BOOK REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS
You will write a 1,000-word book review of The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight. This review will contain a short summary of the book, a personal response, a discussion of the book’s strengths and weaknesses and an application of the book in your life. You must follow the guidelines carefully. Use the following format in preparing your Book Review:
1. Summary: Summarize what you have read into 250 words. Prove that you comprehend the readings by writing a no-nonsense summary (picture a summary similar to reading the back cover of a book to decide if you want to read it).
2. Concrete responses: In at least 250 words, relate a personal life experience that this book connected with in your own life. Relate your story in first person, describing action, and quoting sentences you remember hearing or saying. You will remember almost nothing you have read unless you make this critical, personal connection. What video memory began to roll? This is your chance to tell your story and make new ideas found in the book your own.
3. Reflection: What new questions do you have in response to what you have read? Keep a rough note sheet at hand as you read. Begin with questions like: “What would I like further information on?” “Where do I disagree/strongly agree with the author?” “What bothers me/excites me about this content?” “What are the strengths and weaknesses of this book?” This section must be at least 250 words.
4. Application: How does information in the book influence how you are going to continue your own personal growth process? What actions or changes are you going to make in your life as a result of your learning? Your response here is a matter of obedience first, questions later. Be precise in summarizing your action steps (limit these comments to about 250 words).
Note: Your grade for the Book Review depends on the quality and thoroughness of your response to each of these four headings. Include each heading in the body of your paper.
This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday of Module/Week 4.
Book review: The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight
Summary
Scott in his book is talking about a massive revolution that is unbelievable to the normal Christian. The revolution will make many Christians question their belief that they deem as Christianity. The author talks about the gospel and salvation and how the modern Christians are torn in between the two. Most think they are talking about the gospel but their explanations reflect the meaning of salvation rather than the gospel. Additionally, he questions the way the early Christians referred to the first four books of the New Testament as the gospel rather than the gospels. Scott also goes deeper and ventures into the contemporary Christianity especially in America. Christianity to them is downsized to the death, resurrection and its meaning and its incorporation to the prayers.
There is great criticism on the way Christians have reduced the gospel and Scott then proceeds to give the full detailed gospel. He subdivides his narration into four parts that will explain his meaning of the gospel. The first part is the story of Israel which commences from the creation of the world, man and animals to the birth of the Israelites and their livelihood. The second part is the story of Jesus which encompasses his birth, the making of his kingdom and it covers all the way to the book of revelation. The third part is the plan of salvation which is a combination of the first two stories which will evoke Gods mission in this world. Lastly, Scott’s explanation of the gospel is the methods of persuasion which expounds on the acceptance of salvation and its response to the Christians. Scott has really tried to give the real meaning of the gospel and with his explanation the meaning of salvation is born. However, his book is very controversial and has faced a lot of criticism
Concrete response
Church has always been a good place to unwind and express all your sorrows and requests. I have always loved to go to church since it’s a place to get solace and be easy after a busy week. However, this turned out to be different one day when one of the church members came to me and started criticising me since I had pierced my ears. She said that it was not okay and even started judging me and claiming that I will not go to heaven. The ordeal was so heart-breaking considering that no one was perfect and we all came to church for repentance and renewal. The woman even started sending other people to talk to me and preach for me the ‘gospel’ as she called it. The gospel that was being preached here by the so called Christianity was questionable considering that the true gospel says that we should not judge other people. The question on the meaning of the true gospel then comes in just as Scott concerns about the same gospel. Scott in his book conquers with Dallas Willard who says the reduction of the gospel has gone to the extent of just a “gospel of sin management” (Pp74-75). Moreover, the contemporary Christian also has not taken time to understand salvation and the true gospel and have instead reduced it to a reducible gospel of only going to heaven. This is so relatable to Scott’s words in his book since he notes about this confusion and decides to explain the whole gospel and how salvation is as a result of embracing and understanding the true gospel. Salvation is a personal thing that only one can achieve and God is the only one who can judge people and not a Christian who judges instead of practising the true gospel.
Reflection
The King Jesus Gospel is a good book since it takes the reader into a deep survey of the New Testament and the gospel at large. It is educative since the author has shown some flow from Paul’s early church which is so much relatable to the New Testament gospel. I agree with Scott’s conclusion that the totality of the gospel is not defined by the justification of grace through faith despite it being critical to the gospel. The book gives thoughtful, balanced and biblically informed answers to the many questions that are asked by Christians. I totally agree with his sentiments in encouraging us to embrace the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, the book draws its strengths from the many biblical scriptures that are used to evidence its statements. His emphasize on not separating the old and New Testament is totally true and I hearty agree with his statements completely.
However, there are things I don’t agree with in his book. The fact that he calls other prominent pastors Salvationists since they emphasize on justification is not pleasing. They emphasize on the justification but the gospel is not all about that. Secondly, he tries to differentiate the gospel and salvation such that he forgets to realise that one is a result of the other. Scott also tries so hard to disembark the reducibility of the gospel and even forgets the essential simplicity of the gospel. Generally, the book is more beneficial rather than harmful. The weaknesses are few and can be corrected but it’s a good book and I can recommend it to people to read it.
Application
The book can really influence a person’s life in very many ways. Since I read the book I have been very careful about by words and my Christianity beliefs. I have given more attention to the scripture and how my actions reflect my beliefs. I have done many changes in my daily life and I have also influenced others to also change their ways. I have also introduced a thorough bible study at my church to be able to understand the gospel well and implement it in our lives. The book has taught me to be less judgemental and more practical when it comes to preaching salvation. I have also learnt to look at the deeper meaning of things rather than just look at the simpler meaning. My livelihood has grown to be more optimistic and I have learnt to tackle daily temptations by the influence in this book. The book offers a thought-provoking, challenging but a disjointed critique of a real life problem. Scott McKnight provides a platform for re-examining our understanding of the gospel and the scriptures. All in all the book is of good incite and has been one of the best books that I have read and will implement all it depicts and help us learn.
