Bold as Love by Bob Roberts, Jr.

Bold as Love is a book about loving our neighbors. It particularly addresses loving our neighbors who have different faiths. I have to admit, I found it difficult to get into the book because of my own prejudices. I kept waiting for the liberal all-faiths-lead-to-heaven boogeyman to jump out. It never did. What I found was a book that disturbed and encouraged me at the same time. Bold as Love disturbed me by reminding me that I'm not as quick to obey Jesus as I should be. It encouraged me by affirming ideas I have had for a long time.

There are several things to commend in the book. Roberts seeks to distinguish his approach from typical interfaith approaches. Interfaith approaches tend to look for the least common denominators in religions, while downplaying or ignoring glaring differences. Roberts's multifaith approach seeks to work toward common goals, while acknowledging the vast differences between religions. Interfaith dialogues often encourage discussion about religion, but discourage members from seeking to convert others to their belief system. Roberts's multifaith approach encourages honest conversation about religion, even if it leads to conversion (and often with conversion as its aim).

Roberts reminds his readers that they cannot save another person. The task of conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. He doesn't remind his readers of this truth in order to advocate a silent social gospel. He clearly states the need for both service and verbally sharing the gospel in our evangelistic endeavors. He also proposes a model of discipleship in which every believer is faithful to share Christ wherever he places them. Followers of Christ are called to serve and share anywhere and everywhere. They are encouraged to learn and love.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. However, there were a couple things that I didn't like. Before I lodge my first complaint, I must acknowledge that I am a Southern Baptist. Roberts, also a Southern Baptist, pokes at his "tribe" a lot. Some of his comments about Southern Baptists, or at least some Southern Baptists, seem overly critical. His tone, which I may have misread, seems out of place in a work about loving one's neighbors. One other complaint, but it isn't that serious. Certain portions of the book are repetitious. In a couple of places the reader is supposed to have remembered something referenced in a previous chapter, while in other places concepts that were previously explained in detail are explained again in detail. It took something away from the overall effectiveness of the book.

If you are looking for a handbook on loving your neighbors of different faiths, Bold as Love might be helpful to you. If you are looking for a book to convict of the sin of not loving your neighbors, it will definitely help you. Bold as Love helps its reader to recognize some of their blind spots.

I received Bold As Love free for review purposes from Handlebar Publishing. The opinions in this review are mine.