Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan

Some neighbors told me about this book. They seemed to have been thrown into consternation by reading it. So I picked up a copy.

The author states his purpose on p. 21: "This book is written for those who want more Jesus. I hope reading this book will convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next."

He then goes on to berate his readers. He seems to assume that they are not of the group for whom he has said he had written. P. 22: "The core problem isn't the fact that we're lukewarm,... The crux of it all is why we are this way, and it's because we have an inaccurate view of God."

The book follows this pattern as the author does a good cop, bad cop routine, lifting his readers' spirits, then bringing them crashing down. I feel that there is frustration in his writing - a frustration that I have felt as a pastor and which my congregation probably also sensed in my preaching. We all want to see our flocks walking closer to God, but instead see many living a passive Christianity. I fear books such as this have little positive effect.

The first few chapters alternate between great statements about the majesty of God and the readers' passive understanding of Him. The author challenges the readers to understand that "The greatest good on this earth is God" and to love Him. All good stuff!

In ch. 4, "Profile of the Lukewarm," the author does his bad cop routine. He gives what he claims is "a description of what halfhearted, distracted, partially committed, lukewarm people can look like" and challenges his readers to see if they fit the description. He cites passages seemingly selected at random, most of which are not even aimed at professing Christians and NONE of which use the word lukewarm. Any of us could look through these passages and find some fault or faults of ours there.

In ch. 5 he says: "... a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing ... churchgoers who are lukewarm are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." He quotes Rev. 3:15-18, a portion of the letter from the risen Christ to the church at Laodicea, the ONLY passage where the word lukewarm is used in the Bible. The addressees are, as the author argues, not saved people. The logic is faulty. In ch. 4, he defines lukewarm so as to include most of us. Now we're told we are not going to heaven.

After frightening his readers, he then switches to his good cop routine. He says, "I do not want true believers to doubt their salvation as they read this book."

The next few chapters continue the roller coaster ride: doubt - assurance - doubt - assurance.

Apparently Pastor Chan is uncomfortable with his use of guilt and fear as a motivator. He keeps introducing pologies: "Perhaps it sounds as though I believe you have to work your way to Jesus. I don't. I fully believe that we are saved by grace, through faith, ... My fear in writing the previous chapter is that it only evokes in you fear and guilt ... actions driven by fear and guilt are not an antidote to lukewarm, selfish, comfortable living."

I believe Chan's desires are correct; he wants his readers totally committed to Christ. There is much truth to be gained from reading this book, but I would not recommend it. The style is manipulative!

For a fuller review see: http://billball.blogspot.com/2010/05/crazy-love.html

27 out of 43 people found this review helpful.

It's not for the faint of heart

I enjoyed the book because it highlighted much of what we go through as Christians who want more but remain in the passive state of routine. It was motivational because it asserts the fact that there is more of God to experience if we want to. Feeling guilty because of what he says is not what I perceive is his intention but rather he relates his own grief and guilt that took him from where he used to be to where he is and where he is going.His guilt was his relationship with his father, for each of us it's something else. It was sincerely refreshing to be encouraged to move forward when sometimes your own church doesn't foster that kind of deep search for a personal relationship. Unfortunately many churches are so concerned with what their members can give that sometimes the personal relationship between them and God is lacking. This book blocks you from pointing fingers. This about you and your relationship with God, and what you want it to be like, what it should be like.

I enjoyed every moment of it.

17 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

CRAZY LOVE, by Francis Chan,

If you've been feeling like something is missing in your life, read this sensational book! This book has changed and enriched my understanding of what it means to "love thy neighbor as thyself" and forced me to examine my heart, my faith, and my walk with Jesus. READ IT!!

8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

Uplifting

For our staff retreat we used this book as a time to get away from the day to day stress of working at a faith-based domestic violence shelter. We were challenged and brought closer to the God that loves us. The Christian faith is verb, not to sit quietly within the walls of a building. A must read for people of all faiths.

7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

An Honest Wake up Call

Francis Chan really tells it like it is. He doesn't sugar-coat the terrible consequences of lukewarmness. He takes watered down Christianity head on in this Bible-based account of the awesome love of God. If you don't feel uncomfortable while reading this book, you need to take a very serious look at where you stand with God, or where you think you stand with God. This book is so needed in this day and age, especially in America, where for the most part, we've become totally apathetic about the world around us(the poor, the hungry and forgotten)because we are so comfortable. This is not a feel-good book, but it is a liberating book. It's an honest account of where many of us who call ourselves Christians get to answer the tough questions about our sincerity and commitment to the Lord. I wish every bible-believing, Jesus-confessing Christian could get their hands on this book. I'm giving this book as a gift to as many friends and family that I can afford. READ IT!!!

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

An inspiring book!

Francis does a wonderful job of motivating and inspiring the reader to really look at their life and focus on the important issues of being a Christian. We can be so weighed down by the world that we don't even know that our daily attitude and outlook is tainted. Francis reminds us of God's Word and commandments to us to follow Christ with our whole heart. A challenging, truthful, and thought out book that can change your life if you're honest with yourself.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Life-Changer

I love this book. I truly believe it has helped to change my life and the way I look at the world, myself, and my King. It is now my favorite book and I plan to read it again and again. Chan opened my eyes to God's overwhlming love for me and how this should affect my life. If you don't want a change in your life I would not recommend this book. This is also a book you do not just want to skim through. If you read this book, be prepared to have to sit and think and meditate on the truths Chan illustrates. This is a great investment for your own library and is also the perfect gift for friends and family.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Wanted to love it, but couldn't

I love Francis Chan. I have heard him speak many times and he always is very insightful. This book has some good insights, however, the book's approach to talking about the topics is very disjointed and difficult to read.

The first chapter tells you to go online and watch a video. I bought this book to read while "getting away" from technology and felt cheated that I was missing out on a part of the book because of that. I felt like this book would be great as a series of sermons, but it was not so great as a book.

I couldn't finish it so I can't bear to give it more than 2 stars, but I know that there are a lot of people out there who will find value in reading this book.

2 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Works-based theology!

The book does indeed promote a works-type salvation. This line of thinking appears to come out of a teaching called "lordship salvation," popularized by the release of the book, "The Gospel According to Jesus," by John MacArthur in the late '80s. Basically, it posits that the simple gospel message of Acts 16:30-31, John 3:16-18, Romans 4:5, Titus 3:5, and Ephesians 2:8-9 is not good enough for salvation. A true believer must also make God "the Lord of his life." Anyone who doesn't, is lost! But where does that leave the Corinthian church who were backslidden believers, but believers indeed, according to Paul (Paul refers to them as "sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy," 1 Cor. 1:2; he also calls them "brothers" several times throughout 1 Corinthians, although worldly or carnal ones---1 Cor. 3:1-3). What about the prodigal son who was a son when he was living with his father; he remained a son throughout the lengthy time that he strayed away, and was still a son when he returned home to the father. Or how about Lot, who lived in a backslidden condition his entire adult life, yet Peter commends him as a righteous man in 2 Peter 2:7. Chapter 5 of "Crazy Love," in my opinion, was especially mean-spirited and judgmental; If taken literally, it appears to send a large portion of the evangelical church (perhaps even the majority), labeled as "lukewarm" to hell. The book sets up a false dichotomy between believers who are sold-out to God vs. the average churchgoer who doesn't appear to be very committed or on-fire for the Lord. Guess where the second group is going? To quote Chan, pp. 83-84, "As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there is no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are 'lukewarm' are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven."

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Not ...

I have recently been overhauling my faith for renewal and a friend recommended this book. I must admit I am fortunate to have conviction through the Holy Spirit and salvation through the blood of Jesus. After reading this book, giving Chan the benefit of the doubt, I sensed a feeling of worthlessness. Someone in despiration could very easily be driven away from God. This book is not meant for those that are weakened or searching for the love of Christ to comfort and guide them. Crazy Love is a good title. I am sure it has its place, but only a certain target audience. I would recommend Max Lucado for the encouragement and true understanding.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Love of God

Crazy Love by Francis Chan is an inspirational book, which in the scheme of things really changed my life and can change many other people's lives. It is a book on how to live your life to the fullest through our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It gives us examples on what are known as "lukewarm Christians", referring to those who are just trying to get by in life and not being fully dedicated. Crazy Love also gives examples of how people have been changed and it causes them to do great things for the kingdom.
Crazy Love is a great book and I recommend it to everyone. It gives us a chance to look inside ourselves and "fix" our lives accordingly to how Christ wants us to live. This book is for the most part an easy read and does not take very long to finish. If you want a lifestyle change I would recommend on starting it off with reading Crazy Love.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

This Was A True Test

I didn't expect this book to be so challenging to me. I was very happy with the reading, and encourage any Christian to read the book with an open heart and mind. My hope is that it will both enlighten and challenge you to draw closer to God, as it has me.

I also recommend "When God Stopped Keeping Score" that takes a revealing look at the power of forgiveness. If you have ever been bound by anger, guilt, hurt or pain, this book is for you.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Too Pro

10.3489 out of five yea

1 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Lifechanging

There are some books that leave you wondering if the author really believes what he's written. It's just theory rather than experience. Then there are those books that are real because the writer really believes what he/she writes and is living proof that it's true. That's the case with Crazy Love. Chan is living proof that what he says is consistent with his life. It's lifechanging medicine that the church needs to hear and begin to live.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

GREAT BOOK!!

This book is a must read for every Christian. The author will pull you out of your life of complacency and medicrity. Who is it that we worship? What does that mean? How should you respond? And not just how SHOULD you respond, but he will bring you to a place of DESIRING to respond, feeling COMPELLED to respond.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

In response to the response alleging that chan preaches a false gospel

Salvation is simple and basic it is about believing and putting your faith in Christ. There should be growth though. I don't see anywhere within Chans teachings that say you have to do good works to be saved. He is simply opening up the eyes of thousands of American Christians who are sitting back in the pews and doing nothing about their faith. We are called as Christians to live a higher life of integrity and a life devoted to service to God and man. We as Christians should be making this world a better place for sure. Not just coming to church on Sundays and leaving unchanged. Those people might be saved to say the least but its not about heaven or hell its about the kingdom of God on earth right now in the heart of every believer. Too many people put an emphasis on heaven and hell with no emphasis on social justice. Jesus was all about social justice. The goal for the believer is to become more and more like the lord Christ. This is why Paul was irritated by the Corithian church. Yes he never said they were not saved, in his words you are right , they were saved. But he was calling them to a holy life, holy means separated not accepting the status quo of secular society. This is what Chan preaches, a call to action to live the life that god has planned for us since before we were in the womb. That life is the life of a PASSIONATE WORLD CHANGER!!!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Making Faith Real

In this book, Francis Chan encourages Christians to take their faith seriously. Chan repeatedly calls us to question whether we are just going through the motions, or living out of a deep love for God. It challenges our complacency, our selfishness and our comfort - and offers us God and his call on our lives. Having heard Chan speak, I had very high expectations for this book. I must admit, his voice does not come through as well as I might have hoped. However, the book remains a powerful call to follow Christ into the world.

In the preface, Chan sets up a habit of asking hard questions. Throughout the book he shares how asking himself these questions has shaped a commitment to Christ - personally and in the life of his church. Chan begins the book by asking his readers to think seriously about who God is before they utter another prayer. An active love begins with recognizing who God is, how much above all other things. From this vantage he moves to showing the reader the temporary character of this life, and the foolishness of basing our future on our own happiness and comfort. This allows him to then point out God's love in comparison to our unworthiness. Chan recognizes that despite this love in the face of our failure, many Christians and many churches struggle to be faithful and growing. It isn't that they don't know what they should do - they just haven't accepted the cost.

Chan pulls no punches describing what it means to be lukewarm. His aim is to make believers recognize that lukewarm love is no love at all, and those struggling with being lukewarm need to consider whether faith is even real in their lives. One could read his words as harsh, but I don't feel like he was trying to guilt readers into a passionate love - which would be foolhardy at best. He wants his readers to take a probing look at their hearts and the way they serve. He wants the reader to see how their checkbooks, their priorities, the way they schedule and order their lives all shout aloud where their hearts are.

This book is not just invective against a lack of commitment. Chan lays out a picture of obsession, of passion, and what it looks like in real life. He then gives the reader concrete examples to challenge them. These range from families serving in a local setting to young and old alike heading into unknown lands for the call and care of the lost. Bottom line, Chan doesn't want to beat down Christians with their failure - he wants them to realize that a comfortable life is not the life we have been called to. He wants them to accept God's call, knowing that the cost is high, but the reward is awesome - an active relationship with the God of the universe, an opportunity to please God and be identified with the Son.

This book is full of practical examples from history and Chan's own pastoral background. Chan has a passion for the lost and hurting that comes through in the pages of this book. The text is quite readable, though it is likely to cause you moments of pause as you look into your own motivation and passion. Take the opportunity for regular prayer throughout the book. Chapter transitions are brief, with Chan moving between topics quickly, though the chapter progression builds to the conclusion well, in my opinion.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Lukewarm Christians Beware

If you don¿t like having your toes stepped on, you might want to wear steel toed boots while reading this book. In Crazy Love, Francis Chan calls the 21st Century church out of its lazy slumber and exhorts her to make a difference for the kingdom.

He begins by reminding us how small we are compared to the vastness of the Universe. He asks us to stop and think about the God who created the Universe, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us in order to restore our relationship with Him. Yet what is the response to this Crazy Love by so many in today¿s Church?

Jesus calls it being lukewarm and warns that if we don¿t change, He will vomit us out of His mouth.

After grabbing us with that graphic and arresting image, Chan makes several practical, yet radical, suggestions about how we can be effective ministers for Christ in our culture and communities, turning Christ¿s Crazy Love for us into a Crazy Love for Him.

If you¿ve been feeling like something is missing in your relationship with God, or need to be awakened out of a slumber, let this book shake you up. As Chris Tomlin says in the Foreword, ¿Crazy Love may just be the most challenging book outside of God¿s Word that you will read this year.¿

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself or As Much As Jesus Loves You!

This book is very good. The beginning few chapters begin by giving us some clarity on the grandness of God while at the same time explain His unfathomable love for us. Seeing the contrast of our broken lives and His love and grace we should therefore love others. The book is very challenging and a personal reality check of how much you love God is directly related to how much you love others. Excellent read and great for conversation and life change! Highly recommended.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

highly recommend...great book to read.

I am very pleased with my purchase of the book Crazy Love. It is a very interesting book. It is very educational. It is a must read book for the christians.
Merry (: