Talking About God: Honest Conversations About Spirituality by Steve and Cheri Saccone teaches readers through observation, rather than directives, how to talk about God and share the Good News with people around them.

Talking About God is not the typical book about evangelism or how to lead someone to salvation. The book begins with a prologue, is filled with lengthy conversations the Saccones have had with friends, and concludes with some notes in the afterward. At first, I merely observed the conversations, but by the time I read through a few, I began to glean nuggets of wisdom out of each conversation. One nugget example: We are partnering with God when we reach out to people with the message of salvation. It's too easy for me to think that if I just say the words perfectly, things will work out and I will get them to be saved as if I have control over anyone else's salvation... No, God prepares others and then brings us in and partners with us for the benefit of ourselves and the other person. Also, another nugget: Prayer laced through the conversations.

As I previously mentioned, most of the book consists of the reader observing, rather than being directly instructed. However, the prologue and afterward do give some pointers. In fact, there is an intensive, almost overwhelming, over-two-pages-long list of Do's and Don'ts in the prologue. Fortunately, it's not required to memorize these as most of them fall under: (1) Engaging people who need to come to know God. (2) Treating the person with respect and dignity even when they may not agree with us. (3) Being emotionally honest.

Talking About God by Steve Saccone and Cheri Saccone offers readers a different perspective than most books I've read on this subject. I found the book encouraging because the authors share their nervousness, insecurities, even occasional missteps and how God can use imperfect people to share the Good News of salvation. I think this book best fits with people who want to reach out to their friends, co-workers, and acquaintances who don't know God. It doesn't really address family members and the extra issues that can go along with that.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Our role as Christians is to spread the gospel to all others so that they also can come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

And while we know this to be true, the idea of talking to others about God and our faith can be uncomfortable and scary at first.

Steve and Cheri Saccone wrote the book, Talking About God, as a way to help others read examples of how they have approached certain topics with nonbelievers.

Steve is also the author of Relational Intelligence and Protege. He is a regional executive for unrestricted education at Southeastern University.

Cheri is a freelance writer and registered nurse with a background in psychology.

The book walks through six unique conversations narrated by either Steve or Cheri.

Jen

Cheri walks through her interactions with Jen. The theme Jen struggles with is focusing on trying to know God cognitively. She seeks out information on learning about Christianity but misses out on the heart aspect of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

Yash

Steve discusses his many interactions with Yash who is of a different faith. Yash struggles with feeling pulled to Jesus and Christianity but wants to find a way to make multiple faiths fit together. Steve walks through the conversation and bible verses that he shared with Yash to let him know that Jesus is the only way to salvation.

Lacey

Laceys example is one of self-reliance over giving up control and allowing God to to lead the way. Cheri retells her experience with Lacey and the long process it can take to tear down walls and let God be the ultimate leader.

Jake

Steve provides comfort and support to Jake in his struggle with shame. Jakes hindrance to faith is that he feels hes not good enough to be loved by God. And that theme caused him pain in all other aspects of his life as well.

Maya

Cheri shares Mayas story of depression and anxiety and the then ensuing isolation. Maya also is a unique story from the rest, in that she had not had any experience or knowledge of God in her life prior to meeting with Cheri.

Eric

Steve narrates his conversation with Eric who was struggling with his sexuality. The story walks through the difficulties not only for Eric but also for Steve, as his friend, but also as a Christian. Erics example shows the complexity and pain of the situation.

Final Thoughts

I found each of the above stories to be themes that I see often in my therapy office. Many of my clients struggle to accept Jesus or become closer in their relationship with Him due to one (or more) of these issues. So I appreciated the legitimacy of the examples Steve and Cheri provided.

As a whole, I would say I found the book beneficial but there were some areas that I struggled with.

At times Cheri responded based off of assumptions and/or emotional responses to the situations. She acknowledges some of those situations but not all of them. While her experiences worked out for the best, I could have seen some of them going quite poorly if that were to be how she responded to someone else.

I found Steves narrations to be more helpful in how to talk with others about God.

So overall I would say Talking About God was an interesting book to read as a starting off point for someone who has never discussed God and Christianity with others. It is an easy read and the positive testimonies are encouraging.

This is not a book to read, however, if you are looking for specific scriptural answers that some of your nonbeliever friends may question you about.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

In "Talking About God," Steve and Cheri Saccone invites readers to tune in to six intriguing conversations that illustrate the joys and challenges of conversing with unbelievers on spiritual matters. The authors mention at the start of the book that many spiritual discussions go awry when we fail to truly listen to those we are talking to. We may be quick to dismiss any doubts without hearing the reasons, offer unhelpful advice without considering the other person's views, or force our own beliefs without addressing underlying issues. In the six chapters, the authors relay the thoughts and emotions going through their minds as they try to help the other party see God working in each person's unique circumstances. Instead of dissecting each conversation, I will present several observations that I found helpful. Firstly, despite each encounter being completely unique to the individual, the common thread is a thirst for something deeper to satisfy the longing in each person's soul. When we talk to unbelievers we need to help them realize this thirst and understand that it is only the good news of Jesus Christ that can quench this thirst. Another point is that each conversation we have with unbelievers moves us either closer or farther away from showing how God is present in their lives. This reminds us to be alert and mindful in how we present the Christian worldview to others at all times may it be in our words or actions. Moreover, except in one of the recorded conversations, every dialogue is in the context of a blossoming friendship between the author and the other party which was developed over many previous encounters and interactions gradually building up trust and openness. Thus, we should be prepared to invest in the lives of unbelievers over days, months, and years instead of hurriedly requesting for a profession of faith in a first meeting. Lastly, the authors repeatedly remind readers that it is the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of unbelievers to realize their need for Christ. This also means that we need to pray for the Spirit to give us wisdom to say life-giving words of comfort, encouragement, and counsel at the appropriate moment.

I would recommend this book to all Christians who want to learn how to engage others in authentic, respectful conversations about the Christian faith. For many of us, it would seem much easier to simply invite someone to Sunday worship or a Bible study rather than actively trying to know the person and share the gospel on a personal level. Nevertheless, the stories in this book show that God often uses brief, unplanned chats between friends as instruments of His grace. Moreover, when these opportunities do come, we need to be prepared to share the hope we have in Jesus rather than inadvertently watering down the gospel or sidestepping tough issues in attempt to be agreeable. This book serves as a timely reminder that God uses even the most ordinary conversations and friendships to bring glory to His name.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I received a review copy from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a book review.

It would be splendid if we all felt as if we could talk with others about our faith, about God, comfortably and without wavering in our beliefs. For many (if not most) of us, that can be easier said than done. Even if we have been trained in some type of evangelism, today's polarized world gives evidence that a "program" often will not work as well as we hope.

Steve and Cheri Saccone address that very issue in their new book, Talking About God: Honest Conversations About Spirituality. Rather than a formula or a step-by-step plan, they offer their experience and insight through six examples of themes most of us know are prominent when we start to talk with someone about God. They do so by inviting us into conversations with six different individuals who are each "on the other side of faith" and how they respond.

I found the pages between the cover of this book to be filled with wisdom and insight. Additionally, they modeled more of how Jesus approached or responded to those who were not His followers when He walked the earth. He listened well and loved them without compromising the truth. Most of us need more practice to improve how we represent Him.

Love the back-cover comment. Evangelism is intimidating. But talking is naturalA vital part of every meaningful relationship youve ever had. Thats what this book is about. Talking with someone and in the process evangelism sort of just happens. Well, not quite that simple, but it does open the way.

Each chapter of this book illustrates how that can be so. Its the art of conversation, and each conversation recorded in this book shows how that can happen. This is not a set of case studies with discussion questions to follow. The authors opted for the conversational approach in their story telling with the reader. The flow is so natural youll think your reading a good fiction work. You arent though and theres lots to be learned here. When to pursue a particular direction, when to sit quietly and listen, when to offer help. Oddly, the reader may find themselves in the conversation too when he realizes thats the same issue he has struggled with in the past or maybe even the present. I found the conversation with Yash and Eric particularly engaging. You may find Maya or Jens helpful. Or one of the others.

I do recommend this book as a help when a conversation turns toward spiritual topics. That turn might be a turning point for someone, and the examples in this book could serve as a guide for you as you seek to respond appropriately.

I received this book from the publisher in return for a review.