Five by the Sea

Free* Book                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                By Brian Tome 

This was an interesting book with a twist on traditional conservative thought that brings to light a compelling question- how to be free and let go of all of the constraints that we as Christians often times place not only on each other but on ourselves. The author is passionate about freedom in Christ through a relationship with Him. He takes the tone of agitator throughout the book, oftentimes creating a sense of aggression against those who constantly follow the rules with a strict sense of doing what is “right” in the eyes of so many. The author creates a new sense of self in those that break the rules and live a life of freedom, yet still comply with the life of a Christian- loving the Lord with everything that we do. As he states (and I believe) Jesus was a man that loved everyone, not just those that were clean and well-to-do, he loved the dirtiest, filthiest and poorest and brought them into His kingdom for no other reason than that he loves them, as he loves us. Even in the dirty ways in which we live with temptations and lies surrounding us, He loves us completely. The main theme in the book is to let go of those things which bring us down and tie us to the thoughts of “I have to do this to be loved, accepted, etc.”. God loves us, with all of our faults and His true love shines through everything we do. He wants us to live fully with freedom to live a life created by Him.

There are challenges in getting through the book at the author consistently challenges conservative thinking on so many levels. I think he was trying to punch though the wall that many have that Christians are uptight, rule givers who don’t have any fun (which is unfortunately true in way too many cases).

Throughout the book I liked that the Scripture being referenced was both natural in the conversation and referenced at the bottom of the page. The principles were solid and the suggestions to break bondage, deal with the spiritual, and enjoy freedom were presented much well as the book progressed. My thoughts on the book- it is worth the read if you take it with a grain of salt and apply it to your own life as applicable.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy to me for review.