danielredbeard’s weblog

So I finished “Jesus for President” earlier in the week, and I have to say that it left me with two distinct impressions.

First is that there is a lot more substance to the faith of Christianity than I had ever known. Even after attending and graduating from a Christian college where I earned my B.A. in graphic design, and even after spending two weeks in a study tour of the entire country of Israel, I still did not know much of the historical nuance and context of Jesus’ teachings.

I do not blame this totally on education. I accept 90% or so of the blame because I probably heard the facts, but was either too bored or simply forgot. Regardless, “Jesus for President” is if nothing else a great history book that all in this faith should read.

This first impression is the final diagnosis that my devotion and identity in many things not Christ are in need of swift death. This includes, and is not limited to: American, conservative, business owner, graphic designer, capitalist, and GenX’er. These things are sub-masters that cannot co-exist with conversion. And “conversion” is precisely the word I needed to understand. It’s not enough to simply be a follower or believer; conversion is the goal.

Second impression is one of criticism for Shane and Chris, the authors of this book. Not “criticism” in the condescending tonal way, but in the pure form of the word.

My criticism is that between the covers of this great book are a lot of segments and commentary on the very dreary areas of suburban consumerism. It’s not that I disagree with the calling to a change, but it’s quite hard to take it seriously when it comes from two guys who have not lived in that context.

If you have, you didn’t mention or draw from it in the book; didn’t explain your journey from mini-van to bio-diesel bus. This is very important because as readers like me finish the book and begin to absorb it’s pages in the days/weeks afterward, some of the bigger points immediately become legitimately questionable.

I’ll listen to someone with a story of having been in a place, and had a journey out of it, giving their insights all along the way. I have a hard time reading a brochure about a place written by someone who has never been there.

Finally, I’d like to note that this book caused me to once again realize where Presidental elections fall in terms of true importance; that these people we elect are nothing more than little ceasars. They are important – just not as important as I sometimes think they are.