Jesus Mean and Wild: The Unexpected Love of an Untamable God (Paperback)
by Mark Galli

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Christianity Today editor Galli explores the less lovable side of the Christian deity, offering a well-written, thoroughly researched look at Jesus. "The warm and friendly Jesus, although an attractive idea, is but an idol," Galli says. He uses 17 passages in the Gospel of Mark to present a Jesus who is much less loving, gentle and patient than many Christians would like to believe. This Jesus can be stern, confrontational, purposefully confusing and even impatient. He sometimes shames and scares us, but loves us enough to draw us inexorably toward him: "For Jesus has come to us, the real Jesus—mean, wild, and pulsing with an unnerving and irresistible love." Although several other recent books, including Mark Buchanan's Your God Is Too Safe and R.T. Kendall's Out of Your Comfort Zone, have also traversed the God-is-dangerous territory, this one contributes much to the discussion; Galli's writing is clear and concise, his logic smooth, his knowledge of early Christian saints helpful, the discussion questions on target and his conclusions inescapable. Readers will come away with a disconcerting new understanding of "Jesus mean and wild." (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description
Many Christians are used to the idea of a meek and mild Jesus, the stereotypical "nice guy." Countering these all too prevalent notions, Mark Galli offers a unique study of seventeen troubling passages from the Gospel of Mark to prove we should be anything but comfortable with Christ. Highlighting the undeniable fact of an untamable and often militant Messiah, Galli gives readers a training manual in spiritual growth to awaken sleeping believers and transform them into devoted disciples. Hinging on the compelling nature of the love of God, he explains how this mean and wild Jesus shows us truer love than our pleasant construct ever could. Striking and bold, always rooted in Scripture, Jesus Mean and Wild will put readers on the road to true discipleship. Now available in trade paper.
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Looks interesting, sounds like it's not "walk on me, I'm a doormat" Christianity.

As long as they find the line that Jesus walked between being stern on sinning but showing love, which is what He is. No sinning with impunity but forgiveness if one is truly repentant. That's what He brought us.

From the back of the book:

God loves you and has a wonderful (struck through) difficult plan for your life.

"Galli reads widely, writes winningly, and expounds Jesus convincingly. Finally a Jesus who was potent enough to cause commotion and even (temporary) chaos."
Scot McKnight, author, The Jesus Creed and Embracing Grace

Well He did say that we would be persecuted for following Him so if our lives don't have some difficulty, I have to wonder how closely we're following Him. Especially in the world today, following Him is contrary to what the world is telling us is right.

It sounds like a good book, Daniel.