An extremely relevant and important topic in today's culture, Less of More questions whether "more" will truly satisfy us. We often focus on growth and climbing the ladder, but the idea of small and less is one to consider not only for our health, but because of the truth found in Scripture.

A common phrase I hear is that, “things aren’t the way they use to be” or “it wasn’t like this when we were kids.” Two phrases rooted in the idea that someone else is the problem. Two phrases that shift the blame and focus onto someone other than ourselves. Chris Nye writes this book with the point that these problems we face are not new. The problems of this world have faced humanity since the beginning. Problems of wealth, power, and the need for more and more. The book is filled with insight that made me reshape views on ministry, business, and how I see success. This is a book that will be on my mind for a long time. I hope you give it a chance!

There is an American Christian story saying bigger, richer, more powerful is better. Nye wonders if the American church is gaining the world but losing its own soul. He wants us to return to a biblical vision of what it means to be a Christian. He writes about concepts like humility, generosity, obscurity, vulnerability, and more

He asks some penetrating questions of the American church. For example, what defines a truly healthy church? Is it one that is notably growing in numbers or one clearly evidencing the fruit of the Spirit?

He asks some penetrating questions of American Christians too. What does it truly mean to follow the ways of Jesus, for example. We might have lots of stuff but are we actually spiritually impoverished? “The path to a truly rich and abundant life,” he writes, “has nothing to do with how much money you have or how much you have achieved.” (154/2719)

I appreciate his penetrating insights into technology and the Internet, how it has fundamentally changed our interactions between one another and changed our concept of our soul's neediness. I liked his comments on wealth, wondering if it has made us better people or if we have lost basic elements of humanity. He suggests our wealth has come at a high cost to our souls and spirituality.

Nye is clear. Living the counter cultural narrative of the Bible is not easy in today's American society. Yet he asks Christians to be disruptive, “Because the biblical pattern of life is so different from the American pattern ...” (1698/2719) He asks Christians to faithfully live an example of that biblical counter narrative.

This request may not go over well with Christians living high on American success. “We cannot pursue the American Dream and God's Dream,” he writes. “The two kingdoms are in opposition to one another.” (1736/2719)

If you are ready to declare your allegiance to God's kingdom, this book is for you. You will be challenged and receive clarity. There were no discussion questions in the advanced copy I read. That's too bad as this would be a good book for use by a small group or church board.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review. I read an ARC and the quotes may appear differently in the published book.