My good friend, Fr. George Koch, is an Anglican pastor who really gets it. He understands that theology is about knowing God and loving him in all that you do. He understands that having theological knowledge is good, but using that knowledge to live well is the real goal of good theology. To this end George has written a magnificent new book, What We Believe and Why. Check the book out at the website George has set up to explain his approach. You can find further vital information at the site. I confess that I have been looking for a book like this for a long time.
In a recent ad George sent me he used some “negative” marketing to tell why you should buy the book. Here is how he does it. I wish I was this clever.
SIX REASONS NOT TO BUY THIS BOOK:
1. IT’S TOO BIG Oversize: 7 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches. Almost an inch thick. Big. Won’t fit in your pocket.
2. IT’S TOO LONG Over 350 full pages. That’s a lot of reading.
3. IT’S NOT CHEAP Retail $24.99. That’s half a tank of gas!
4. IT’S THEOLOGY* Leave it to the experts. Do not try at home!
5. IT POINTS OUT THE BAD THINGS WE DO. And teaches how to do the right things, like confess, protect and love each other. Like Jesus told us. Dang!
6. IT HAS GIANT RED LETTERS ON THE COVER SO YOU CAN’T HIDE WHAT YOU’RE READING
It is known to draw curious unbelievers to ask what it’s about. Even if you’re feeling shy. Then you have to talk to them about what you believe, and why!
* Including Jesus, salvation, justification, sanctification, glorification, essentials and non-‐essentials, why we bother to be good, living with believers and unbelievers, evangelism, prayer (images, icons, purpose, posture, content, tongues), Protestants, Roman Catholics, Orthodox, rule-‐following, obedience, transcendent love, covenant (Abraham, Moses, Jesus), Jewish roots, Hebrew, Greek, Talmud, faith, peace, mercy, Holy Spirit, heresy, Trinity, Freddie the dog, Bible authority, religious concepts, Communion, baptism, pastors, priests, confession, love, reconciliation, haverim. Extensive glossary of Christian history, people, doctrines and terms. Extensive bibliography and recommended reading list. It’s a lot of stuff. Very readable, insightful, and, well … feisty.