Excellent.

The first half of the book where Hauerwas lays out his theological work is very good, but I was less impressed with the sermons that make up the second half of the book. Certainly worth the read, especially if you are not familiar with Hauerwas and his interpretation, but it doesn't distinguish itself from much of Hauerwas' other works. His sermons are obviously designed for an academic audience not a primarily lay audience and that makes the audience of this work limited to people with a theological background.

Hauerwas' basic thesis that the bible should be taken away from the people and given back to the church to interpret is worth considering, even if you ultimately disagree with it. It will make you think and hopefully help you make your own decisions. ( )

Hauerwas is controversial and challenging. His basic thesis here is that the Bible belongs to the church, and only the Church should be its interpreters. Along the way he visits subjects such as church state, biblical studies, and ecclessiology. On the one hand, Hauerwas does not have a traditionally high view of scripture, but his respect (and obedience to) the Bible is clear throughout.

This is a wonderful book for pastors, and for laypeople who have some theological acumen. ( )