ashleyspilk's review
1.0
The first words I uttered upon finishing this book were, "Thank goodness." Not that it was written and offered a fresh viewpoint on a believer's role in the world, but that is was over. I've read other books by McLaren and have appreciated his depth of theological knowledge and his insight into the current cultural war over authentic religion, however this book was painful.
1) Style- The writing oscillates between a collection of well-researched statistics lined up to prove a point and the last paragraph of a resounding sermon complete with layer upon layer of parallel sentences. McLaren does not synthesize the mountains of statistics included to illustrate his arguments in a way that allows the reader to walk away with usable knowledge. He then beats the point to a bloody pulp. Along the way, he invents a variety a mildly annoying terms that make reading more confusing and less enjoyable.
2) Topic- What possessed this author to undertake ALL global crises as a plausible book topic? Entire narratives have been written by experts in each separate field (economics, politics, environment, religion) with only moderate success and yet he believes he can write a digestible tome encompassing ALL of them? For shame. This smacks of arrogance and pride, and is as successful as the blind leading the blind. His main message: the world is screwed up and does not function as God intended. Duh.
There are certainly true statements in Everything Must Change (that being one of them), but overall this was a highly unsatisfying read with little to no functional advice beyond the currently vogue methods of social justice and green living.
1) Style- The writing oscillates between a collection of well-researched statistics lined up to prove a point and the last paragraph of a resounding sermon complete with layer upon layer of parallel sentences. McLaren does not synthesize the mountains of statistics included to illustrate his arguments in a way that allows the reader to walk away with usable knowledge. He then beats the point to a bloody pulp. Along the way, he invents a variety a mildly annoying terms that make reading more confusing and less enjoyable.
2) Topic- What possessed this author to undertake ALL global crises as a plausible book topic? Entire narratives have been written by experts in each separate field (economics, politics, environment, religion) with only moderate success and yet he believes he can write a digestible tome encompassing ALL of them? For shame. This smacks of arrogance and pride, and is as successful as the blind leading the blind. His main message: the world is screwed up and does not function as God intended. Duh.
There are certainly true statements in Everything Must Change (that being one of them), but overall this was a highly unsatisfying read with little to no functional advice beyond the currently vogue methods of social justice and green living.
mchoneyb's review
3.0
This book was great, but it took me a while to read, because there is so much to think about in each chapter, I had to take time to let each one sink in. A very hopeful book that clearly communicates how a new world can be possible.... I'd recommend it to anyone, but you have to be ready for a pretty deep read!
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