A Scandalous Freedom: The Radical Nature of the Gospel

Dr. Steve Brown is a broadcaster, seminary professor, author, and founder and president of Key Life Network.  He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcasts, Key Life and Steve Brown Etc. Dr. Brown serves as Professor Emeritus of Preaching at Reformed Theological Seminary teaching at the campuses in Atlanta, Orlando and Washington, D.C. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Steve is the author of numerous books, and his articles appear in such magazines and journals as Christianity Today, Leadership, Relevant, Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman. Traveling extensively, he is a much-in-demand speaker. Steve and his wife Anna have two daughters and three granddaughters.

Brown's message is bold and emphatic: the gospel is a message of freedom that reverberates in various facets of human life. Yet far too many Christians live under a burden of guilt, fear, and religious bondage. Brown, who is a radio broadcaster and seminary professor, focuses directly on presenting this message of freedom in its multidimensional aspects so that others might discover the liberating experience of the gospel. Examples of chapter titles, e.g., "The Freedom We Surrender...and the Heritage That Sets Us Free," give an indication of how the book proceeds. Brown writes in an appealing style that includes numerous illustrations to accentuate his points. His book covers a needed area in the literature. Recommended for academic libraries. John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

The best radio-show hosts speak not to a group of people but to individuals-listeners feel the show is just for them. Brown (Born Free), a Presbyterian seminary professor, former pastor and host of the Key Life radio program, uses that approach to fine effect as he encourages Christians to celebrate their absolute freedom. Conversational, lighthearted and full of funny lines (and a few urban legends presented as fact), Brown's writing nevertheless conveys deep truth: believers too often stagger beneath a burden of behavior forced on them by other Christians, a standard that God does not require. "I fear too often the church has become an organization of guilty people with a guilty preacher standing in the pulpit, telling guilty people that they should feel guiltier," he writes. The oppressed and their oppressors miss the power of authenticity, especially the freedom to fail, the joy of God's complete forgiveness and the boldness it brings. God's liberty also lets Christians embrace those with whom they disagree. Brown illustrates the point in one of his best anecdotes, recalling his relationship with Tony Campolo. Brown's honesty about his own failings drives his points home. This book has the power to help Christian believers who have been struggling to march in a straight line to leap up and dance. (July 6) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Shocking? Yes. To the point of cardiac arrest? For some. Steve Brown, a seminary professor, radio broadcaster, and author of A Scandalous Freedom suggests that Christians need a spiritual rewiring to break their bondage—and that includes freedom to sin. Now that I have your attention…
The subject of Steve Brown’s book is “freedom—and why we’re not free.” He writes, “If Jesus says we’re free, we ought to accept his declaration at face value and run with it.” Throughout 11 chapters, he explains, through anecdotes and Bible quotes, how Christians have lost their freedom and how it hinders them as Christians. The author, in his introduction, draws us into a fireside chat by adding one more credential for writing the book: “Well, I have sinned big enough, and I’ve lived long enough to write a book like this one—and also to serve as the negative illustrations of most of the principles taught herein.”
Among the book’s main points, Christians fall into the pattern of viewing the world in terms of “us” and “them”—“us” being the self-righteous who pretend they are perfect, and thus, have the authority to tell others how they should live so they can also be perfect. “They,” on the other hand, are those outside of “us”—the less than perfect, Christians or not. The obsession with perfectionism and living without sin actually keeps Christians from being Christian-like when they appear self-righteous, condemning, and bound by rules and regulations. And they become lonely. Says Brown, “If you demonize those people who disagree with you, you will end up being the only one left.” Later he says that making others better is God’s job, not mine. To sum up the basics, freedom is accepting God’s grace while working toward perfection, but knowing you, as well as others, will never reach it.
The anecdotes used throughout the book, like the parables Jesus used to teach, help readers relate the author’s message to their own lives. The book deals mostly with the why’s regarding loss of freedom, and at times rambles without making concise points on how to change. I would have liked to have read a final chapter that actually gave specific steps and suggestions on how Christians can become free -- free to follow them or not, of course. Another book, perhaps? Nevertheless, pastors or priests or anyone involved in Christian ministry, as well as Christians in general will find the book provides some provocative insights. The author’s most shocking message is that in our attempts to be evangelists for God, we often make people run in the opposite direction—and therein lies the danger. So, how can we afford not to read A Scandalous Freedom to check our own spiritual wiring? -- Karen Thurber, Christian Book Previews.com