Review: Don't bother if you are a Christian
Rating: 1 out of 5
Date: 05 30, 2014
Contains spoilers:I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and as a result purchased the third (something I rarely do).  This book centers on the "minister" David and his interactions with Alisha, the last of the 3 women sent back in time to change the future. The portrayal of David as a Christian minister is offensive.  He has had a casual sexual relationship with another minister (sort of a friends-with-benefits type of arrangement).  He jumps into a casual sexual relationship with Alisha - meeting her at hotels where members of his congregation will not see them.  His second-in-command at the church is in a committed homosexual relationship.  Now, I would never say that ministers are perfect.  They are human and have as many flaws as everyone else.  But, in churches that are truly Christian, their ministers are considerably less comfortable with active sin.  Most Christian churches view sex outside of committed, heterosexual marriage to be a sin.  You don't have to agree with that view, but it is the view of churches attempting to follow Biblical teachings on sexuality.  I found David's casual attitude toward his own sin to be offensive, and sincerely doubt the plot device of having a homosexual as next in line for the pulpit if David leaves.  Although the churches I have attended practice the philosophy of loving sinners while hating sin, none of them would permit someone actively living in sin to minister to others in the church.  If David had been portrayed as the minister of a non-denominational type of church that did not claim Christianity, I would have considerably less problem with his characterization in this novel.  But, his church is called "Community Christian" in the book - which doesn't leave much room for this portrayal to be considered accurate.There were other problems with this particular book, including a crime spree that felt contrived and a pace that was choppy and rushed in some areas.  I could have forgiven those issues if the author had not so severely misrepresented my faith. I do not recommend this book.