BOOK REVIEW--The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places, by Nik Ripken with Barry Stricker

I admit, the book's title is what grabbed my attention.   Most people who would pick up this book would understand the slight smile which accompanies the words "The Insanity of Obedience."  When the price is so high in the making of disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ among all peoples, cultures, and languages, it seems a little...well, insane...that someone would place themselves at such risk, as well as their family and those who respond to the gospel in faith.  Jesus really meant what He said:  "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10:16).

Ripken's passion for seeing the gospel taken to the ends of the earth is seen throughout.  He is not some academic who studies missions from afar, but rather he has served in some difficult places throughout the world and maintains contact with believers on numerous continents.  This makes him a credible voice in the discussion of the persecution of Christians.

My favorite part of the book is the insights Ripken received from believers who have actually suffered genuine persecution--arrest, imprisonment, torture, and even death.  It is embarrassing to live in a context that considers the potential loss of tax exempt status on ministerial housing to be persecution.

Some other notables in this work are: (1) Ripken's indictment upon single American men, who are outnumbered on the international mission field by single American women seven to one.  This ought to drive American Christians to our knees in repentance.  (2) Ripken's understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in a Muslim Background context.  This is where he spent most of his time serving on the mission field and it is obviously an area in which his heart yearns to see people come to faith in Christ Jesus.

My least favorite thing about this book is the author's handling of what he calls "the Pre-Pentecost" and "the Post-Pentecost Worlds."   The fact of the matter is every "world" since circa 33 AD is a "Post-Pentecost World."  However, Ripken suggests differently, and in my opinion, his view is both confusing and without foundation.

Some other turnoffs are: (1)  The book has too much of a research feel to it.  It would have been better to have people speak freely about what it's like walking with Jesus in tough places, as opposed to packaged questions.  (2)  Experience is given tremendous weight over biblical revelation.  Few Scripture references are found throughout and even respondents to the author's questions seldom mention God's Word.

If the adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" is true, then the statement "You can't judge a book by its title" is even more true.  This is not a book that I would re-read, nor is it one I would recommend to others.  I do, however, appreciate Ripken's attempt to draw attention to the reality that there is a cost in following Jesus, although the price will be determined by where one lives and serves.