A remarkably readable and insightful description of two very different forms of Christianity: the first is fear based and emphasizes threat, requirements, righteousness, and reward. The second is grace-filled and emphasizes relationship, transformation, love, and justice.

Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World

After offering the provocative theological argument for universal salvation in “If Grace is True,” Quaker pastors and theologians Philip Gulley and James Mulholland turn their attention to the consequences of such theology for day-to-day faith in “If God is Love: Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World.” Merging stories from their experiences as pastors and ideas from the books of a few other authors, Gulley and Mulholland explore the implications of a Christianity guided by love instead of by fear of punishment.

Like their previous book, Gulley and Mulholland write together in a singular, first-person voice that smoothly transitions from personal anecdotes to more formal philosophical concepts with ease. Also, the book is well written, with an engaging, almost conversational, tone.

Also like the previous book, a significant part of this text is a counter-argument to a certain type of firmly-rooted, traditional theology that views God as a judge who is certain to punish evil. Here, the book moves beyond the argument of ultimate salvation and damnation to consider expected punishments in this world. At every turn, Gulley and Mulholland suggest a God who is more inclined to love, encourage, and forgive than one who wishes to smite and condemn.

Implicitly, there are two main sections of the book. The first half, roughly, explores the consequences of such graciousness for personal faith development. The second half then considers how such a vision of divine graciousness should impact our involvement with larger systems: the institutional church, politics, economics, and justice. While the first section is necessary for the second, the second is the stronger part of the book, when the authors really turn their attention to the more practical realities of trying to live gracefully and lovingly in a world which expects, and sometimes even demands, confrontation, determined self-interest, and fear in order to function the way it does.

There is much to value in this good-humored book. Even if one still believes that divine justice sometimes requires punishment, it is worthwhile to imagine that God is more often a nurturing and supportive parent who celebrates our accomplishments and growth and is as likely to laugh at our stupidity and ignorance as smite us for our mistakes. Beyond this, it is good to expand our ideas about God’s grace beyond only matters of salvation to God’s consistent dealing with all of creation.

Still, there are limitations to this book. The anecdotal style, while inviting, does not allow for these issues to be fully explored in any sense. At times, Gulley and Mulholland seem to hopscotch through their argument and analysis, rarely expanding their ideas to their fullest extent, and rarely considering counter-arguments to the consequences of such ideas. As such, the book usually only skims the surface of these issues.

As a popular introduction, though, “If God is Love” is quite useful, if only to counteract the persistent belief in God as the ultimate “heavy” who seeks first to punish. This consideration of the practical consequences of divine grace and love deserves attention from people of faith, particularly in a world that seems to defy such grace and love. ( )

Excellent. Highly recommend. ( I read it twice.) ( )

An incredible book - a must read for all! ( )