Gods at War - A Review

"Anything at all can become an idol once it becomes a substitute for God in our lives" - Kyle Idleman, Gods at War.

What a timely book for me.  I'm noticing that I go through seasons where book after book, show after show, conversation after conversation, lead to the same topic.  Modern-day idolatry seems to be the topic de jeur.

Idleman starts the book with a personal story about his daughter.  It was a sweet, innocent exchange that provoked his thoughts, primarily about the topic of idolatry. An innocent statement about the 2nd Commandment, that it's the one we don't struggle with, led to this book.

The book is great at demonstrating how we encounter idolatry every day.  The quote above clearly defines idolatry, and Idleman expounds on that topic.  He is especially skilled at demonstrating how many good things, even godly things, can become idols.

One quote that I found particularly compelling was this, "You can't understand the seriousness of idolatry without understanding the jealousy of God.  And you can't understand his jealousy without some understanding of his relentless, powerful love for you, because they are intertwined."  This quote demonstrates the tenor and thrust of the book. 

I felt that the 2nd 2/3rds of the book droned on.  For me, these examples felt like he was "piling on." For many readers, however, the very practical examples could be very helpful.

Overall, this was a good book, and it will be one that I may recommend to those I disciple, as it's a very practical guide to help think through the topic of idolatry and how to guard for it in our lives. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”