by Michael Card
published in 2009 by Intervarsity Press
Summary: Michael Card, singer and songwriter of hit Christian songs like El Shaddai and Immanuel, is also an accomplished theologian and Biblical scholar. He has attended an African-American church for years and in doing so has observed their practice for referring to Jesus as Master. As he inquired as to why, he discovered that it was a practice that tied back to times of slavery when slaves would call Jesus Master to make it clear that the master they had on earth was not their true master! This exacerbated Michael's interest in slavery: ancient slavery practices, pre-Civil War slavery practices and the reality that there are more slaves in the world today than at anytime given time in history. His study took him to the various sources, but his primary lens was the Bible as he considered what life in Christ means when we view it as a servant/master relationship.
Review: Card is as accomplished in writing as he is in music. The book while covering an emotional topic is presented in an appropriate, stimulating manner. There is scholarship from real sources to support the beliefs he puts forth and there is an authentic wrestling with the Biblical text, especially those he believes are related to slavery in any way. The subject matter and theology presented is deep, but it is presented in a way that makes it accessible to all and while he may not convince you to completely alter the manner in which you live out your Christian walk, he will at least give you pause to think about how we currently live out that walk.
Reading Recommendation: YES, great read, easy read, really provides a new perspective. It is worth your time.
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