Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola have thoughtfully written their newest book, Jesus Manifesto, in an “ancient devotional tone,” seeking to “show the difference between invoking the name of Jesus in vain and using His name in a way that reveals His beauty and honors His person” (introduction, p. xx). They explained that the purpose of the book is to immerse Christians in the idea that “[we] are meant to be living epistles—that is, ‘Jesus Manifestos’—in our world. Cities set on a hill. Salt and light” (introduction, p. xxi). I will review the book based on these quotes because they represent the authors’ purpose in writing it.
First, as a Reformed believer, I consider the gospel and theology to be very important, and I can understand why many of my brothers with a more Calvinistic or even just “gospel-centered” viewpoint may have trouble with the way Jesus Manifesto seems to diminish the importance of doctrine. For example, on page 18 Sweet and Viola ask, “What is it that will change the course of Christianity, putting it back on course?” and on page 19 answer, “It’s not the doctrine of the person of Jesus. It’s an inward revelation of Christ to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” Well, it’s certainly true the Christology alone does not constitute the fullness of what it means “to know Christ” (John 17:3), but can anyone really deny that Christianity needs a reformation of doctrine? Can anyone deny that better understanding the doctrine of Christ will greatly benefit the church? The idea that we should throw aside everything else to focus on Christ is prevalent throughout the book, but Leonard and Sweet don’t make it clear what we should do instead of focusing on doctrine.
In fact, I think that what Sweet and Viola are trying to do is to call the church back to a Christian understanding of Christ. In their concluding chapter, on page 171, they say that “Only a recovery of the greatness, supremacy, sovereignty, brilliance, and “allness” of Christ will lead us to restoration and even revival. The wonder of Jesus as “all in all” is the only hope for igniting the flame of a new reformation and resuscitating a church that’s presently on life support.” That sounds like doctrine to me! That sounds like Christology! It seems kind of sad to me that Sweet and Viola themselves seem to divorce Christ and Christ’s gospel when they say, “The apostles’ message throughout Acts is not the plan of salvation… It is a person—Christ” (p. 12).
Still, while some people didn’t appreciate the exclusion of important themes like Christ as Judge and Christ as Savior from Hell and the gospel (which were mentioned but not thoroughly), I think that the book accomplished the purpose of its authors. Their insight has brought me to more deeply desire to glorify Christ, and to be a “living epistle” of Christ. The church is deeply in need of this insight—and more importantly, to become completely sold out for Jesus Christ in every way—most importantly, in the preaching of the risen Christ to the world through His gospel to the praise of His glory!
I will end this review with an admonition to be careful as you read this book. There is no need to get bitter against doctrine simply because many Christians mishandle it and thump people around with their Bibles, just as there is no need to get bitter against the Holy Spirit even though many Christians misunderstand His gifts! Remember Paul’s words to the Galatians: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Galatians 1:6-7) If you hold to the one true gospel of the cross and the empty tomb, you will find this book more helpful than not. This book is best read with a Bible right next to it.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
