Sinners, Saints and the Furious Love of God

Have you ever thought you aren't good enough for Christ? Ever thought you have to improve yourself before He'll accept you? David Leo Schultz shows us that this is simply not true. God loves us deeply, furiously, and He wants to know us. He wants us to know Him. Written in journal style, this book takes you on a journey with a man who's lived, who's dealt with hard things, and who's seeing the furious, passionate love of God more each day. He wants others to know that love, too, so he shares it with us through his words.

It's not churchy, it's not glossy, but it's real. It's deep. It's true. If you've been put off by some smooth-talking preacher who just comes off as fake, read this. If you've been hurt by a church rejecting you because you're divorced, or struggle with addiction, or don't wear the “right” clothes, read this book. It's balm for my soul. What a marvelous reminder that the God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, loves me and pursues me, messes, bumps, bruises, and all. Read it, and see that you don't have to be perfect to be loved by God. He wants to know us just the way we are.

(I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.)

I'm not sure I've ever read a work of Christian nonfiction as honest and raw as “Sinners, Saints, and the Furious Love of God.” I've read a bunch that are more polished; a few that are funnier; several that are destined to be more popular in churchy circles. But I don't think I've ever read a book by a Christian author who has chosen to lay himself bare in quite the same way as David Leo Schultz (yes, he uses all three names).

This is a not a book that will be remembered for its lovely prose, or its gracious technical skill. (Not a secret - the author discloses early on that punctuation rules are not particularly a concern.) Editing might have made it more presentable, but it also would have erased much of what is the soul of this book - the message that practically vibrates throughout every page - we are loved furiously, recklessly, unconditionally, by the God who made us all.

Schultz takes his readers on a road trip of sorts, over back roads and past all-night diners, through the highs and lows of a life marked by some success and more struggle, inviting his reader into a conversation that feels uniquely intimate. His honesty is refreshing, and sometimes almost uncomfortable, but it's that honesty that makes his reader trust him. This is not an author out to impress, or to make his own words leave a lasting impression - his message is the only goal, and that message of love is for everyone. Literally everyone.

This is a book to be read, and re-read, and then read again. It won't be the most popular book I read this year, or the best selling, but it might be the most important. Highly recommended.

(I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion - thank you!)