the Lord is explaining to Jews who they cannot keep the Law and He is describing characteristics of God’s people.  His chosen ones, redeemed in Christ, as poor in spirit, meek, merciful, etc. and they will inherit His kingdom.   This chapter 7 is concluded and summarized by a story about Pope John Paul II, providing the Roman Catholic view on “A Collision of Two Empires”.  Very fitting.

Chapters 8 and 9 continue teaching us the ways of Rome, making up stuff and clouding up doctrinal truth.  On page 138, “He didn’t leave them with intellectual belief or a “Christian worldview.”  He left them with a relational faith and indwelling presence.”  One cannot read any of Paul’s letters nor the teachings of Christ and conclude we are simply searching for mystical relational guidance.  No – while it is true that Christians are indwelt by the Spirit of the living God, He has left us with all we need to know for godly living.  2 Peter 1:3 & 4 give us a clear picture of this combination of Word and Spirit – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 

The authors go on to tell us that the Bible “should be read in the light of new information and fresh discoveries.”  This practice of interpreting Scripture by experience or current events always leads people astray.  The Bible informs us of our nature and God’s will, we interpret it to discern His meaning and better see our need of Christ and His righteousness.  In the middle of page 139 we are given (in the endnote) the Roman Catholic rule for interpreting the Bible, by looking for the 4 meanings contained in each passage: literal, allegorical, moral, and personal.  This is how the Roman Catholic Church maintains its heretical view of the Lord’s Supper and should not be embraced by anyone who is redeemed in Christ.  On page 141 we are told “God in Christ is only known fully in and through His church.”  This, again, is Roman Catholic teaching, not found in the Bible – which is the only full revelation of Christ and the Father.  And they then quote Scripture to validate their assertion that the church is the authority.  Which actually supports the Truth that Scripture is the source of knowledge about God and Christ.

Chapter 10 is one of the better chapters, with little error and much good emphasis on knowing the biblical Christ and warning about common errors that afflict many churches.  Page 166 points out the self-centered nature of much of current day “Christian” life and page 170 describes how many churches have gone astray, focused on self.  The book concludes with a recognition that many Christians disagree on many lesser issues, but must agree on the essentials – the deity and sufficiency of Christ.  He alone – as described in the Scriptures – is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.  Let these final words ring in your mind and soul: “Christians don’t preach themselves; the proclaim Christ.  Christians don’t shout from the rooftops, “Come to church”; they shout from the mountains, “Jesus Christ is born – come to Christ!””

Christ has indeed come.  He humbled Himself as a servant and kept the Law of God the Father perfectly, so that He would be able to offer Himself up as a ransom for the sins of many.  He was raised from the dead, triumphing over hell and death and demonstrating the truth of Heaven.  The Scriptures alone reveal Christ to man.  Seek Him in the Scriptures and read all books by man with a careful and discerning mind.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”