Scott A. Bessenecker
IVP Books, 2009, 159pp., $15.00, IVPress.com
Security and independence have become dominant in our society. Does the Gospel of Christ provide us with such a sense of entitlement or challenge us to move toward humility, vulnerability, community and interdependence? Bessenecker paints a picture of God’s people who value peacemaking, service, submission, self-control and simple living.
Bessenecker ultimately offers a thoughtful discussion of what it means to be authentically Christian, writing from biblical foundations, historic Christianity and years of experience with friar communities. Eight brief chapters covering the attributes of meekness, submission, repentance, following, obedience and leadership make for a quick, yet penetrating read.
We live in a culture that loves to play Monopoly™ in which gaining power, wealth, control and domination is the goal. The game is a reflection of our societal values, and we pass these values on to each generation. When will we begin teaching our young people to be counter-cultural in the image of Christ? Learning How to Inherit the Earth would be a good start.
