A.J. Swoboda
Kregel, 2012, 184 pp., $12.99
The word messy has been bandied about for a few years now to describe our spiritual lives. The word messy has become the new “It’s complicated” when referring to our relationships. What’s not complicated is Swoboda’s easy-to-read, auto-biographical writing style in Messy. In every chapter, A.J. took me into another part of his messy life and told me he did not understand something. This is a refreshing take on life compared to the many books I have read in which it seemed the author knew everything and made me feel as if I knew nothing. Messy feels more like the conversations I’ve had with friends through the years, discussing the same life events and how God didn’t make much sense but was always good.
In his chapter “Messy Church,” Swabodo takes me to his church-planting days in Portland, where he shares how green he was but was inspired by the lost and lonely people at a local coffee shop. Through a few chapters, he takes me to his science class where he first fell in love with God and His Word. In “Messy Theology,” A.J. recounts how he and his friend Jonn walked around Salem using big, messy words to describe God. Reading the book, you will have a sense, and be relieved, at how familiar to your own life it feels. Faith always has been messy, and Swoboda gives us the permission to admit and enjoy it.
