Summer Reading

I have just finished Philip Yancey's latest book, "What Good is God", in search of a faith that matters. I like the unique format of this book. In his search for the answer to his question, he travels the world to various destinations and occasions and tells the story behind the story.
For example, the struggling underground church in China, the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, defeating apartheid in South Africa, addressing the graduating class at the very strict Bible College he himself graduated from, etc. This part of each chapter is enlightening and very interesting.

At each occasion, he was asked to speak, and the second part of each chapter is his speech. It is these speeches I have some trouble with. They are at times not relevant, and often the answers are a bit bland as he tries to console or counsel.

In general, I like Yancey's style, as he is both easy to read, yet at times deep and profound. I find him a bit too non-specific on some issues, almost trying not to offend or be labeled in any way. In other words, trying to be too many things to too many people.

I did find that the answer to his question was addressed many times, not by what he said in his speech, but by the descriptions of the people of faith as they lived out their Christianity in often very adverse conditions. At times, it seemed that Yancey was a bit in over his head and it was the audience that could have been counselling him.