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RSSI was really excited to start reading The Hole in Our Gospel as World Vision has always been a company I have respected. Written by their president, Richard Stearns, this book poses a challenge to engaged people into helping others. Though I much agree with what Stearns had to say, the read was not too enjoyable.
To be completely honest, I was just simply bored with The Hole in Our Gospel. Even with the excitement to receive it in the mail, once the pages started to turn my interest was quickly lost. It was a challenge to read this book, and to be quite honest, I didn’t even finish it. There has been a lot of praise for Stearns writings, but personally I just could not keep the momentum going.
On the flip side, it is fascinating to see how God has called Stearns to the ministry he is currently doing. If you want to read a story about someone making a sacrifice to further the Gospel, look no further.
In the end, I would not recommend this book to read for enjoyment. If you are looking to learn more about World Vision, or be encouraged for outward forcused, then give The Hole in Our Gospel a try.
Matt
Jan 12, 2010 @ 15:09:34
So what was the hole?
Mick
Jan 12, 2010 @ 16:29:37
The hole is something we have created. Being ‘rich Americans,’ we have greatly reduced the Gospel to fit our current context. I think there is a major move to go back to Jesus’ teachings on helping the poor and getting away from a commercialized Christianity, but we are not quite there yet. So to answer your question, I would say the hole a reduction of Christianity to a set beliefs, rather than a Gospel that can change the world.
By the way… nice to hear from you, Matt. I’m posting a link to your blog on my site so that you can hopefully be further networked.
TomSev
Jan 12, 2010 @ 21:04:38
Forgive the brevity of my comment, but I sympathize with your situation. I frown on media (especially books, which require a considerable time commitment) that fail to live up to their marketing hype.