Book Review: Bold As Love

Seeing others (and particularly others who don't necessarily share our faith) the way that God sees them is quite the challenge. It's also the subject of the latest book that I've read for review, Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.

Roberts shares his personal experiences with people of different faiths and the relationships that he formed with them. I was encouraged that he approached these relationships with a desire to show love toward them and not to try to convert them from their faith. I was particularly interested to read about a multi-faith weekend that he helped orchestrate, in which evangelical Christians, Jews and Muslims came together to worship at a church, a synagogue and a mosque. I appreciated their open and honest sharing and the way that they respected each other's beliefs without compromising their own.

I think that this book serves as a challenge for today's church to look beyond its own four walls and seek ways to form loving, real friendships with people of all (or no) faiths. It seems like we tend to either approach people from outside of our own religious makeup with a head-on determination to convert them to our beliefs or we shy away from interacting with them at all, out of fear of rejection or offending the other person. It's not about having all the answers--because, let's face it, who does? Instead the important thing is demonstrating love to everyone that we encounter, whether they agree with us or not.

If you're looking for a challenge to get out of your comfort zone and start seeing others from God's perspective, you may find this book to give you that kick in the pants that you need to get started.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Handlebar 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.”