NCLA Review -United Methodist Bishop William Willimon is a bold man to speak of salvation in today’s religious climate, much less attempt to answer such a fiercely controversial question. He does not hesitate to say what many quietly think, and he proactively responds to questions and arguments that others might voice. Willimon’s illustrations whether scriptural or metaphoric are irresistibly insightful. Willimon’s mind and heart are steeped in the Bible, and his creative understanding of scripture often sent me to my Bible to check his references—where I found words and phrases that I’d overlooked previously. He’s fond of reminding the reader that God’s ways and our ways are not the same, and that Jesus’ teaching was as extreme as his behavior. In his discussion of salvation, Willimon shifts the focus from what a person does to what God does. He provides much to ponder. I was sorry to reach the last page, but I will not be leaving the thoughts he engendered. Rating: 4 —DKW 155p, paper, Abingdon 2008, 978-0-687-65119-1, $16.00 [234] ( )