I have mixed feelings regarding this book. On one hand, it is intriguing, thought-provoking, and well-written. Certainly centered in a sound theological framework. Unfortunately, the unintended consequence of rooting so much of your focus on speculative possibilities hidden in the biblical narrative is that you create distance between people and the Word.

I don't think this is what the author intended, but if you center the Gospel on ancient cultural narratives of chaos and dragons, you make it difficult for the everyday believer to have confidence that they can grow in their understanding of the Bible and genuinely hear from God. In other words, they need expert scholars to know what the Word says. It appears from the acknowledgements, this book is an adaptation from his doctoral project, which makes a lot of sense. It would help the audience to explain this earlier and nuance how to integrate these ideas in their ongoing spiritual formation. He makes a few attempts to do this, but most of them are quick and vague.

While it may be interesting and helpful to consider these concepts, we can know and understand God through the revelation of the Holy Spirit when we simply meet with Him in the Word. I DO NOT have any reason to believe the author would argue with this assertion, but the entirety of this book makes the opposite case.

These are fascinating conjectures with enough merit to consider, but it doesn't make sense pastorally to center our relationship with God on them.

Respected pastor and Bible nerd Manny Arango reveals how the gospel empowers us to establish peace in our disordered lives by embracing God’s design for us to be agents of order in a chaotic world. The crushing chaos that go into your life is not accidental but in God's providential hand.

Honestly I had issues finishing this book, I may have to reread it at a later date because Honestly I have a ton of chaos in my life. Maybe that’s why I’m struggling with the books. I mean I get it in some ways.

Definitely a unique angle to tackle this topic from. Lots to think about from this one.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)