"Four Cups...." provides a short overview of the four cups of promise in the Jewish Passover and the author expands upon each cup (the Cup of Sanctification, the Cup of Deliverance, the Cup of Redemption, and the Cup of Praise) with the ultimate purpose of helping believers "live the unlived life within us."
There a few things I liked about this book and a few that I did not.
First, I appreciated Hodges' emphasis on the community of believers over and against the solo life of faith. Hodges' words are worth noting: "True fulfillment never comes alone; it can only be attained within a group of people." Second, I absolutely loved his definition of success as "when people are moving from where they are to where God wants them to be." Third, Hodges' explanation of the discipleship process is helpful. Finally, I found his use of Scripture throughout this short book refreshing.
However, there are a few things about this book that were unappealing. First, Hodges speaks of God "see{ing} every person on earth as his child, though some are still lost." This statement clearly has no biblical support, making his mention of Luke 19:10 a horrible use of proof-texting, and a bad example at that. Second, there is an unwise focus on self, seen especially in these words: "My bucket list reminds me that living out my dreams is the secret to happiness." Finally, the author's reference to American psychologist Abraham Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" is unhelpful and confusing. This is verified by the lack of a single verse of Scripture during this discussion.
I found this book somewhat informative insofar as the discussion of the meaning of each of the seder cups is concerned. However, nothing in this book caused me to give contemplation about what God would have me to do in response to this book's insights.
NOTE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.
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