Death by loveMark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears
256 pages
Published by Re-Lit/Crossway 2008
In death by love Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears attempt to apply the truths of the cross to real life. It draws some material from Mark’s Christ on the cross sermon series. Each chapter is made up of an introduction to a person’s situation, a letter to them outlining how what took place at the cross makes a difference to them, and then answers to some questions that may come up about the chapters material. This approach of applying the various aspects of the cross to different situations is a really good one because some books on the topic can sometimes seem worthy but a bit detached from real life. The book would be especially helpful if you are counseling someone going through difficult times. Especially helpful is that the book includes letters addressing both Christians and non-Christians.
I do have a few concerns. Some of the situations addressed in this book are horrendous- rape, child abuse ect. Because of this it is sometimes not an easy read. It also means it is one I would hesitate to give to a younger reader. I’m also not quite sure what to make of the chapter of unlimited-limited atonement- Mark’s take on the predestination issue.
Overall, a good but sometimes quite heavy book that I would recommend to mature readers.
