Christian Book Notes

Kraus, Harry L., Jr.  Domesticated Jesus.  Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2010.  208 pp.  $11.99.  Purchase at Westminster for $9.87.

Introduction

It has been a while, but I have reviewed two of Dr. Kraus’s other works of non-fiction back in 2008.  The first book I reviewed was The Cure:  The Divine Rx for the Body of Christ-Life-Changing Love.  The second book was Breathing Grace: What you Need More than your Next Breath. In both instances, I was thoroughly pleased with what Dr. Kraus wrote. As you shall read shortly, I was once again please though convicted while reading Domesticated Jesus.  You can read more about Dr. Harry Kraus’ work at his website.

Summary

The title of this book, Domesticated Jesus sounds horrible at first glance. But, that is the reason for the title–it is horrible. Think of what it means to domesticate something. We usually talk about the domestication of animals not humans. Over the course of 17 chapters, Harry Kraus shows how we all domesticate Jesus at one point or another. From domesticating Jesus by our own immature faith to doing so by underestimating the power of the gospel, we find that we are too prone to doing the worst thing to the Creator and Savior of the World.

Check out the video for the book:

Review

Every now and then, I get a book to review that I, at first glance, I really do not look forward to reading. Once I did start reading it, I found that I did not want to read it. For I began to see myself at some point in every chapter. Harry does a masterful job of diagnosing the problem and then showing the cure for what is ailing you.

He uses the ABC’s that surgeons use (airway, breathing, and circulation) though he modifies them to teach us how to get out of Gospel Debt. His, and consequently yours, too, ABC’s are acknowledging our need, believing the gospel, and communion with God. Using these ABC’s will effectively equip the child of God to look to Christ…not a domesticated Christ; rather, the Jesus Christ of the Bible.

Recommendation

As I have done with all of Harry’s other books, I do recommend Domesticated Jesus to you. Any book that will anger you and offer you hope at the same time over and over, is definitely worth reading.  While I have not read any of Dr. Kraus’ fiction, I have read all three of his works of non-fiction and have been blessed in so doing each time.