Why Jesus?

Why Jesus? by William H. Willimon
Abingdon Press, 2010
165 pages
Non-fiction; Christian
4/5 stars

Source: Received a free review copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Willimon asks two questions: "Why, Jesus?" and "Why Jesus?" in this new book, written in a very down-to-earth style.  Each chapter is devoted to a different aspect of Jesus' character: Vagabond; Peacemaker; Story Teller; Party Person; Preacher; Magician; Home Wrecker; Savior; Sovereign; Lover; Delegator; and Body.  Probably not the first words you necessarily think of when you think of Jesus.  But he illustrates each well with scripture and he also includes asides to Jesus that really challenged my complacent lifestyle.

I think I liked those challenges the most because they defy expectation.  We might think of God in some way but that's not necessarily how He is.  And He didn't come to fulfill those expectations but to challenge and uproot what we think we know so that He can bring us to Him.  Why did He do certain things and not other things that we might have assumed.  He is so much greater than we can fathom.

My main problem was the style.  All of the scripture he quotes has been rendered into colloquial speech that took away some of the reverence I think is due God.  It seemed like Willimon was trying much too hard and I became annoyed.

Overall: A fun read overall.

Read for Ebook challenge.