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Review: Dirty Faith: Bringing the Love of Christ to the Least of These by David Z. Nowell



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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