Jesus: A Theography is an excellent book by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola. Let me begin by saying that this is easily a “Top 10″ of all time books for me (if not a “Top 5″). So let’s begin.
Jesus: A Theography
Jesus: A Theography is a theological biography of Christ. Sweet and Viola take their readers on an epic journey of the life of Christ. Beginning before Creation, the authors begin Jesus’ biography where His story begins…before everything. And the authors conclude their book with the return of Christ.
To capture this book in a short review is impossible. So, I will highlight one chapter that really got me thinking.
What Got Me Thinking
Chapter 9 is titled Jesus’ Mission Statement. In this chapter the authors identify Jesus’ purpose and reason for coming, teaching, healing, living, dying, and being raised from the dead. This would seem to be basic stuff for the average Christian, yet Sweet and Viola raise some striking questions that make these “basics” seem a bit more advanced.
Jesus has come, and that changes everything. With one definitive act on an old, rugged tree, Jesus turned His personal mission statement into our take-home final. Like all take-home finals, there is no time limit. We have all of life’s resources to draw upon. We can edit and redo our responses throughout our lifetimes. We are to “take home” this final wherever our “home” may be, whatever circumstances we may be living in.
Later the authors write.
Today, Jesus is seeking to further establish His rule on earth as it is in heaven. But He has chosen the church to be the instrument for its accomplishment. The church, therefore, is the means by which Jesus Christ continues to work, to teach, and to establish His sovereign rule in the world. And He will continue to do so until the kingdom of God comes in its fullness, and heaven and earth can be seen by one another again.
Jesus’ mission became the church’s mission. We are now the means by which Jesus’ work continues in Creation. This is a humbling responsibility that we have the privilege of carrying on, by the power of God’s Spirit through faith in Christ according to the Word of God.
A Warning
The book is lengthy and will take time to read through. I also found that I needed time to reflect on some of the ideas in the book. This isn’t a bad thing, just something to take into consideration when choosing to read this book. I wouldn’t call Jesus: A Theography a difficult book to read, but it will be more challenging than most books.
One Final Plea
READ THIS BOOK. Don’t let it’s length or depth worry you. Your understanding of Christ and your relationship with Him will be deepened by reading this book.
(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255)
I thought that Leonard Sweet was a part of the Emergent Church Movement so I am hesitant to read this except for your recommendation, Josh.
Hi Marilyn,
Here are a couple of quotes from Sweet’s website that may help clear up any misunderstanding.
“It is doubly ironic that I am under attack for being Emergent or a leader in the “emerging church” movement when I am known in emerging church circles as one of its severest critics.”
And, then for theological emphasis he writes, “The gospel is not simply about “principles of justice” but the person of Jesus, the very Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, who came to die for our sins, descended into hell, rose again on the third day, and is now seated with the Father while he lives his resurrection life in and through us by the power of the Spirit.” Seems pretty orthodox to me.
Finally, their previous book, “Jesus Manifesto”, was endorsed by Matt Chandler (Baptist Reformed) and Steve Brown (a Reformed professor).
Hope that helps!