Recommended Books on Christian Living

I've read through some of your blog and agree with most of your points. I don't agree with "Jesus Calling" being a great devotional. I initially thought it was intriguing; I had never seen another devotional written from the point of view of Jesus. But then, as a born again Christian, I felt increasingly convicted when I would pick up the devotional to read. The fact of the matter is that writing from Jesus' point of view is dangerous!! No one--not even with the best of intentions--should put words into our Savior's mouth. I was convicted enough to throw the book in the trash and change a review I had written for Thomas Nelson. If Sarah Young had these personal moments with Jesus, I believe that they should remain personal. People should be encouraged to have their own moments, but not believe that Sarah Young writes down on the page to be from Jesus. That just doesn't sit well with me.

Thanks, Angela for your insightful response. I can't say that I ever thought about it that way and you have definitely given me something to mull over and pray about. My first thought is that Jesus Calling simply draws from specific biblical principles and verses in order to portray the love and comfort of Christ. . .but yes, as if it is coming from Jesus. Then I remembered that one of the criticisms of a very popular book, The Shack, was that it also "put words in Jesus' mouth" so to speak, taking liberties that are potentially dangerous to take. So I am now pausing to consider if Jesus Calling falls into that same category.

So, as I said, you have given me something to pray about. I wouldn't go so far as to say that she should keep her personal moments with Jesus to herself, as you said, but I'm willing to think about the possibility that she should have written it from the first person point of view--her own, that is. But of course, that would have changed the impact and feel of the book entirely. I would also love to hear what other readers out there think.

Thanks again, Angela. I can tell that you take your relationship with Christ very seriously and that is encouraging to see. I will definitely open this up for debate and discussion. Any takers?