The author approaches it in an interesting way, drawing from historical trends(some interesting observations about African cultures impact on today’s trends), celebrities as models of what he deems the horizontal self(some concise and pointed observations about Marilyn Monroe as a gauge of what is beautiful), looks at the evolution and impact of the words “cool” “sexy” and” glam” and how that is shaping today’s church ministries. From there he moves on to the biblical discussion and establishes how we are a culture that gauges things on the horizontal plane, moves to showing ways to live ,develop, and flourish in establishing who you are and meant to be using vertical means.
I could elaborate more on his defining of the horizontal and vertical, but that is one of the strong points of the book and worth discovering for yourself. I enjoyed his historical observations, he presented it in an engaging way that didn’t turn the book into a long history tour, but got to his point with it. In explaining his biblical principles he uses vivid word pictures and examples, but I don’t feel he uses them to their full potential, the book would have a better depth if he spent more time expanding on those principles.
This isn’t the definitive book on the subject, but I feel the author does bring out a couple good points on the pursuit of holiness and the concept of wholeness found in biblical peace which are worth exploring. It is an easy read that has some decent extras such as a study guide and short interview with the author which rounds out the book. I think the book will most hit those in their 20-30’s, and would recommend it for them.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
