BOOK REVIEW - "THE THRILL OF ORTHODOXY: REDISCOVERING THE ADVENTURE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH" BY TREVIN WAX

 

The author of Hebrews warns us against drifting (Hebrews 2:1-4). Jesus tells the Ephesian church of losing their first love (Revelation 2:4). But how do we maintain that first love? How do we keep from drifting, especially when we may drift unaware? 

In "The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith," Trevin Wax (Vice president of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention) deals with things that distract us from joyfully serving the Lord and how to stand firm in our faith.

First, what is meant by Orthodoxy? One reviewer thought it might refer to the Orthodox Church, in contrast to Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc. No, it goes back to the meaning of the word, which is "right belief." Sometimes, it's compared to Orthopraxy ("right practice"). 

This book mentions various ways of drifting. Wax maintains that it's not orthodoxy that is narrow-minded but rather heresy (false teaching). He points out that our beliefs - whether correct or not - have an impact on our life. Towards the end, he mentions two mindsets believers may have that takes away from the thrill of a right relationship with God: "The Faithful Few," who see themselves as defending the truth from an overwhelming opponent, and "The Always Adapting," who alter their teaching and emphasis to fit the culture even if it changes the meaning of Scripture.

I highly recommend this book. It is deep and not a quick read. However, it's one I will read again.