One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow

Scot McKnight (PhD, Nottingham) is the Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. He is the author of more than fifty books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed as well as The King Jesus Gospel, A Fellowship of Differents, One.Life, The Blue Parakeet, and Kingdom Conspiracy.

 

In his latest book, McKnight, a professor of religious studies at North Park University in Chicago and the author of the acclaimed Jesus Creed, argues against the Christianity he was taught in his youth, an interpretation he finds overly fixated on the personal piety of believers rather than their influence in society. He contends instead that Jesus called believers to action and to the establishment of a world of justice, compassion, and peace. This scriptural reading is hardly new, but McKnight’s writing makes it fresh and engaging. His frequent pop culture references serve to draw in younger readers; other stylistic choices, such as unusual punctuation and line breaks, can distract from his message instead of creating a contemporary feel. Dividing the book into chapters addressing different aspects of a believer’s life, such as “church.life” and “sex.life,” McKnight combines knowledgeable scriptural exegesis with anecdotes drawn from his own life and his experiences with college students to provide insight into Jesus’ life and message. This results in a highly readable work that can serve as an excellent introduction to Jesus and his teachings for a new generation. (Jan.) Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

Professor Scot McKnight, noted blogger and author of The Jesus Creed, examines the Christian life from its very basis in One.Life. He carefully and methodically probes the standard answers given to the question "What is a Christian?", and then shows how Jesus understood what it meant to be His follower. In fact, McKnight states that the answer is not a simple one, though it can be stated simply: "follow Me."

Step by step, McKnight builds a working definition of a Christian. Each piece of the definition is carefully stated, referenced, and supported. To give the full definition would be a bit overwhelming; McKnight does his audience a huge favor by introducing his answer piece by piece.

Taking clues from the Old Testament, Jewish history, and first-century culture, the modern understanding of the term "kingdom" is shown to be grossly inadequate. McKnight carefully constructs his definition to remain faithful to the words and intentions of Jesus. The reader comes away with a fuller understanding of what it means to not only know Jesus, but how He intends to be followed.

The reader is then challenged to be a follower of Christ in every area of life. From work to family to love to society, McKnight demonstrates that the true follower of Christ will be totally transformed from the rest of the world.

The term One.Life is not really fleshed out in any specific place, but the book gives plenty of room for the definition to flourish. The One.Life that McKnight refers to is a life that is totally unified and devoted to Christ. The believer in and follower of Christ should devote their One.Life to developing that relationship. An interesting title becomes a catchy phrase that ties the book together nicely.

This book would be very helpful for not only the new believer, but also to the seasoned saint looking for a review of their faith. – Pastor Charles Eldred, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

In his latest book, McKnight, a professor of religious studies at North Park University in Chicago and the author of the acclaimed Jesus Creed, argues against the Christianity he was taught in his youth, an interpretation he finds overly fixated on the personal piety of believers rather than their influence in society. He contends instead that Jesus called believers to action and to the establishment of a world of justice, compassion, and peace. This scriptural reading is hardly new, but McKnight’s writing makes it fresh and engaging. His frequent pop culture references serve to draw in younger readers; other stylistic choices, such as unusual punctuation and line breaks, can distract from his message instead of creating a contemporary feel. Dividing the book into chapters addressing different aspects of a believer’s life, such as “church.life” and “sex.life,” McKnight combines knowledgeable scriptural exegesis with anecdotes drawn from his own life and his experiences with college students to provide insight into Jesus’ life and message. This results in a highly readable work that can serve as an excellent introduction to Jesus and his teachings for a new generation. (Jan.)