Book Reviews
Pacific Book Reviews
Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again
by Michael J. Rech
Trilogy Christian Publishing
Book review by Christina Avina
For anyone who has ever found themselves interested in learning more about a specific religion, for instance Christianity, there comes a time when people will notice that even within that specific religion, there are many different schools of thoughts on how to practice that faith. For some, the Holy Book that the religion is founded on is open to interpretation, with many of the stories found within a guide or metaphor to better understand human behavior. For others, that book reads more like a history book, detailing factual, undeniable events and guidance that one is to follow without question.
A specific aspect of Christianity is often the process of being “born again” and in author Michael Rech’s Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again: And Things Pertaining to Being Born Again, the question of the born again process and what it entails is brought to life. Building upon the scriptures that showcase the importance of being born again, the book also offers insight into everyday questions that come up within the faith, from the importance of baptism by water to why swearing is a sin and even why babies automatically go to Heaven if they pass away no matter what the parent’s beliefs are.
Immediately what stood out to me is how balanced the overall book was in both personal experience and research. The author was able to convey personal memories and events that helped shape the path they took to finding their faith and being “born again” while also utilizing in-depth research and study of various versions of the Bible and the ways in which various methods of teaching the Bible have led to misinterpretations and misunderstandings overall. The earnestness and honesty with which the author writes is something that will engage readers instantly, drawing them into the entire lesson that the book hopes to provide to those who either are already heavily engaged with this belief system, or those who question it.
Anyone who enjoys non-fiction books, especially those that delve into religion, specifically Christianity, and books of self-motivation and a memoir-style of writing will thoroughly enjoy this book. The author does a great job of supporting his arguments in each chapter with biblical verses, drawing upon religious texts to outline the spiritual death that stemmed from the book of Genesis to the spiritual rebirth that occurs through Jesus and his sacrifice. The inclusion of such issues as the idea that statues or pieces of art depicting Jesus could be seen as false idols as no confirmed image of Jesus has ever existed, to the damage that can be done by judging others before first judging yourself, really made this a thought-provoking read for those who practice the faith, and allowed the reader to truly examine the biblical verses found within and come to their own conclusions.
US Review of Books
Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again
by Michael J. Rech
Trilogy Christian Publishing
book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
"Any and all biblical doctrine that someone teaches should be found in the Bible without being taken out of context."
Author Rech connects his youthful rejection of religion to a near-death experience, which has led him to become a sincere, Bible-adhering Christian. At age nine, Rech had an unusual insight: he could not be a Christian, and would not go to heaven because of his willingness to do things "that God would not want me to do." At age nineteen, he joined the Marines, served in Vietnam, and absorbed a deep, disturbing picture of death, escaping it himself but seeing others killed. Back in the US, he undertook a cross-country road trip despite an intuition that something dreadful was going to happen. Indeed, one fateful morning, an ice patch on an overpass caused him to crash into another car. These horrific, harrowing events are described in vivid detail.
His survival and subsequent acceptance of Christianity inspired the creation of this volume. Here, he reaches out to all seekers, regardless of specific beliefs, offering a well-studied exploration of holy scripture and the process of being "born again," directing them to various versions of the Holy Bible. The King James Version is commonly quoted, as are newer versions, including the Amplified Bible, the English Standard Version, the New Living Translation, and the New International Version. All Bibles, Rech asserts, are God-inspired, a gift from God to mankind, yet some are easier for current generations to comprehend.
Rech poses for readers the many questions he might well have asked in his personal spiritual progression, presenting an inviting viewpoint that displays both acute rationality and a human-scale, empathic stance. In comparing biblical passages from each of the available Bible versions, Rech stresses his strongly held wish to assist and enlighten others as they explore the "born again" pathway.
