Review: Dirty Faith: Bringing the Love of Christ to the
Least of These
David Z. Nowell
Bethany House
2014
Like the back cover says this book is for those that sense
there is something missing in their faith.
Nowell has put forth a challenge that needs serious consideration and if
the reader chooses to act some serious work.
His delivery is strong, direct, and heart felt. So buckle up if you intend to read this book.
Through several stories and some commentary related to those
stories Nowell makes the case—in my paraphrase—that most of us just don’t get
it. He makes a distinction between
believers and followers, and does it well.
No, there should not be those two groups, but in practice there is and
it is well passed the time to fix that issue according to Nowell. His stories and examples show why and how
that can be done. One phrase he used
that still resonates in my mind is going beyond good intentions to
intentionality. He explains the difference
so I will not spoil what I consider an important point. He also discusses what he calls the end
game. That fits in with intentionality
as it calls the reader to look at the long range effects of actions. Fixing a problem in the short term is
wonderful, but that’s just the start.
So what is dirty faith?
It’s the messy kind that gets personal and close. A faith like the one Jesus models when He
walked this earth. Hence the distinction
between follower and believer that Nowell identifies.
I do recommend this book.
It is intense and you will be challenged. On the other side though, you may just begin
to see in a new way. One that will
accept the role of “bringing the love of Christ to the least of these.”
This book was provided for me by the publisher in return for
a review.
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