Brian Dodridge reviews

The Secret Message of Jesus
...Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
by Brian McLaren

Brian McLaren’s newest book, The Secret Message of Jesus is my favorite thus far. I will admit that the title intrigued me and I actually purchased the book thinking he might say some things I would disagree with. However, McLaren surprised me with his insight in the gospel in light of its Jewish context and what it means to be lived out today.

Don’t let the title fool you—the message of Jesus is still the same as it was two thousand years ago. However, McLaren poses the question: Has the church misunderstood Jesus, or in some cases, distorted Jesus’ core message? McLaren calls us to look hard at the life and teachings of Christ and says that it’s about so much more than heaven after death—more than just saving souls for eternity—it’s also about abundant and full life here. McLaren says Jesus was a revolutionary and that He called for social justice and peace on Earth. The church has focused on salvation as a means to "heaven after you die" for too long, according to McLaren; we should take Jesus at his word when he says "the kingdom of God is here now," and work to assist that kingdom by being peacemakers and loving others.

Some of my favorite parts were: his definition of “eternal life” (an extraordinary life to the full centered in a relationship with God), his modern day metaphors for the Kingdom of God, and his life challenge for all Christ followers today.

McLaren has his weak points, but overall, this book challenged me in my journey with Christ—to be active in loving people like Jesus did. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to know more about the Christ we serve and His dream for humanity. I’ll leave you with the following quote:

Whatever we learn about the secret message of Jesus should make us want to seek more, learn more, experience more—and not just to understand it from a book, but to “get into it” by living it. I suppose it’s like golf or fishing or playing the violin or being married or raising children or skydiving or falling in love or being alive: you can read books about it, but that’s not the real point. Don’t you think?

Brian Dodridge