Max on Life - Book Review

I've never read a Max Lucado book. I take that back. I think I read He Chose the Nails a long time ago, but I honestly can't remember. So Max on Life is either the second or first Max Lucado book that I've read. And I really enjoyed it.

A few weeks ago I reviewed a book that was filled with faith-based questions, and that book had left me lukewarm. Max on Life is similar to that book in that there are questions about faith, Jesus, and Christianity, but they are answered by Max Lucado, and the questions are a little more relevant.

The book is divided into sections: Hope, Hurt, Help, Him/Her, Home, Haves/Have-Nots, and Hereafter. The questions in each section are based on actual questions that people have asked Max Lucado during his time traveling for his books and speaking around the world. Lucado decided to compile the answers to all these questions into one book.

There was a lot that I liked about this book (and still some things that I don't like, but I'm a more liberal Christian than Lucado), such as what he has to say about how Christians should treat women who have abortions:

And in all situations we must extend mercy. Many women who choose abortions are lost, scared, humiliated, guilt ridden, angry at themselves, alone. In some cases they were raped or violated. They don't need more condemnation, just clarification and compassion.

Look for ways to be a source of kindness. God is in the business of turning our mistakes into moments of grace. (p.62)

I can't stress enough how some Christians are so quick to condemn others when that is not at all how Jesus acted or wanted his followers to act. And though I don't agree with all of what Lucado has to say about Christians and gay people, I do agree with this:

Were Jesus to come face-to-face with a homosexual, what would he say? What would he do? Though the New Testament contains no such conversation, we do know how he would act.

He would express his love. As he did with Zacchaeus, he might go to his home. As with the Samaritan woman, he might sit with her in the shade of a well. As he did with Matthew, Jesus might offer a personal invitation. The exact words he would use, we don't know. But of their sentiment, we have no doubt. Jesus loves his gay children. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. This includes homosexuality. He made them, came for them, and died for them. And he would tell them so. (p.132)

There are also less controversial topics about worrying, praying, finances in marriage, and what we do in Heaven. If you have a question, chances are Lucado answers it in this book. And you'll want to read his answers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”