[.ca] Why Good People Do Bad Things (ISBN 0849916674)

The Truth=The Increasingly Bearable Lightness of Being:
Pastor Lutzer has written a masterpiece on what it takes to be a true Christian. Often throughout the chapters, Lutzer refers to the opposing directions we must choose between: either continue to live in sin and thus enter further into darkness and despair or opt to change course and enter God's light and discover His very best. Throughout the book, Lutzer does not offer senseless pop psychology frills. He instead gives accounts of what some have had to go through in order to repent of their past mistakes; among these testimonies are recollections of the peace that many reformed Christians are now experiencing, thanks to their ability to trust God enough to admit to others the ugly truths about their pasts and present situations and ,in result, come into the light. Lutzer points out the consequences of our choices. He says that if you want to experience the joy of being a Christian, you may have to admit some very painful truths that you are ashamed of. He goes on to express that if for the sake of God telling the truth or just being honest is squeamish, it is not going to be so painful in the long run in comparison to what we will otherwise endure.

One of the best books in a long time:
I've not only read the book, but I was part of the worshipping congregation at Moody Memorial Church in Chicago when this sermon series was preached in the Fall of 2000. Pastor Lutzer is at his all-time best when he is preaching God's Word, and addressing the "issues" of humanity. That is what happens in "Why Good People Do Bad Things." Probably my favorite chapters are "Hearing Your Father's Voice" and "The Roots of Rage." Profoundly simple, but very much directly-to-the-point, Pastor Erwin W. Lutzer pulls no "punches" and doesn't offer any simple fly-by-night solutions. What he does accomplish is an examination of many of today's ills among believers from a biblical perspective. That, in itself, is a refreshing change from the postmodern christianity that is plaguing so many Protestant congregations these days.