I may have decided to pick this one up just because I wanted to read up on the subversive views of Lewis but this book offers much more than the simple satisfaction of my curiosity. This book is a book of common sense. The common sense among Christians to be gracious towards one another despite theological disagreements. You wonder why someone would have to write a book on a message so obvious but living in the age of the internet, you only need to look as far as your facebook page to see that we find ourselves to be severely lacking in that regard (look even further back and you'll be greeted by stakes and guillotines- depressingly gory stuff.)

I find that I really liked the way Viola went about with his argument- I mean who doesn't like getting some dirt on the Christian greats, just kidding, 'twas a very humbling read. It's also interesting seeing him go off on his perspective as a prolific blogger and author of a book with a rather controversial sounding title Pagan Christianity. He really does write from experience and has the mindset and heart of wanting to sow a Christ-like change in this age.

To lightly rip off Lewis' metaphor and putting it into another context-

When coming across those who may disagree, let's not make a spectacle of them but as a pair of spectacles by which you try to understand their point of view by. Even if you come out of it shaking your head and declare those spectacles to be faulty and cracked, you would have learned far more than the bully who simply crushes it underfoot.

This is one of the most fascinating reads I've ever come across. The history is remarkable, the writing style is witty and funny, and the points are powerful.

The book is so needed in our time where Christians attack each other every day on social media. It gives a unique perspective that we never think about. 5 stars all the way!

This book is awesome and fascinating. The author shows that every christian leader who shaped church history had flawed views. He goes through the shocking beliefs of C.S. Lews, Calvin, Luther, Graham, Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, etc. His intention is not to downgrade these heroes of the faith, but to show that even they didn't see everything perfectly, so how much more grace should we show one another when we disagree over doctrine, theology or politics.

The writing style is easy to read and entertaining, as the author puts humor in it.

This is a strong book, historically and theologically. The chapter on heresy is worth the price of the book.

Highly recommended.

It exceeded my expectations.

I get the suspicion here that Mr. Viola is reacting to reactions to the seeker-friendly and emergent church movement, in that he asks us to go a bit easy on different viewpoints. I certainly agree that there can be a bit more civility towards those with differing views, but telling us about "wild" beliefs of famous christians (almost all I was familiar with) accompanied with a "no one's perfect" pleading doesn't really deal with the issues. Of course believers should love one another and listen (and correct) with humility and compassion, but beyond that, what is his point? There is much heresy out there, and the evangelical church is drifting away from "sola scriptura" and practicing "sola whatever I prefer", often at the cost of distorting scriptural truths. So what if our "heroes" weren't perfect? Does that mean we should just accept anything being taught and believed. To his credit he does acknowledge that there are some problems out there, but how realizing that Martin Luther wasn't always right should result in accepting error, or not discerning truth from error, I am not sure. Again, knowing quite a bit about his belief system, I fear this is just special pleading, a kind of "hands across the world" attitude. There is nothing really theological in this book, so i have no "heresies" to point out, and some might find the "enquirer" revelations shocking, but how's this? Love one another, and correct, and even rebuke, with love and humility. There. I save you some bucks. You're welcome.