Reviewed by: Chrysa Keenon, Professional Writing student at Taylor University

Introduction

Title: Honest Worship

Author: Manuel Luz

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Publication Date: August 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 224 pages

OVERVIEW

Using his experience as a worship leader and musical performer, Pastor Manuel Luz challenges our views on the way worship is conducted today. Luz asks us to look deeper into the way we practice modern worship: Is it real? Are we really connecting with God? Are we aiming to please Him or just ourselves and fulfill our role as “Christians”? In Honest Worship, Luz urges us to find the origin of our passion to worship God and build a healthy and natural relationship with Him through the parameters He wants us to follow.

This book touches on important reflective topics, such as the differences between the false self and the true self. These, along with other misidentification of self, can often get confused in our modern take on Scripture. While pointing out the differences on modern styles of worship, Luz asks us to take into account the unified church rather than focusing on the individual. Using experiences of his own, Luz relays important concepts of using art for holy glorification, addressing narcissism in the church, and giving oneself entirely over to God during a worship session.

Each chapter ends with a challenge of worship practice, urging us to go outside our comfort zone and experience worship in a different light. Going to a different congregation and comparing styles of worship or taking a weekend in silence and solitude to connect with God are examples of this.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5 out of 5 stars

Suggested Audience

 This book is ideal for young adults and adults who want to change their perspective on their worship. The tone is conversational and easy to read from any background.

Christian Impact

This book tells some hard but needed truths. It forces the reader to think deeper, to question the way worship is upheld. Honest Worship is ideal for any reader willing to take a step back from a modern congregational church and redefine what it means to be a true worshiping servant of Christ.

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