Book Review: Flirting with the Forbidden

Flirting with the Forbidden by Steven James

Two positive things to share about this book, one slightly negative. First, the negative. I don't know what to do now that I've finished reading the book. For a male, this is a tough challenge. After reading a book, I want to know what three things I should do to fix or improve the area of my life addressed by the author. This book is not written with that intention in any way... and so for me, its a challenge. The sub-title of the book "Finding Grace in a World of Temptation" is probably the message for me of what to do: simply accept the grace Christ provides each time temptation in its various masks approaches.

The main positive of this book is James' brilliant writing. His first-person recounting of Scriptural stories are so compelling, giving the reader a fresh perspective on the biblical character after considering the account. James' admits/warns in a footnote that he has taken some creative license, though "in no way is this meant to show disregard or disrespect for the Scriptures." His retelling of the stories does not diminish the accuracy or authority of the biblical text. James' writing makes reading enjoyable and the chapter lengths are such that 15 minutes is more than adequate for a challenging engagement with the narrative.

Secondly, I can see this book being a significant benefit in communicating the Gospel, especially through drama, though a preacher could also find significant benefit from the stories also. Though not even an amateur theatrical critic, I can foresee teachers/directors from junior high age through college (and beyond) taking the text James' provides and developing dramatic scripts involving a very small cast of people (sometimes 2-3 people) and presenting them with minimal extra writing.

A fun read that challenges the soul and broadens the perspective for the linear, right-brained person.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.