Lucas Out Loud (by Jeff Lucas)

(Amazon UK link)

I have been reading and enjoying the books by the Christian writer Jeff Lucas for over a decade now. Indeed, it’s just over ten years ago that I first came across ‘Lucas out loud’ which I borrowed from a friend. I was able to acquire my own copy recently, from AwesomeBooks (in perfect condition) and have just finished re-reading it.

It’s quite a short book, only 100 pages in all, but full of thought-provoking anecdotes and commentary. Each section is just three or four pages, and I read around three of them each day for a little over a week. Lucas starts by recounting stories or slightly surreal scenarios with wry humour, often casting himself as a likeable buffoon, or a victim of circumstances. These accounts are interesting, and they’re then followed by brief comments on church life or Scriptural passages.

The anecdotes or introductions aren’t just light humour to catch the attention; they’re relevant, in different ways, to the ideas and insights that follow. For example, there’s a chapter about hugging, with some suggestions for ensuring that hugs are innocent, and a warning about dangers of over-enthusiastic hugging… with just a couple of paragraphs at the end, pointing out gently how important the weekly contact is to some folk who live alone. Reading this in the pandemic year when ‘social isolation’ and ‘physical distancing’ have become commonly used phrases, it was all the more poignant.

Another section recounts the author’s attempts to lose some weight - whether true or fictional, I have no idea. But he makes the point that the starting point is in the mind: in order to exercise early, or go to the gym, or give up unhealthy foods, the first battles are in our minds. We make excuses, procrastinate, persuade ourselves that we really need more sleep, or a sugar fix. Likewise, as he gently points out, any kind of spiritual discipline starts in the mind.

My summaries don’t begin to touch on the thoughtful, insightful way in which Jeff Lucas writes these short sections. In just a few paragraphs he tells stories, or presents ideas, and I found them all fascinating, in different ways. It was then very easy to segue into the more serious epilogue - often just a paragraph or two - which is the point of each section.

Lucas is no fundamentalist; he calls himself a charismatic evangelical, but is well aware of the failings of every label, and every variation within church culture and practice. He is honest about his thoughts and feelings, and very sympathetic towards those who struggle to fit in with church life, and the hypocrisy that can sometimes be found there.

Intended for people who follow Jesus, this book could be read by anyone interested in the church, or who struggles to maintain any kind of spiritual life. But there’s also a great deal for any believer, whatever stage they are in. I don’t think I learned anything new, exactly, but I was certainly reminded of some important truths, and saw some issues in new lights.

Review copyright 2020 Sue's Book Reviews