I'm OK--You're Not

by: John Shore

Published by: NavPress

Reviewed by Jackie Baumgarte

Does The Great Commandment trump the Great Commission? John Shore, author and humorist, thinks it does. He asserts that pretty much everyone on the planet, save the most remote, have heard 'The Good News.' They have either accepted it as truth or rejected it, and those of us who've accepted have no business making those who've rejected feel bad about their choice.

The Great Commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. The author asserts that we need to respect 'our neighbor,' like Jesus did, at whatever point they are, in whatever faith they have at this moment in time. He stresses that we need to do it without a subtext of trying to change them, having enough faith in the God who's promised He has things in control, stepping out of the way to allow HIM to do the work.

Along with user-friendly, thought-provoking conversation, and sparking questions helpful for group discussion, there are aptly named 'Ouch' segments at the end of each chapter that consist of uncomfortably candid comments about Christians from non-Christians. I'm OK--You're Not can be a valuable tool in assessing your 'love thy neighbor' quotient. You just have to remember that Christians need to measure behavior not based on what anyone says about us, but what Jesus tells us.

In an effort to lighten the topic, the author inserts comedic dialogue throughout the text.

And, while I appreciate the author's quick wit and deep sense of humor, I think it would be better in person, concert-style. In print this style of comic relief often interrupted my train of thought and made too light of the point he was trying so passionately to communicate.

Armchair Interviews says: Unique blend of humor and Jesus' teachings.

Author's Web site: http://www.JohnShorebooks.com