Book Review: Lord, Save Us From Your Followers

I just finished Dan Merchant's book "Lord, Save Us From Your Followers" The title is actually a bumper sticker that I first heard about from a friend in Portland (That's where Dan's from). The subtitle of the book is a question; "Why is the gospel of love dividing America?"

To be honest, this book is a bit hard to describe. I found it a joy to read. It is easy reading but deals with some very heavy subjects. I found myself laughing at points and deeply moved at others. The point of the book is that people who disagree need to stop talking at each other and start talking with each other. It's a plea for us to connect first on the basis of our common humanity and the reality that God made us all and Jesus died for us ALL. Because followers of Jesus claim to follow Jesus there is a greater responsibility on us to love others as Jesus loves. However, we often fail miserably and seem all too comfortable shouting obnoxious, unloving, one way messages on our car bumpers (things like "God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve).

It is the only book I have ever read that goes to all sides of an issue and asks them where they are coming from. He interviews people in the street, Tony Campolo, Al Franken, Michael Reagan, Sister Mary Timothy, Ron Luce and others. If you are not familiar with the names, trust me they represent the continum from liberal to conservative to transvestite nun. In doing so, Merchant models how you can engage in conversation with people you disagree with in love. It is brilliant.

There is even a comic strip right in the middle of the book and a very helpful bumper sticker quiz. I scored in the "step up and take a stand for something" category. I think it's because no matter what I think of the slogans, I will not put a bumper sticker on my car. The closest I come is a subtle white "apple" logo that matches my plain white mini-van.

I highly recommend the book. Chapter 12 "The Confessional Booth" is courageous and worth the book. The best thing about it is how it maintains the balance between solid content and light hearted, don't-take-yourself-too-serious, humor. It helped me look at my own actions and measure them against the Jesus I follow. I have some work to do. Humor works that way. What starts out as a quirky guy in a hazmat suit plastered with bumper stickers turns into a deep and moving exploration of why people who are supposed to love God and neighbors are so stinkin' mean (myself included).