Book Review: Forgotten God

A few months ago, I started hearing more and more about some guy named Francis Chan.  His book, Crazy Love, was being talked about with positive reviews by several people that I trusted.  So, I got it from the library and read it - and greatly enjoyed it.  I knew he had a book out about the Holy Spirit, and had in my mind to eventually read that.  Lately, the Holy Spirit has been on my mind.  Specifically, our neglect of the Holy Spirit.  It just so happens that the title to Chan's book is: Forgotten God: Reversing the Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit.  I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but even I could see that screaming at me to be read.  I requested the book from the library and sat back waiting for the call to pick it up.  During this time, I watched the video of Francis Chan speaking at this year's Desiring God Conference.  I knew I had to read the book.  Sure enough, the book was ready and I devoured it in just a few days. 

There is an abundant amount of books out there on the Holy Spirit.  Many are heavily theological.  Many are heavily emotional.  Many treat the Holy Spirit as a "pet" to do tricks at their bidding.  Forgotten God is not any of those.  While there is a review of the theology of the Holy Spirit, Chan's purpose is to move beyond the theology to the practical implications of the Holy Spirit.  This is what I needed.  Not only does he talk about what it means to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, after every chapter, there is a very brief testimony of someone who lived under the clear leading of the Holy Spirit and what that looked like.  Those brief accounts were incredibly challenging. 

This is a challenging call to live in the power of the Spirit.  This book will leave you hungry to experience the kind of relationship with the Spirit that Chan describes in his own words, as well as through the testimonies.  If you are looking for an in-depth theology of the Holy Spirit, this book is not for you.  If you are looking for a long, hard look in the mirror to see if you are truly living a Spirit-filled life, then this is a must read for you.

I only have one complaint about this book by Francis Chan - it is not Francis Chan speaking.  The content is there, but if you have ever heard him preach you know the amazing passion that flows from this man's heart.  Mere words cannot quite capture that passion.  As much as I enjoyed this book, I would have gladly taken the time to hear him preach this book!  Francis Chan would have to make my list of people that I would love to have lunch with.  He is one of those rare people who, after hearing him, you want to spend about 4 hours in prayer to get a taste of the passion he has for Jesus.

I don't want to make it sound like every book I read is a must read for every Christian.  Therefore, I am adding the option of a "+" to my grades.  I won't say that you "must" read it, but it comes really close.   

Grade: B+ (I very highly and very strongly recommend that you read this book)