Selling Jesus

Dr. Couch, have you ever hear of the book Selling Jesus by Douglas Webster? What do you think of it? 

 

    ANSWER:  The book was written in 1992 and in my opinion is still a classic as to what is happening in the evangelical church-world. (I have the book and often go back and read it again!) Webster was right on target as to how our pop Hollywood and Nashville culture would destroy our churches. Webster correctly wrote:

The church cannot afford to feed the insatiable appetite of culturally generated felt needs and remain faithful to its identity and mission. The temptation is strong for the church to prove its attractiveness in secularly defined, socially acceptable ways. But love demands a distinction between self-actualization [pure secular psychology] and Spirit-led confirmation. (p. 113)

    If you are in a hot-rock church, get out! It is in no way biblically based. The purpose of church is to teach the Word of God so that men can grow in spiritual maturity. Now many, if not most, of our pastors no longer know how to exegete the Word of God. They do not see that as the purpose of their ministry. I talk by email or phone to an average of four pastors and laymen a week who see their church "going down" because of the doctrinal confusion in the congregation. I would love to see a Christian publishing house reprint this volume. It is needed! 

    Thanks for asking!

    Dr. Mal Couch