Radically Normal by Josh Kelley Review

About the Book:

What if being a radical Christian didn’t have to mean selling everything and becoming a missionary to India? What if it could mean settling down and enjoying your normal, God-given life in extraordinary ways? It’s time to reexamine the Bible, put an end to the guilt, and get on with living the abundant life Jesus promised. Radically Normal: You Don't Have to Live Crazy to Follow Jesus is an invitation to do just that. Along the way it takes a new look at several old challenges:

• How to be a good Christian (and witness) with out being weird
• How to find greatness in your everyday life
• Why spiritual stuff isn’t innately better or holier than earthly stuff.
• How holiness leads to happiness and obedience is meant to increase joy.
• Why selling all your possessions is not necessarily holier than keeping them.
• How enjoying this life is meant to increase your desire for the next.

Read an excerpt.

About the Author:

Hi, my name is Josh. I grew up in western Washington in a loving Christian home. In 1999, I graduated from LIFE Pacific College in San Dimas, CA, with a BA in Biblical Studies and a minor in Biblical Languages. Later I did graduate work in Biblical Studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, Canada and was also an adjunct professor at Pacific Life Bible College in Surrey, Canada for one year. Marilyn and I met at college and got married in 1999. We have two daughters who are the joy of our life. Aside from my family and my God, my two greatest joys are reading a good book and enjoying the all the glories of this world God has made - from sunsets to good food and drink with friends.

Since 2007, I've been the the pastor of The Gathering Christian Church. Prior to that, I was an assistant pastor at His Place Community Church and continue to serve as their “Bible expert.” I'm also on the President of the Board of Directors for our local homeless shelter, The Friendship House.

My Review:

This book reminded me that God has a plan for all of us. Some of us are Disciples, some of us are preachers, and some of us are made to live everyday lives faithfully. By living the way we are chosen we are showing God's love in everyday activities. We each have our own talents that we can use to share God with others. I liked that this book was for everyday people, with every day jobs. Middle class workers are also mentioned. The questions for discussion would be great for Confirmation class or Bible Study. The book is easily read and the tier system was an interesting way to read the author's message. I recommend this book for any one in any job. I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Book Club Network Inc., however all opinions are my own.