When Religion Isn't Enough By Mary Detweiler

Mary Detweiler discovered there was something more to Christianity than what she had been taught by her ‘works oriented’ background. She learned that God was not a distant being who watched from afar. Mary discovered God wants to have a vital relationship with His people.

This book interested me because of its subject and its content. I came to more fully understand the desire of God to adopt us into His family.

Mrs. Detweiler explains the facets of God as a friend and as a parent. She reviews the ‘roller coaster’ relationship between Judah and the Father and how God sent judges (leaders) to speak for Him. The people wander back and forth between God and the pagan ways of their neighbors.

Mary explores the avenues of prayer and worship. She calls them the sun and water of our relationship. These two elements of faith cause people’s belief in God to grow.

She had trouble-to the point of guilt- believing that prayer moves the hand of God. She cites the story of Peter’s release from prison. People gathered at John Mark’s mother’s home to pray for Peter’s release. When Peter arrived there and knocked on the door. Rhoda went to the door. She heard his voice and ran to tell the others. They didn't know what to think and disbelieved her. Finally they went to the door and opened it. There stood Peter; they were amazed. Mrs. Detweiler found comfort that she was not alone in her amazement of prayer working to cause God to change outcomes.

Mrs. Detweiler explores scripture throughout the book to convey her message-that Christianity is a relationship between God and His children.

I would recommend this book to anyone searching for a deeper understanding of God. It would make a good small-group study.

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I received this book free from the author; all she asked me to do was for me to give an impartial, unbiased, and fair review.