Review # 262: Off Target: 18 Bull's-Eye Exposés by John Noe, PhD

Description: (from Amazon)

     This book asks readers to ponder this tough and challenging question: Have we Christians been led astray by our own leaders; dumbed down in our theology by ideas, interpretations, teachings, doctrines of men, and traditions that will not stand up to an honest and sincere test of Scripture; and consequently drawn off target in the practice of our faith? The author, however, is not down on Christianity-just the opposite. He's down on what we have done to it. Inside its 266 pages John Noē, Ph.D., re-explores what really is authentic Christianity versus today's institutionalized and compromised versions that we've come to comfortably know and accept. In so doing, readers will discover that beliefs do have consequences. He maintains that this is why our modern-day versions pale in comparison with vibrancy and effectiveness of the Christianity that was preached, practiced, and perceived in the 1st century and turned that hostile world "upside down" (Acts 17:6 KJV). They also pale in contrast to the faith that brought our forefathers to America to found this country and establish its great institutions-most of which we moderns have given away to the ungodly crowd and without a fight. Bottom line is, we Christians are paying an awful price for our self-inflicted deficiencies. 18 key exposé areas comprise this book's smorgasbord of relevant and significant topics, which have resulted in today's dumbed-down dilemma and substandard versions of the Christians faith.

Review:

     I wholeheartedly agree with John Noe, we have in-fact been lead astray by the "modern" word of God. It seems that some church leaders/ congregants have spun the meaning of scripture to fit their own agendas, changing the context subtly, while others have simply misread or misunderstood what they study. These misuses of scripture have lead people to believe in a whole host of unfounded and destructive ideas - including unnecessary rules and regulations, mistreatment of church-goers (as well as those of other faiths), and even rumors of the apocalypse. There are a plenitude of liturgical volumes available in today's society, each with its own translation of God's word, but that doesn't mean that all of them hold the same meaning within each verse. These are some of the reasons that John Noe decided to "expose" eighteen areas/ ideas that have resulted in the victimization of modern day Christianity. His methods are honest, albeit shocking, but his research-laden analysis is well-penned, easy-to-read/ understand, and very effective in explaining where some religious houses have begun to crumble. Our beliefs do indeed have consequences, and he describes how to take control of your belief system. This is why I think that every Christian (and those of other faiths) should choose a doctrine to study independently in order to make their own conclusions; without thoughts of one's own, it is easy to get lost in a sea of deception and uncertainty. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Off Target, I felt that there were a few topics that went a little overboard (no spoilers), and I wasn't fond of one or two exposés. Other than that, I was quite pleased with my reading experience. Recommended to readers wondering if today's modern version of Christianity is what it should be.
 

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.