"Lord Save Us From Your Followers" Book Review & Discussion (1 of 4)

Dan Merchant’s book “Lord Save Us From Your Followers” is a wonderful read. If you struggle with your faith because of the unChrist-like acts of fellow Christians, if you think you know everything about your Christian faith, or if you just like books that make you think, this is the book for you. Dan Merchant, an acknowledged Christian, interviews well known personalities like Al Franken, Michael Reagan, and Rick Santorum about the 'wedge' issues of the day (homosexuality, abortion, intelligent design, etc.) and uses humor to take the edge off the discussion. Don’t make the mistake in thinking that the title of the book is an attack on Christian faith. That is far from the truth. Merchant simply wants to try and answer the question, why is the gospel of love dividing America? Merchant is even handed with his narration and interviews and portrays individuals in the culture war for whom they are. I would recommend this book to anyone who is engaged or enraged about some issue in the Christian religion and is willing to spend a day digesting "Lord Save Us From Your Followers.”

There, that is my review of Merchant’s book. It is one of many positive reviews you can find in on-line blogs. As a matter of fact, I can’t find one bad review on-line. It speaks to the impressive job Merchant did in presenting the material. Unfortunately, I also can’t find any discussion of the ‘wedge’ issues presented in this book accompanying the reviews. Now you can go directly to the official website to participate, but as a blogger, to read the book, give a review, and then not enter into the discussion does Merchant’s book a disservice. Come on! Why is the gospel of love dividing America? ‘I like the book’ is not good enough. Enter the discussion.

Starting tomorrow and over the next week I’ll provide three topics for discussion: Homosexuality, Abortion, Creationism. I’ll present my arguments and leave the floor open for comment.

A few ground rules, though… To have a rational conversation about the issues being presented you can’t simply cite scripture. The Bible is an excellent reference tool but open to interpretation and we are here to discuss issues not scripture interpretation. Try and keep your comments succinct. My arguments may seem long winded but I need to fill the screen and it’s sometimes necessary to needle people to get a response.