Official Review: A Search For Truth (2nd Edition)

[RachelEmmanuel]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Search For Truth (2nd Edition)" by Sylvia L. Lewis, M.A..]

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4 out of 4 stars

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We all know the word: Judeo-Christianity. We have heard time and again how our country, America, has been founded on its beliefs. The word Judeo-Christianity - when used in the context of spiritual origins - is meant to unite. However, within the tent of Christianity alone, there is a great deal of division and discord. Many Christians disregard their common spiritual heritage and look upon believers in Christ from other sects as if they were from different religions. Catholics will not accept the teachings of Protestanism as Christian and vice-versa. Instead of uniting over the central values - the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the salvation offered to those who believe in Him - Christians divide themselves over styles of worship and institutional traditions.

A Search For Truth by Sylvia L. Lewis is an inspirational, religious novel that tells the story of a young woman trying to find her place between two seemingly different faiths. Cynthia Johnson is a devout Catholic young woman with a promising career, a doting fiance, and a loving family. Cynthia's life seems perfect until her family reveals that they have been keeping a life-changing secret from her. As a result of this revelation, Cynthia's family seems to tear apart at the seams, and Cynthia finds herself trying to understand whether it's possible to be true to her roots and still faithful to Christ.

It is refreshing to read a Christian book that recognizes that the love of Christ reaches all believers regardless of their denomination. The author does an excellent job explaining the differences in different denominations while still recognizing their intrinsic value in the eyes of God. I especially liked the way the author introduces the reader to Messianic-Christianity by skillfully weaving it into the story. Messianic-Christianity is not a well-known denomination, and yet it is so important to the Body of Christ. Jesus was Jewish and followed all the rituals of Judaism for His entire life. Despite that fact, most Christians expect a Jewish person who believes in Jesus to give up his or her heritage when they choose to follow Christ. The author does a commendable job of showing how Messianic-Christianity allows Jewish believers to follow Christ without being unfaithful to their heritage.

Between sections of the book, the author adds some questions and points to consider. I did not spend much time on the questions, preferring to read the book as a novel. However, they might be helpful for some readers, especially if the book is used for group-discussion such as in a book-club. The romantic angle of the story is deep and tender and added to my enjoyment of the book as a whole.

Overall, A Search For Truth leads the reader to the understanding that Jesus died for all who believe, regardless of their denomination. His love for us and His desire for us to be saved is bigger than our doctrinal differences. The book is well written and well-edited. I could only find one minor error. I wish there were more Christian books as open-hearted and accepting as this one. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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A Search For Truth (2nd Edition)
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[Callme joan]

My take away is that Christians should strive to unite over the central values instead of being divided by traditions and styles of worship. This review is well done and I'm definitely looking forward to search for the truth. Literally.

[RachelEmmanuel]

My take away is that Christians should strive to unite over the central values instead of being divided by traditions and styles of worship. This review is well done and I'm definitely looking forward to search for the truth. Literally.

Absolutely @Callme joan! There is more that unites than divides Christians. If I'm reading this right and you are searching for the truth about God, I recommend reading the Bible starting with the New Testament. That is true Christianity.

[Phelicia Gloria]

This a very religious book, I think I'll skip this because am a Muslim, otherwise great review.

[Nisha Ward]

This sounds interesting, at the very least. It's not my type of book, but there are others who will definitely benefit from it.

[Maddie Atkinson]

Personally I believe that Christians should all accept each other as we all have the same core values, so reading a book that validates all people is great!

[ankushavhad]

Seems a thorough spiritual teaching based novel under a religious tag talks about Judeo-Christianity. The story constructed around a lady Cynthia Johnson jumbling around two faiths contradicts in a way and strives to be true to her base values yet remain faithful to Christ. Good review, RachelEmmanuel. Thanks.

[AntonelaMaria]

The things this book promotes is not something I am unfamiliar with. I am well aware of the good mindedness and unifying teaching of Christianity. Great job with the review.

[DEEPA PUJARI]

This is a book about Christianity and it’s beliefs. Nice review. Congratulations BOTD!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It is, indeed, rare to find a Christian book that doesn't claim to have the utmost truth but to unite Christians of different denominations, apparently even including people of the Jewish faith.
Thank you for your insightful review!

[Aan Granados]

I like that there is romance in this religious book. It will break the monotony. Thanks for your review.

[Brenda Creech]

This sounds like an excellent book about Christianity. It is the organized religious practices that often cause such confusion between denominations. The important thing is 'salvation' not 'denomination!' Your review points that out, so the author must have that in the book, which is wonderful! This sounds like a very informative religious book that will, hopefully, clear up many things for many people. Thanks for the excellent review!

[duskdawn09]

This book seems to be heavily based on religion and acceptance. I will give it a read, great review.

[Fasmin]

Sounds like a great book. But I'm not Christian so I'm passing. But i think this could be applied for more religions than just Christianity. Likein Islam, because of how divided muslims are (again based on differences in opinions).

[LinetteTram]

It’s not my type of a book but the others would like to read it and I would recommend it to them instead of myself