Reviewed by: Autumn L. Dominique, a professional writing major at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval

Author: Mark Sayers

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Publication Date: 2017

Format: Print book

Length: 181 pages

OVERVIEW

             It is hard to miss all of the chaos that is taking place in the world today. Modern culture has become overrun with terrorism, misused technology, discrimination, and greed. All one has to do is turn on the news to see that the world seems to be falling apart and approaching its demise. For some, especially Christians, the contemporary world can seem overwhelming, terrifying, and even unbearable. It can be difficult to find one’s bearing amidst the mayhem, but Sayers’s book provides deeper insight to the events occurring throughout the United States and in other nations.

            In Strange Days, Sayers talks about the history behind today’s chaos, what things led up to it all, and how people can make sense of it. Throughout the book he explains how religion is (and always has been) a natural part of humanity and why people cannot avoid it no matter how hard they may try.

Sayers explains how Christians are supposed to live during these disorienting times, and he addresses how the church as a whole should respond. For example, he encourages Christians not to act or feel frightened, not to run away and hide from the world’s ever-growing problems, and not to miss chances to share a testimony.

This book offers comfort to those who are scared and distressed about the global future. Sayers reminds Christians that God holds the world in the palm of His hand, and that everything is under His control. Remembering that the God of the universe has a divine plan can encourage people. It has been said that we cannot know the future but we can know the one who holds the future. Sayers offers tangible evidence as to why Christians can depend on that.

Overall, the book is very well-written, and Sayers provides a lot of helpful information to guide those who find themselves lost trying to make sense of today’s society.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Young adults and older

Christian Impact

Strange Days can have a deep impact on Christian readers. The purpose of the book is to encourage Christians to take heart in the fact that God has control of the world and humanity’s future. Throughout the book Sayers responds to the chaotic events around the world by citing Scripture that addresses such issues. He explains how religion is something that is built in to people. Although people have tried to outrun religion or counteract God’s control, their actions still end up being a result of the influence of God’s sovereignty. It is not something that can be avoided, evaded, or eluded.

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