Title: THE HEART OF RELIGION
Authors: Matthew T. Lee,
Margaret M. Poloma, and Stephen G. Post
Publisher: Oxford University
December 2012
ISBN 978-0-19-993188-0
Genre: Love – Religious
Aspects – Christianity \ Religion
Reviewed by: Steve Hilton
Loosely based on the
experiences of 5 people, and supported by sociological research from three
experienced professionals, The Heart Of Religion lives up to its name. It provides an excellent history and
foundation for the transforming power of religion in our society. Drawing on an extensive random survey of
1,200 men and women across the United States, Matthew Lee, Margaret Poloma, and
Stephen Post here shed new light on how Americans wake up to the reality of
divine love and how that transformative experience expresses itself in concrete
acts of benevolence.
However, God is not
interested in religion – he’s interested in a relationship. Throughout the book the prevailing interest
is in God’s love; not in God himself.
There is a sense that ANYONE can practice and dispense the love of God,
regardless of their relationship with him.
God, and any relationship one has with him, plays second fiddle. In its widest expression, the principles of
this book could lead someone to the idea that God is irrelevant – all you need
is love.
The dangers of such a message
cannot be over-emphasized. There are
millions of souls languishing in hell for all eternity because of such a
message. Religion without a right
relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of all that was, is, and ever shall
be, can be summed up in one word – idolatry.
And Scripture is clear; “I am
the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not
give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
1
star. 301 pages. $29.95.
No comments:
Post a Comment