Slideshow image

Three years ago, in my first Rector’s Forum, I led the parish in a season-long study of a very important book – Seculosity by David Zahl. It analyzed American culture today to highlight ways in which we have tried to fill the ‘God gap’ in our souls, now that religion has been largely jettisoned. We were even fortunate enough to have Zahl himself appear one Sunday morning via Zoom to answer questions about the book.

Now he’s done it again. David has just published another ‘must read’ for Christians seeking to grow in their faith and discipleship in a crazy post-Christian culture. It’s called The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World. David gets it. It’s hard out there. We are battling the disintegration of society, the shattering of ancient truths, the destruction of structures and institutions, and a deep exhaustion borne of cynicism and nihilism. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, may I live inside your head please?)

The answer to all of it, says David, is grace – “the one-way love. A gift with no strings attached. Favor when you least expect or deserve it. Knowing that you don't have to do anything to earn God's approval.” That, we have to say, is the holy grail – what we’re striving for, and David tells us how to receive it.


If you want to go back to the radical and transforming Good News of God’s unlimited love and acceptance of you, then start here. These truths set us free and help us get this crazy world in perspective. You’ll learn afresh about freedom from guilt, expectations, comparisons, and unachievable demands. Do yourself a favor and read this book.