Taking It to the Next Level: Some Thoughts

A few weeks ago, a friend gave me a copy of David Gregory's Dinner with a Perfect Stranger. It was certainly an enjoyable read, a book that could be used with great profit in introducing non-Christians to Jesus. In his first book, Gregory was very clear in his point and purpose and spoke openly to many of the objections that non-Christians may have to faith.

Gregory's second book, The Next Level, lacks some the clarity of the first. It takes a while to really understand what the parable is all about. Even at the end, elements of what Gregory is saying remain unclear. Unfortunately, I expect that Gregory's second book will appeal to a far narrower audience than his first one. I suspect that this book will really only make sense to evangelical Christians and even then the less informed among evangelicals may have a hard time deciphering what Gregory is talking about. I don't want to discuss what I believe Gregory's point to be. I think that would be akin to stealing the punch line. It would detract from the book. I would just say that Gregory's second book seems to be more of an "inside joke" than the first one.

Still, all that being said, I recommend the book. I read in less than an hour while my son (home sick from school) watched Barney. It is certainly worth that time investment. For those who have an interest in serving Jesus and making their lives count for Him, the book makes some crucial points, however implict they may be. I plan to reread the books in a few weeks. Gregory has certainly produced a work that is worthy of more than passing consideration.