Not too long ago, I reviewed What If It's True? by Charles Martin. You can read my review here.
Shortly after that, I listened to Charles Martin on Annie F. Downs' That Sounds Fun Podcast. Of course, they discussed What If It's True?, but also lots of other topics. Some fun, some serious.
I always enjoy getting to know more about the authors whose books I read and I thought I would share this podcast with you. I couldn't find a way to embed it, but here's the link to Annie's site.
Years ago, novelist Charles Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions. He asked, “What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How?” This book is the result of that exploration.
With the depth, sensitivity, and emotion that has made his novels beloved to millions, Charles ignites our imaginations as to what the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to us today. Charles asks, “What if dead and crucified Jesus came back to life by the power of the Holy Spirit and is alive today? Right now. What if that same Jesus, the One who walked out of the tomb shining like the sun, holding the keys of death and hades, is alive in me? I write fiction for a living, and that’s either the craziest thing I’ve ever heard or it’s the most important word ever spoken. You and I have a King who did the unthinkable.”
The answers that his writer’s imagination illuminates for us will change the way we think about the gospel and the way we live because of it.
My Thoughts:
If I described What If It's True? by
Charles Martin in one word, it would be... piercing. He doesn't
sugar-coat things. He fully believes in the Bible as inerrant and
divinely inspired. He calls out false prosperity gospel movements. He
tackles heavy topics such as rejection, resignation, sexual sin,
generational curses, and forgiveness. He also devotes time to the
love of God as being the basis of everything Christians believe and
extending to anyone, no matter how far gone that person may seem. In
What If It's True?,
Charles Martin stirs interest with a well-written narrative and then
starts probing deeply into his topic. He uses a lot of Scripture and
draws Old Testament and New Testament connections that I never
noticed even though I've been a Christian for many years. While the
focus is on spiritual matters, he shares some of his own struggles
and situations. He does use plenty of imagination in his retellings
of Biblical events. Some parts seemed more realistic than others.
This didn't bother me, but others may balk at it.
I
felt that the chapter on forgiveness missed the mark. As someone who
has had to forgive some hard things, I know the beauty and necessity
of forgiveness. Unfortunately, forgiveness was presented with a
“forgive others or else God won't forgive you and you'll be
separated from Him” mentality. Yes, I know there are verses that
support that view. But as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I can
say that is not what I needed to hear years ago when I was dealing
with the muck and mire. What I needed to hear was.... God will guide
and help you every step of the way. No, you haven't forgiven yet.
Yes, you need to forgive. But God is with you and for you, even when
you just aren't there yet. The author did give a few statements about
abusive situations, but given how many abused, deeply broken people
there are, I think it merits more than a few paragraphs about how
forgiveness and justice can co-exist.
What If It's True?
wasn't easy to read. I cried... a lot. I could only handle a chapter
a day, at most. Sometime in the future, I'd like to go back and read
it even more slowly. I loved the prayers he put at the end of almost
every chapter. I cried as I prayed them. They helped me to explore
and pray more thoroughly than I would have been able to on my own.
I
recommend What If It's True? by
Charles Martin to Christians seeking to deepen their relationship
with God and find greater spiritual freedom. If you've read his
fiction novel, Long Way Gone,
you may remember he ends with an essay about how no one is too far
gone. That particular essay is included in What If
It's True?, but is
actually one of the shorter chapters. So, if you aren't sure if you
want to try What If It's True?, go
back and read that ending essay in Long Way Gone
to get a taste.
What If It's True?
earned a five star rating from me.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy 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
Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of
Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Happy Friday!
First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby
book.
Today I'm sharing the first lines from What If It's True? by Charles Martin:
"He is stumbling now. A trail of blood marks His serpentine path on the narrow street out of the city."
Have you read this book?
What are you reading this weekend?
Have a great weekend! Happy reading!
About the Book:
With the same depth, sensitivity, and emotion that has made his novels beloved to millions, Charles Martin helps us engage the fundamental principles of our faith in new and inspiring ways.
Years ago, Martin cracked open his Bible and began wrestling with a few fundamental questions. He asked, “What if every single word of Scripture is absolutely true and I can trust it? How do I respond? Something in me should change, but what? How?” This book is the result of that exploration.
Writing as our guide, he uses a storyteller’s imagination to illuminate key moments from the Scriptures, primarily from the life and ministry of Jesus. In addition, Martin shares key moments from his own journey as a disciple—and bondservant—of Christ and a mentor to others. The result is a striking exploration of truth that helps us not just think differently, but live differently. Today.
Today I'm sharing a bit about what I've been reading and what I hope to read. In March I finished:
Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews.
Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan.
Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson.
Sweet on You by Becky Wade.
A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh by Carolyn Miller.
Of the five books I read, I'd say Catching the Wind was probably my favorite... perhaps because I didn't expect to like it and was so pleasantly surprised?
In April, I expect to read:
1. The Memory House by Rachel Hauck. - I'm currently reading and loving this novel. It's been a long time since I read anything by Rachel Hauck and it makes me want to revisit some of her prior novels.
2. The Edge of Mercy by Heidi Chiavaroli. - My first novel by this acclaimed author!
3. True to You by Becky Wade - I read this years ago, but the local book club I attend chose it as our April selection, so I'll be revisiting Nora and John's love story.
4. Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton - I read The Wood's Edge in February have been awaiting the chance to return to the series, but I'm not sure if it will happen this month or not.
5. What If It's True? by Charles Martin - Not quite sure what to expect with this one, but I'm a fan of his fiction, so I'll give it a try.
Not too long ago, I reviewed What If It's True? by Charles Martin. You can read my review here.
