Perhaps, the very best book I have read in a long time is Warren Bowles’ Christianity Reconsidered.  As a ‘recovering pastor,’ I can completely relate to Warren’s journey from the pulpit to Truth!

In Christianity Reconsidered,  Warren not only relates his personal story and his pursuit of the fulness of Scripture, but, in very compassionate and understanding language, he exposes so many of the misconceptions and false doctrines inherited by Christendom from the early church fathers.

Jer 16:19-21 O Yehovah, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.  Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?  Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is YEHOVAH.

My personal passion is apologetics for the burgeoning Messianic movement.  Like most who explore and begin to wrestle with some of the falsehoods Christendom inherited, I carried a good bit of anger for a while.  Now, largely being over that, I recognize how much of an impediment to clear witness it can be. Most have to go through an anger/purging phase, but in witnessing, that can inadvertently spill over.  Thankfully, Bowles has matured in his growth to the point that he is very engaging and scholarly, while understandable and gentle.

In 177 very readable pages, Bowles covers the normal basics of the faith.  Predictably, the chapter headings include titles such as:

• From Israel to the Church
• From Sabbath to Sunday
• From Yeshua to Jesus
• From Holy Days to Holidays
• What Torah Is and Is Not
• Yeshua’s New Covenant
• What Yeshua’s Followers Taught

Bowles wisely does not get involved with historical argumentation but sticks simply to Scripture, and with his seminary/theological background, he gently makes one point after another as to why we need to Reconsider Christianity. 

Instructive to those who are out sharing their new found Messianic faith, the tenor of the book is a very non-confrontational, non-condescending statement of fact after fact.  Bowles does have various calls to action worked in, but each opportunity, though clearly stated, is reserved for chapter endings.

I found Christianity Reconsidered to be very well written and a ‘must read’ for all Messianics, particularly if they want to read more evangelistic/apologetic material.  As a ‘tool’ that can be shared/handed to someone, this book may be the very best I have ever read, with the strongest point being the unoffensive style.

HIGHLY recommended.  Buy several copies.  One for yourself and a few for friends… ;o)