Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God Reviews

• A Paradigm-Shaking Book

  
  By AEYEAH3C78BBZ on 2008-04-28
  There are many voices critiquing the North American church today. The voices come from both within and without; from those who love the church and those who hate it. We all know that there is something wrong. But what? In many cases the prescription is the same while the cure varies widely. In his new book Crazy Love, first-time author Francis Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California, regular speaker at Passion conferences and other events, and the guy who recorded that "Just Stop and Think" evangelistic video where he walks for miles holding a surfboard, takes his opportunity to challenge the church. "This book," he says, "is written for those who want more Jesus. It is for those who are bored with what American Christianity offers. It is for those who don't want to plateau, who would rather die before their convictions do." It is a book that is meant to change the way Christians live their lives.
  
  There are two ways of critiquing the church. We can critique out of love or out of disgust. Chan is committed to critiquing the church as an act of love. In a recent interview, when asked about the emergent church, he said this: "As a pastor I hear a lot of emergent leaders talk about what is wrong with the church. It comes across as someone who doesn't love the church. I'm a pastor first and foremost, and I'm trying to offer a solution or a model of what church should look like. I'm going back to scripture and seeing what the church was in its simplest form and trying to recreate that in my own church. I'm not coming up with anything new. I'm calling people to go back to the way it was. I'm not bashing the church. I'm loving it." And his love for the church is obvious throughout this book.
  
  The format of Crazy Love is straightforward and effective. Chan dedicates three chapters to renewing our understanding of the character of God and seven chapters calling Christians to examine themselves. Within the book are two ongoing themes that are going to get people talking.
  
  The first theme is that we must painstakingly examine ourselves. We cannot assume we are saved, or to use the biblical metaphor, we cannot assume that we are the good soil. Chan calls the reader to a serious self-inventory through a chapter that provides a profile of the lukewarm. He concludes, "a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron; there's no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are `lukewarm' are not Christians. We will not see them in heaven." God wants all or nothing.
  
  The second theme is deeply counter-cultural, going against the stream of both Christian and secular culture. It is this: live your best life later. Chan wants to see Christians living differently--living in a way that is markedly different from those around them. He wants to see Christians forgoing much of what we consider necessary, what we consider our due, in order to focus on treasures that are eternal. He wants us to get outside the realm of what is comfortable to us and focus instead on radical obedience. "God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through."
  
  These two themes and a focus on the Scriptures serve to create a powerful and deeply challenging book. There is a very obvious commitment here to teach Scriptural principles from the Scriptures and to invite the reader to verify what he is writing from those same Scriptures. Not surprisingly, the book's weakest chapter is the one that depends least on the Bible. It is a chapter providing examples of men and women who have made radical choices to live radically different. At least a couple of examples are of people who are probably not the best examples overall because as they've jettisoned their old lives, they've also jettisoned too much good theology.
  
  That small critique aside, I found that this is a paradigm-shaking book with a message that Christians desperately need to hear. Too many of us are living too safely and too easily. But for the brief moments we spend at church each week, we are practically indistinguishable from the unbelievers around us. This is not the way it is meant to be. The church could use a loving exhortation and Chan delivers well.
  
  

• READ THIS BOOK!

  
  By A1HOLJW15Q5S5V on 2008-07-01
  If you can read just one book this year, let Crazy Love be the one book.
  
  It's that good. It's beautiful, hard-hitting, easy to read, convicting, life-transforming.
  
  Remember a time when you had fallen in love? How everything in your life seemed to change? You did some crazy stuff. THAT'S exactly how our lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.
  
  Here is a summary of each chapter of the book, to give you a preview. I'll say it again, READ THIS BOOK!
  
  Preface
  This book is to convince you that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.
  
  Chapter One
  Our problem isn't working harder, but realizing who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is, and falling in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.
  
  Chapter Two
  On the average day, we live caught up in ourselves. It's crazy that we think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do you live with the fact that perhaps today you will die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.
  
  Chapter Three
  The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. God's one goal for us is Himself. Do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?
  
  Chapter Four
  Remember the parable of the soils. DO NOT ASSUME YOU ARE GOOD SOIL. Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them. A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sins, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.
  
  Chapter Five
  Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing. We can not give him leftovers, we cannot give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk.
  
  Chapter Six
  To change our hearts, what we value, what we risk, how we act, we don't need more guilt or more rules, we just need to be in love with God. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.
  
  Chapter Seven
  Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.
  God wants us to trust Him with abandon. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come true.
  
  Chapter Eight
  People who are obsessed with Jesus care more about the Kingdom than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress, live lives that connect them with the poor, will do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth, will seek humility, take joy in loving people, will be known as givers, not takers, will orient their lives around eternity, and will be characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God.
  
  Chapter Nine
  There are people who really do live with a crazy love for Jesus, and if you look at their lives, it will eliminate every excuse for not living a radical, love-motivated life for Him.
  
  Chapter Ten
  How you live your days becomes how you have lived your life.
  Love. Risk. Listen to the Spirit. Be committed to live each day as if it is your last before you meet Jesus.
  
  

• Lifechanging

  
  By A1JXN7ITMZ3YL9 on 2008-05-21
  Having read reviews of this book, I thought I was prepared. But Chan's application of scriptures regarding caring for the poor, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and being Jesus' hands and feet in this world shook my thinking. He urges his readers to stop and think, worship, apply. I am asking myself, what is God calling me to do with what I've learned? Be prepared to ask yourself the same.
  
  

• easily the most eye-opening book i've ever read.

  
  By A1ESJABFTRAV0K on 2008-05-12
  Think the Christian life is boring and easy, think again. This book will use scripture to drain the water out of American Christianity and bring it back to the New Testament Faith of the Scriptures. Francis Chan is a rare breed today of those who are well known yet well grounded in scripture. This book isn't at all about Chan, but about God and his "crazy love" for us. Grab this book and shake your perspective. Challenge yourself and as I am, buy many more books for your friends. I went to Ghana this past summer to mission work, dare I say, this book challenged me at the same level.
  
  

• Speaks the truth in love

  
  By A1HW9WCZGT08AN on 2008-05-08
  If you claim to be a Christian you MUST read this book. Francis speaks the truth in love. There are many nice books out there that do not speak the truth and there are many that speak the truth, but in a negative almost hate filled way. What is the truth? This book is based on the Bible and is the most comprehensive reference I have seem in a modern book. It is almost a catechism. BUY IT NOW. BUY 10 copies to give to your friends so you will not have to come back in a separate order like I am now doing.
  
  
• What if We Took Jesus Seriously?
  By A327BWDKAU99MM on 2008-06-09
  This is a convicting book that attempts to answer the question, "What if we took Jesus and what He said seriously?" Chan answers that most of us would live in a radically different way than our present lifestyle. He is careful not to prescribe in definite terms how our obedience to Jesus must look, but he is also unwilling to let readers off the hook, urging readers repeatedly to examine their own lives and see if they are more conformed to the American Dream or to the Gospel.
  
  My favorite chapter is called, "Your Best Life . . . Later." This chapter, both in its title and its content, is an obvious challenge to the health, wealth and prosperity gospel so common among TV preachers and in the lives of many Christians.
  
  This book is well worth your time.
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A2VL5R368IL5Q9 on 2008-07-19
  Francis Chan wants more Jesus! It's easy to believe in Christ, it's more challenging to live a life for Christ. Great read for Christian brothers and sisters!
  
  
• Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
  By A3U932DYI6W3DV on 2008-06-03
  This book will cause an amazing refocus of one's purpose in life and it gives true revelation and enlightenment on just how very much our Mighty God loves us. Your heart will want to only glorify our King of Kings after you read this book.
  
  
• Buy a new highlighter with this book!
  By AZRSVZZZ9OFA4 on 2008-06-18
  If you are an "underliner," be prepared to use some ink! Often I had to tell myself that I couldn't underline everything on a particular page -How crazy is that? More than just a well written book about an important subject...walking fervantly in the passion of God's crazy love for us... Francis takes time to encourage you to truly ponder the truth he hands you in each chapter until it transforms you. Many times I felt the book too hot to hold as I examined my own heart and life in the light of the Glorious Gospel he so clearly articulates. In the forward of this book Chris Tomlin writes, "Francis leaves you wanting more of Jesus" ... and that was definitely the case with me!
  
  
• It is a LOVE/HATE thing...
  By A27WV7KII17OY9 on 2008-08-29
  I use the words LOVE/HATE because that is what this book was for me. I loved what Francis had to say WHILE AT THE SAME TIME hating it because it was dead on to many things I had been convicted about.
  
  We need more books like this that are not set out to specifically BLAME THE CHURCH for the message it portrays and bring to light that WE are the church and the change comes from bringing the Kingdom through the way we live our lives in reflection of Jesus Christ.
  
  My two cents, at least!
  
  
• Here goes nothing...
  By AZAI6BJYWWNTB on 2008-12-10
  I am well aware that this is the first review that will not earn 5 stars. This is not because I hate the author nor do I feel that I am better in any way. But this book thoroughly disappointed me. I had originally thought this book would speak much on God's love and deal with His person. I was wrong. The focus of this book was on works.
  
  This book talked about "lukewarm Christians" and then declares that they are not Christians. I found no problem with this statement, however, Francis then proceeded to talk about works. He did not teach Christ and Him crucified. I am afraid that anyone who was not a truly regenerate Christian when they read this book will understand in error that salvation is by works. I do not believe that Francis Chan purposely taught this but it seems implied all through the book.
  
  I would not recommend this book because it does not deal with God's grace. If you want a book a book that will transform your life I would recommend Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love by Jerry Bridges. I would also recommend Knowing God by J.I. Packer. This book is an excellent read for those who want to know God. This book also perfectly declares what Francis Chan was trying to say. He does this by discussing Jesus becoming poor for our sake and dealing with God's being.
  
  
  
• CRAZY MAKES SENSE
  By A2MBGWTD6ZQXHM on 2008-06-07
  This is from brand new Author, Francis Chan. He walks the talk. He lives this book. And amazingly, the Crazy Love of God starts to make sense once one fully embraces it...starting to become crazy oneself. Thanks for the kick in the pants Francis!
  
  
• What is the Point (Crazy Love)
  By A22B06F6LG5WVE on 2008-06-11
  My 11-year-old nephew asked me recently, "What's the point? I mean... I think there is a God, but what is the point ?" The question was so sincere, innocent, and simple that I had to respond "Good question..."
  
  Like my nephew, I think there are others who are asking real questions about their faith-- both outside and inside the church.
  
  If you call yourself a follower of Jesus--read the book and be prepared to do something.
  
  If you are just checking out Christianity--read the book and be prepared to meet someone.
  
  The point is there is a "Relentless God" that has "Crazy Love" for his kids.
  
  Bottom Line: Read the book. It's worth the $13.99 (+shipping).
  
  
  
• Definitely worth reading, Francis Chan is a guy you're going to want to listen to and learn from every chance you get
  By A1JJGOFWU48R5U on 2008-07-14
  Francis Chan is a thinker, a dreamer and pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. A frequent speaker at Passion Events, he's a dynamic communicator committed to making the love of Jesus come alive in people's hearts. In his writing debut, CRAZY LOVE, Chan challenges readers to fall in love with God in a way that is truly transforming.
  
  Written for those who want more of God yet are frustrated with organized religion, Chan manages to avoid the pitfall of making pot shots at the church. Instead, he challenges followers of God to take risks in their spiritual journeys and consider their understanding of God. At its crux, Chan believes the issue of lukewarmness among Christians is because we have an inaccurate view of God. When we understand God for who He is --- in all of His majesty, holiness, beauty and honor --- then it will naturally transform the way we live and respond to those around us.
  
  On a very practical level, Chan asks what it looks like to be overwhelmed by God. How does passionately pursuing a relationship with God affect and infect us? For instance, he asks what it would look like to do more than just tithe? What does it look like to give God our best rather than just the leftovers? These aren't just challenges that Chan sets out --- they're ones he's trying to live out in his own life and church. Cornerstone Church began 13 years ago and originally gave about four percent of its budget away. Today, the church is committed to giving away 50 percent of their budget under the belief that when Jesus instructed us to love your neighbor as yourself, he wasn't kidding.
  
  More recently, the church considered a building program that would have cost millions of dollars. Instead of moving forward with the plans, the church has decided to build an outdoor amphitheater that will save the church about $20 million and enable them to give away more. That kind of simple yet radical thinking underlines the book.
  
  In one of his most focused chapters, Chan takes a look at the "Profile of the Lukewarm." He examines what it means to be lukewarm in a direct way. He writes:
  
  "Lukewarm people don't really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. They don't genuinely hate sin and aren't truly sorry for it; they're merely sorry that God is going to punish them. Lukewarm people don't really believe that this new life Jesus offers is better than the old sinful one."
  
  The words sting in the best possible way.
  
  Chan isn't shy about challenging readers to become all they can for God. While the writing throughout the book is simple and clear, his dynamic communication style does not translate fully to print. The layout and, at times, random placement of stories and text without transitions or fully unpacking the ideas is a sign that Chan has much more to offer. Hopefully, his ghostwriter and editor will pull the very best out of Chan on his next writing project, because this amazing communicator has it in him and needs to be heard.
  
  CRAZY LOVE is definitely worth reading, and Francis Chan is a guy you're going to want to listen to and learn from every chance you get.
  
  --- Reviewed by Margaret Oines
  
  
  
  
• CRAZY LOVE by Francis Chan
  By A11ELYNHTPP683 on 2008-08-02
  I would highly reccommend this book to any person who calls themself a Christian. Francis Chan is a vessel in the hands of God's Spirit. This book has opened my eyes to the luke-warmness that exists around me, and most importantly..IN ME! Don't be stuck seeping in bland, luke warm Christianity.. let the passion that is infused in this book, ignight in YOU a renewed passion for loving God and loving others!! READ THIS BOOK!
  
  
• wow....
  By A18IA005SE6FHF on 2008-08-04
  I'm still in awe of the way this guy communicates. I'm having to go back and relisten to parts of it as it is just way too much to take in. Very Humbling... in ways I wasn't expecting and yet gracious and not critical. I love this about Frances... he is truly amazing. There are a few doctrinal points that we diverge on but for the most part I'm right there with him.
  
  
• Crazy Love
  By A38Q1TIYEPL0SF on 2008-09-02
  Very inspirational. Makes you realize that we are not giving all that we can to God,who loves us more than anything we can comprehend.
  
  
• Checks your heart
  By A1NMNJ0PJDTUWI on 2008-06-13
  If you think you're genuinely deeply converted and that you're right with God, this books serves as a tool to really check your heart and see if you're living up to all God has called you to be. Its a great book and a serious reality check.
  
  
• Great book. Great Christian insights.
  By AP6LVJ5LIYSJ0 on 2008-06-14
  Crazy Love is a very honestly written book from a pastor who has struggled to find true relevance throughout his relationships with his family, friends, congregation and those he ministers. This book struck me as a resource any Christian believer or pastor could use to re-calibrate their efforts and faith.
  
  
• Wow
  By A2VMDL2VXZG96M on 2008-06-17
  I was incredibley impressed by this book. It helped me to understand myself and God so much better. A must read for any Christian.
  
  
• Defines love
  By A1XVLO3WA5UZPU on 2008-06-18
  Chan sums up in this book the true definition of love. This book is written for all of humanity seeking true love.
  
  
• Crazy about "Crazy Love"
  By A2XS35LVQGEJMT on 2008-07-23
  A challenging and insightful look at our relationship with the Creator of the universe. Helps us see the difference between a religious list of do's and don'ts and a passionate love affair with God through Jesus Christ. As the quip on the back of the book says, "Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everthing."
  
  
• Are You Ready to be Challenged?
  By A2E4R7YISIM4QM on 2008-08-22
  Don't read this book if you find yourself satisfied with comfortably floating along through life - believing that your faith and relationship with God is in a semi-decent place. God, Francis Chan argues, will have none of it and, ultimately, deserves far more.
  
  The whole idea of loving God sure doesn't seem like an original topic, but there's something about this book that is remarkably fresh and challenging. Chan doesn't mince words, if Christians truly love God then that love will dominate and influence all that we do. As if to address the inevitable questions forming in the mind of the reader, Chan devotes a whole chapter to ordinary people who are (or who have) powerfully lived out a life of "Crazy Love."
  
  This is an important book for Christians today. So often our mindset is focused on the bare minimum - what can we do to just get by with the least amount of effort? If you read this book (and you should!) be ready to ditch that mindset.
  
  
• Overwhelmed by this book, and this Wonderful God!
  By A1SSKKJ49KWUEL on 2008-10-21
  I want to thank Frances for a wonderful book that left me "overwhelmed." I know he would only want the attention from this book to go to the Allmighty God that he serves.
  This book will really challenge your faith and your true love for God. He really shows us that we "christians" should take Jesus' words so serious that transformation from this "lukewarm" lifestyle to this obsessive walk of Love with Christ must take place here on earth.
  I told my wife that I was "shaken" and rattled a bit after reading a couple of the chapters.
  This book will force you to examine your heart, your faith, and your walk with Jesus. Are you ready to give up "everything" you have to follow Christ? Is your love for Him the type of Love that is so strong that you would actually sacrifice your own "Isaac?" What road are you on? The wide one or the narrow one?
  Frances gives so much insight to true Kingdom realities and most importantly explains that if you are left feeling like you don't measure up, you can change by simply asking God through His Holly Spirit for that genuine relationship with God and to see God for who He truely is. I think this is what Frances did, and it shows. If you are ready to "step up" READ this book!
  
  
• Lukewarm Christians beware!
  By AXPK56BXBO6LZ on 2008-11-04
  If you don't like having your toes stepped on, you might want to wear steel toed boots while reading this book. In Crazy Love, Francis Chan calls the 21st Century church out of its lazy slumber and exhorts her to make a difference for the kingdom.
  
  He begins by reminding us how small we are compared to the vastness of the Universe. He asks us to stop and think about the God who created the Universe, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us in order to restore our relationship with Him. Yet what is the response to this Crazy Love by so many in today's Church?
  
  Jesus calls it being lukewarm and warns that if we don't change, He will vomit us out of His mouth.
  
  After grabbing us with that graphic and arresting image, Chan makes several practical, yet radical, suggestions about how we can be effective ministers for Christ in our culture and communities, turning Christ's Crazy Love for us into a Crazy Love for Him.
  
  If you've been feeling like something is missing in your relationship with God, or need to be awakened out of a slumber, let this book shake you up. As Chris Tomlin says in the Foreword, "Crazy Love may just be the most challenging book outside of God's Word that you will read this year."
  
  
• Best book I've read in a long time
  By A2DBWH4NY1P9FV on 2008-11-19
  This book is phenomenal. It changed my life and continues to each day. Francis presents the truth of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He invites us to the challenge and reality that we're called to give everything up if Jesus asks for it. He reminds us that obedience is the key to genuine discipleship.
  
  Lots of Scripture, great illustrations...this book will keep you on your toes and give you a fresh perspective that all of us that call ourselves Christians need. He invites us to a life that is radically different to the average American, but the question still stands...how will you respond?
  
  
• This book has the potential to be a landmark in American Christianity
  By ADX4GY9DO0YUF on 2008-08-05
  I saw Francis Chan speak at the National Worship Leader's conference last year in Austin, TX and was blown away by his passion and guts. He obviously believed what he was telling us, that God never called us to be comfortable and successful, he called us to follow him faithfully. Period! I also downloaded his message from the Passion '07 conference. Also unreal, and life changing.
  
  When I saw this book available, I bought it immediately. I have read it, watched the chapter videos, relistened to both messages I already had of his, and it is changing me radically.
  
  I thought I was already a pretty sold-out Christ follower, but this book really does make you reflect. Am I really obsessed with God? Do I truly think about what God thinks is important? Am I caught up in the American dream?
  
  Beware of reading this book if you don't want to be challenged in your faith. If you are not a Christian and want to hear some real and enlightening thoughts on the state of the American Christian church as opposed to the instructions given by Jesus, this book is a good one for you as well. This is NOT a feel good book. There are plenty of those around. (cough..Joel Osteen...cough)
  
  I put this right along recent classics like "A Generous Orthodoxy" by Brian McLaren, "The Spirit of the Disciplines" by Dallas Willard.
  
  
• I Love Love . . . .and I love Crazy Love Even More
  By A1S7CN69N4AVTL on 2008-08-11
  Not very often do I LOVE a book enough to actually take the time to write a review, but this book was so amazing I just had to. I don't want to praise Francis Chan one bit because I KNOW that he would NOT want to receive the praises. I praise the God Almighty for the work He is doing through Francis. This book is amazing and challenging and not intended for those who like to be comfortable.
  
  Let's get radical and love like CRAZY!!!
  
  
• I just love the way God loves me.
  By A36BQK8R7363RO on 2008-09-10
  Francis Chan chases God's heart and desires His life in Francis.I just loved this book.It brought me to a point in my life that I had to ask "Do I really love God or am I just existing here on planet earth"? I looked at my own eternal resting place and I NEVER want to be anywhere else that God isn't there.Like Hell for instance.....
  
  
• Great Buy
  By A2GJCIQHN1J3AS on 2008-10-24
  My book arrived in great condition within only 3 days after I purchased it. It was a great buy.
  
  

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