Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion
If you've written off the church, I dare you to read this book.-Joshua  Harris, author ofStop Dating the ChurchJesus loves the church.  Yes, the church is imperfect, and we have made mistakes. But if we love Jesus, then  we will love what Jesus loves. This book moves us to a thrilling portrait and future  of what the church that Jesus loves and builds can look like and the hope we can  bring to the world.-Dan Kimball, author ofThey Like Jesus But Not  the ChurchWell, they've done it again. The two guys who should be  emergent, but aren't, have followed up their first best seller with what I hope  and pray will be a second. InWhy We Love the ChurchDeYoung and Kluck  have given us a penetrating critique of church-less Christianity and a theologically  rigorous, thoroughly biblical, occasionally hilarious, but equally serious defense  of the centrality of the church in God's redemptive purpose. In spite of her obvious  flaws, DeYoung and Kluck really do love the church, because they love the Christ  whose body it is. You don't have to agree with everything they say to appreciate  and profit from this superbly written and carefully constructed book. This is a  great read and I recommend it with unbridled enthusiasm.-Sam Storms, senior  pastor, Bridgway Church, Oklahoma City, OklahomaIf you're looking for  reality, authenticity, and honesty, you've found it in this book. Kevin DeYoung  and Ted Kluck, shrewd observers and faithful practitioners, have once again written  a book that is like the best of foods--good tasting and good for you. Their style  is easy, creative, and funny. They are theologically faithful, fresh, and insightful.  They are sympathetic with many concerns and even objections to much in the church  today, yet are finally defensive, in the best sense of the word. They are careful  critics of the too-popular critics of the church. They are lovers of Christ and  His church. I pray this book will help you love Christ's church better, too.-Mark  Dever, author of9 Marks of a Healthy ChurchTwo young men, a  pastor and a layman, here critique the criticisms of the institutional church that  are fashionable today. Bible-centered, God-centered, and demonstrably mature, they  win the argument hands down. As I read, I wanted to stand up and cheer.-J.  I . Packer, professor of theology, Regent CollegeIf Jesus thought the  church was worth dying for, it may just be worth living in. While not ignoring the  sins of the church, DeYoung and Kluck remind us why church bashing is often shallow,  and why the institutional church remains the most authentic place to encounter the  good news of Jesus Christ.-Mark Galli, senior managing editor,Christianity  TodayAn attitude of indifference to the church has become tragically  common within American Christianity. As a result, many people fail to make a solid  commitment to congregational life and responsibility. The New Testament is clear--to  love Christ is to love the church. Kevin and Ted provide a powerful word of correction,  offering compelling arguments and a vision of church life that is not only convincing,  but inspirational. This book will deepen your love of the church--and for Christ.-R.  Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary