An ECPA bestseller! See the Bible come to life before your eyes, as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin uses his storyteller imagination to present the Bible as a novel, to help you engage with your faith in new ways. Years ago, 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 … 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.
In What If It’s True? he brings key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus to life through his descriptive, novelistic words. 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 an exploration of truth that helps us not just think differently, but live differently. Today.
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Lots to think about and chew on in this book. Some really powerful prayers. As in his fiction, Charles Martin writes with depth and emotion, and this book challenged and encouraged me in a number of ways.
This is not one of the author’s typical fiction books. And, thus, did not pack the emotional punch.
I would recommend that you read the book more like a book of devotions…reading one chapter at a time.
One warning to potential readers is that Charles Martin presents the bible stories as he imagines they did/could have happened. He’s upfront about this early in the book, but I imagine a lot of Christians will be offended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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 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.”
In a recent discussion with “book friends/family” we all agreed one does not just read Charles Martin’s books, one experiences them. I wondered if his nonfiction would be the same. I am humbled and inspired after “experiencing” What If It’s True? Absolutely awesome. If I had the resources I would share a copy with everyone I know…it’s that life-changing! Bless you, Charles Martin, for sharing the deep things.
From my favorite Christian author, Charles Martin. My first time to read a non-fiction book by CM. A very with a positive uplifting theme.
This is a “Must Read” book. Charles Martin has wrote a book that will speak to your heart about Jesus. He tells you in the front of the book, to read this book with your bible and notebook beside you Compare what he is saying to what the bible says. This is a book that I will buy in hardcopy and re-read often. I have never read any of his other books, but this one is outstanding! Thank you Thomas Nelson via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion. This is an awesome book!