Book Review: "Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit"

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit 
Francis Chan 
David C. Cook; 186 pages.

The first time that I saw a picture of Chan and heard of his more popular, Crazy Love, I was concerned. He looked too cool, too hip to be genuinely orthodox. I presumed that he was an Asian Rob Bell. Thankfully, like most of my first impressions, I was wrong.

Interspersing brief biographies of Christians manifesting the fullness of the Holy Spirit, Francis Chan weaves a very casual but equally reliable theology of the Spirit. It is deeply pastoral, emphasizing the day-to-day, practical implications of Scriptural teaching. In the way that the pastoral Heidelberg Catechism distinguishes itself stylistically from the arguably more cerebral Westminster, Chan’s book stands against the tide of theologies that consider the Spirit more as a subject than a person. It is well written, accessible to and worthwhile for both new and mature Christians.

I highly recommend this book. Incidentally, and if possible, buy a new copy – not a used one. Chan donates his book royalties to charity, much going to organizations rescuing sex slaves in foreign countries.