Blue Like Jazz: A Review of a Review

The main point of this post is to take a look at the recent review by 9 Marks Ministries of Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

First of all:

THE GOOD:

I truly appreciate and affirm the concern shown for biblical truth and orthodoxy by the writer of this review. Many issues about Donald Miller's methodology and content were brought to light for the first time. Truly, we can not pick up a copy of Blue Like Jazz, read it, and declare that to be the apex of our spiritual growth and our systematic theology.

There are several aspects of the book of which Christians should be wary and cautious. The reviewer is absolutely correct to say that younger generations need to know Jesus - Jesus who lived, died, rose from the dead, ascended, and will return. We should not base our knowledge of Jesus on Blue Like Jazz but rather on the solid rock of Scripture.

THE BAD:

Wasn't there anything that Donald Miller said that was helpful or right-on or worth reading? The reviewer seems to think not, calling the book "cool" but "extremely unhelpful". I've read Blue Like Jazz and I found it to be a very encouraging book. True, it is not a complete picture of Jesus and there are several troubling theological and philosophical issues that make appearances throughout the book. But think about it clearly:

Is Blue Like Jazz something that your non-Christian friends would read? Will people who read it (Christian and non-Christian alike) start to think about deeper theological and spiritual issues?

If we are honest, the answer is a resounding yes.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis is not a complete and final theological foundation for Christians. Neither is Blue Like Jazz. But both of these books ought to drive people to their knees and to their Bibles. God saves sinners through the proclamation of His unchanging and perfect Word and sometimes He uses authors with some quirky views to get sinners to pay attention.

THE CONCLUSION:

Read Blue Like Jazz and accept it for what it is at it's best: a winsome, fresh, and challenging look at the Christian life. Read critical reviews and accept them for what they are at their best: sincere words of caution and pastoral concern.