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Review – Rumors of Another World |
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What On Earth Are We Missing?
by Philip Yancey
Published by Zondervan
Book review by Tom Gilbert
Something about our lives and our world tells us there is
more than meets the eye. The saying, “things aren’t always as they seem” fits
this book well.
If there was no Bible that revealed God’s message,
if there were no holy scripture, where would
we turn to find answers to the questions “why are we here?” and “is
there a Creator, who is it and can I know this
creator?” We are all seekers. This wondering seems to be imprinted
on our DNA.
Philip Yancey has written a number of profound
books, many of them bestsellers. In his latest
effort, Rumors
of Another World (Zondervan
Press), he approaches the God subject from a
different angle. He deeply senses an unseen world
that transcends the physical that we live in.
He believes there are clues and messages at every
turn. And this is
something he believes other people also sense.They
are the ones who, in his words, “live in the borderlands
of belief”.
The great mystery of the spiritual realm will remain fuzzy to anyone
indifferent. However, anybody who lives for more than instant gratification
will long to connect the dots between our earthly existence and the
life beyond. It is to these people that Yancey is writing.
Using examples from science, nature and every person’s longing
for life’s meaning Yancey gives us a thoughtful and provocative
book. While the book may have been written specifically for those searching for a faith they can relate
to, the writing can cause anyone to seriously consider their beliefs. Wonder,
awe and questioning are powerful tools in the spiritual toolbox.
Ultimately in Rumors of Another World we are presented with the higher calling of seeing God and all
of creation in all things. Thus, “another world” becomes this world seen more completely. All things are
created good and we are given the freedom of choice in how we will receive or abuse them.
The flipside is explored as well. Why do we pollute and abuse our
planet? How come there is so much cruelty and violence in our world?
Even the many good things, like sex and pleasure, are taken to unhealthy
extremes. If God made them, and therefore they are good, why are they
the source of so much trouble?
Seeing God in everything and living out of respect for all creation means that everything we do is hallowed,
a point Yancey goes to some length to make. However, most of us rarely consider a holy aspect
to the everyday reality we perceive. Instead of focusing on the more
important spiritual reality we surrender to our basic appetites.
The dilemma of our society celebrating the very things that religion
warns against can be a source of controversy. Yancey points out that
the seven deadly sins are what most Americans prize, from greed, pride
and envy to the ubiquitous lust incited by our sex-crazed advertising.
Despite our acceptance that the world is limited to our basic senses the “other” world keeps sending
us signals. Eventually we must take notice.
The belief that there is something supernatural behind/beyond our world is the faith so many find elusive. Perhaps
it is because of all the darkness and wrong we can clearly recognize.
Maybe it is too hard to accept a God that cares so much He won’t
force our hands. What so many of us are missing is the understanding
that God already knows everything about you and still loves you,
warts and all. God feels this way about everyone and all of creation.
In this book Philip Yancey makes a compelling case for a loving God
that will be heard, and seen, in wonderful and surprising ways.
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Scripture taken from
the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright
© 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by
permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are
registered trademarks of International Bible Society.
Use of either trademark for the offering of goods
or services requires the prior written consent of
International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from
the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright
©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights
reserved.
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