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Today I am reviewing a book called Saints: Becoming more than “Christian”. Bevere wants us to look past the label of being Christian to truly understanding we are called to be saints. Saints who are followers of God, not Christians which are just a generic group of people.
What I am Reviewing
Saints: Becoming more than “Christian” is written by Addison D. Bevere. It comes as a beautiful hardcover book. Such a solid feel to this book and it’s a pleasure to open. 10 chapters, 232 pages, with lovely chapter illustrations, and easy to read text. 🙂 I am reviewing it for Nuts About Books.
Saints.
Wrapped in this ancient word is a divine invitation to discover who God created you to be and awaken to the life you were meant to know. Using Scripture and stories from his own experience, Addison Bevere makes a compelling case that the life you desire is found in the mystery of this sacred identity.
The Details on Saints
One of the first things you will notice about Saints is the fine craftsmanship. This is a really nice book to hold in your hand and read. Solid feed to the cover with a slightly rough texture making it easy to hold well in your hand.
Each chapter open with gold coloured illustration. I couldn’t always connect the title with the art work, but other times it was very connected.
10 Chapters round out the pages, along with an appendix and notes.
As you get into the text you’ll note references to scripture, ties into real life incidences, and impressions from the Lord. I have to admit that I come from a faith perspective of using thought and knowledge to think deeper on the things of God. So it’s difficult for me to understand someone who works from an emotional/impressions framework. Therefore I had this disconnect with the author during those sections. Some translations of the Bible that I’m not familar with were quoted.
My Thoughts
Well, there are parts to this book that I really like. Bits and pieces that made me think and that’s always a good thing.
But there were parts that made me go hmm… I don’t think he’s being scripturally accurate, or he’s getting some details wrong here, or I don’t get the short form titles. Some were off putting and had me putting the book down saying “I don’t need this dribble in my life.”
I’d come back and skip ahead and read something that would make me think and say to myself “okay, there’s some merit”. Pay attention to these, there is some solid stuff here. Lines like “God cares more about what’s happening in us that what’s happening to us.” So true. God wants to develop depth in us, a depth that reflect who he is. He won’t compromise on helping us reflect his glory.
It’s a mixed bag. Should you get it? It’s worth reading in order to get past “Christianese” and think about what truly is important in the life of a believer. BUT I urge you to read with open ears, eyes, heart. Be alert to the checks in your spirit that say “hold on, this isn’t right.” There are times when the author comes so close to truth and yet misses it completely. “God was trying to show me that it wasn’t about me proving my love for through my faith. It was about me receiving his love by acknowledging his faith in me.”
All I can really say is BE CAREFUL. Read it if you want to think about the language and attitudes we have as believers sometimes. Think about what it means to be a saint. Give deep thought to what it means to be a follower of Christ
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