Taking a page from the Van Halen rule book, who replaced David Lee Roth with Sammy Hagar, Newsboys elected to fill the position with a known name and invited dc Talk veteran Michael Tait to join. Judging by the pairing’s first release, Born Again, the group may have actually beat the odds twice.

By no means is Born Again a perfect album but it has enough right about it to classify it as one of the best releases to come out of the group.

Musically, the band is exploring some new areas but nothing that would seem out of line with the group’s past offerings. Through the course of the 12-song set, Tait and crew meander between hard rock and electro-pop but maintain a sense of authenticity that keeps the collection sounding cohesive. Much of that may be due to the amazingly catchy tracks and Tait’s vocals are so adept at selling the material.

Furler’s absence, however, can be noticed in the album. Even prior to taking over vocal duties, Furler was the primary lyricist in the band and it’s a role in which he excelled. With his departure, the depth and cleverness of Newsboys lyrics is missing. Sure, Tait has jumped in and cowrote much of the album but it’s an area where he’s still growing after years of allowing Toby McKeehan to do the bulk of the writing in dc Talk. Without a strong songwriter in the fold, many of the lyrics come across generic or cheesy. It’s likely that the average listener won’t even notice the deficiency, though, because the band delivers the material with such passion that it’s hard to notice the flaws.

One of the big questions of the album is the inclusion of a cover of “Jesus Freak.” Maybe it was intended as a nod to Tait’s past but it seems to be a questionable choice. While it’s a passable take on the song, the definitive version has been done and this new attempt doesn’t really bring much new to the track. If the homage was really necessary, it would have been much preferable to have included a live version of the mega-hit or, even, found a less known dc Talk song to redo.

Despite the couple of missteps, Born Again is an enjoyable listen and speaks well for the future of Newsboys 3.0.

I expected a fun frolic of a book that somehow tied into Jesus, and was very pleasantly surprised to find that the book has some serious theological teeth.

The “not-quite true” story starts out in exactly the kind of yuppie Portland, Oregon café I could imagine. As Matt and Jesus hang out with their iPods, a man claiming to be the Apostle Peter comes in and punches Jesus in the face. After a chair-breaking romp, Jesus flees, and Peter explains, “…that was an imaginary Jesus, my friend.” What follows is a fantastical adventure in and out of time with a talking donkey, a motorcycle-riding angel, and countless imaginary Jesuses. My personal favorite was Political Jesus, promising a moral utopia through political activism if we’d just follow him.

What surprised me was the depth of Matt’s message and how much it pertained to my life. Imaginary Jesus opened my eyes to a whole new realm of thinking, in the same way that The Screwtape Letters did the first time I read it. With the introduction of each new imaginary Jesus, I laughed heartily, but began to see some of the fake Jesuses that I’ve created for myself at times. Meticulous Jesus struck a little close to home for me.

With this tongue-in-cheek writing style, it would be easy to cross the line into sacrilegious, but it doesn’t. The humor surrounding our false versions of Jesus stays in its lane and only serves to contrast with the real Jesus. When we finally get to him, the reality of the real Jesus is so powerful and deep, it knocks you off your feet. It was like meeting Jesus for the first time all over again.

I loved the flow of this book. It was complex and thought-provoking, but in short, stream-lined chapters. I read most of it in one day, but mostly because I couldn’t put it down. With the right variables, this would be the best Jesus movie ever.

I can’t wait for Matt’s next book: The Night of the Living Dead Christians. Seriously, who could wait for a title like that?

WHAT GOOD IS GOD? follows in the steps of several of Mr. Yancey’s previous offerings and poses a question that concerns the practical value of belief in God: Does faith really matter? This simple question, though the answer isn’t an easy find, takes the author to some of the most fascinating places one individual could go: from the massacre at Virginia Tech to the terror that encircled the streets of Mumbai; from the underground faith in China to the church at risk in the Middle East; from a conference full of professional sex workers to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Chicago.

I particularly enjoyed the format of the book. The author pulled off the extraordinary task of drawing the reader into ten earlier (and amazingly unique) experiences and propelled them from his past and into our present. He draws us in to the places he visited – as if we are standing directly in the midst of the chaos erupting in Mumbai, India in 2008 or experiencing firsthand the tragedy and the pain that embodied those involved in the massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007 – and gives us, the reader, a chance to hear exactly what he said to the people he met during these difficult times.

I believe you will, as I did, walk away with a clearer understanding of how faith in action works and how grace, when displayed on large and small scales alike, can be presented beautifully, as Mr. Yancey puts it, even in the hands of God’s people. He closes the last section of this book with this exhortation: We who follow Jesus are called to be dispensers of God’s grace, setting loose this powerful force on a weary, violent planet. May the church be known as a place where grace flows on tap: to sinners, to rich and poor alike, to those who need more light, to outcasts, to those who disagree, to oppressed and oppressors both.

WHAT GOOD IS GOD? is a beautiful exploration of one man’s journey to show a lost and dying world that faith really does work, especially when it’s tested to the extreme.

Review by @VinThomas

Marketing guru Seth Godin has done it again. In his newest book Linchpin, Godin discusses the art of becoming indispensable. This book is a call to step out of a robot mentality and start injecting creative personality into the workplace. Being in the midst of a job transition, this book has come at a good time. It has encouraged me to take creative risks and given me a fresh sense of value as I try to learn the ropes at a new company. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s looking to grow professionally, take risks, and find personal value in the workplace.

NINE DRAGONS by Michael Connelly

Review by @Vonster

Michael Connelly is a former crime beat reporter from the Los Angeles Times who’s been writing a very compelling detective book series for well over a decade now. The main character of these novels is an LAPD Homicide Detective named Harry Bosch (Hieronymus Bosch). The latest work of fiction is “9 Dragons” an emotional story about the murder of a South L.A. shop owner that leads to the kidnapping of his own daughter by the Hong Kong triad. Even though this is book 15 in the series it stands on it’s own and will captivate you from page one. But if you’d prefer reading them in chronological order, you’ll want to pick up a copy of “The Black Echo” circa 1992. Like myself you’ll end up admiring this character and the way Connelly paints a visual picture for his readers. The stories are authentic, textured with real-world personalities, and brutally honest in it’s approach to crime fighting. But you’re easily offended this might not be the book series for you.

O ME OF LITTLE FAITH by Jason Boyett

Review by @BoLane

Author Jason Boyett brings to surface an area in many Christians lives that is often filled with shame and regret: doubt. It’s a book that focuses on the authors own experience, asking difficult questions and, often, not having any answers. It’s a book that offers hope and support for the struggling believer and will inspire you to push on, asking more questions and learning to live without all the answer. It’s a great little read that will give your summer some much needed freedom.

STRENGTHS FINDER 2.0 by Tom Rath

Review by @ScottFromSalem

StrengthsFinder 2.0 is a book by Tom Rath. As an updated version from Strengths Finder, Rath partnered with Gallup to further the strengths-based research. Operating through your strengths is a way that we can maximize our potential. So often we’ve been told to better our areas of weakness. Instead, the strengths philosophy says to increase our areas of strength. Since taking the Strengths Finder test again after 5 years, I renewed my interest in developing my strengths. This allows me to pursue developing the natural talents that God has given me. Strengths isn’t about learning who you are, it’s about confirming who you are. Then you can learn how to make yourself better through this awareness. If you’re in a time of transition or feeling like you’d like to learn more about how you can be a better you, Strengths Finder 2.0 is for you.

STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE by Jon Acuff

Review by @KristerDunn

Dad was a pastor. I know stuff about Christians. Lots of stuff. We are just like any other people group out there. Scratch the surface and you’ll see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Maybe even Clint Eastwood. You never know. But dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover the ridiculous, ludicrous, and convoluted. Jon Acuff has found a way to bring to life an ever growing cast of characters pulled directly out of every idiosyncrasy and double standard that can be found within Christianity. It’s like people watching on crack…or caffeine. Christians probably prefer a caffeine reference as it is clearly a better analogy. If you’ve ever done any time in a church you’ll connect right away. Satire, flat out comedy, good old fashioned knee slappers…it’s all in there. But it’s this next part that to me, is the pure genius: there is no anger present. Acuff doesn’t rant. There is no meanness. Slapping people around, taking people out at the knees, shaming people for knowing who Lady Gaga is…these are easy. Pointing out the odd stuff we do in the name of faith and having a laugh…that takes tact, heart and soul, and it’s just plain fun! But then there’s more. There are those times when I pause in the laughter and realize that there are attitudes I need to examine a little further; there are behaviours I need to address. There are those times that I realize Acuff just spoke to me on a deeper level (whether he meant to or not) and if I hadn’t been laughing so hard, I would have never let anyone take me there. Jack Bauer, Chuck Norris, and Jon Acuff walk into a bar… I’m pretty sure Christians like all three of those dudes. As for walking into the bar…is this the right time to insert a Braveheart reference to FREEE-DOOOOOM!?? Buy the book. Read the book. You’re welcome.

ALSO, make sure to check out our interview with Jon Acuff here.

Cast: Noah Ringer, Nicola Peltz, Dev Patel, and Jackson Rathbone
Release Date: July 1st, 2010

M. Night Shyamalan returns to the spotlight after his 2008 film The Happening with a film adapted from the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The first of a planned trilogy, it revolves around a 12-year-old boy capable of controlling the four elements. Along with a few friends, he must save his planet from the ruthless Firebenders and restore balance to the nations of Air, Earth, Water and Fire. We’re really hoping that M. Night can deliver something incredible like he did many moons ago.

Predators (2010)

Cast: Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, and Laurence Fishburne
Release Date: July 9th, 2010

We’ll take the word that this is not a remake, rather a direct sequel to the original Predator film. This one, however, will concern a group of Earth soldiers stranded on the Predator home-world and fighting for their lives. Again, we’re taking they’re word – whoever “they” are.

Despicable Me

Cast: (voices) Steve Carell, Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Fisher
Release Date: July 9th, 2010

A computer animated film starring the always hilarious Steve Carell as a super-villain who wants to steal the moon. His plans may be disrupted, however, by three orphan girls who look at him as potential father material. Cute. That’s about all we have to say about that.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)

Cast: Jay Baruchel, Nicolas Cage, and Monica Bellucci
Release Date: July 14th, 2010

While the world awaits the further adventures of the world’s most destructive archaeologist in National Treasure 3, the franchise’s star and director – Nicolas Cage and Jon Turteltaub – have come together for their take on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice instead. The setting for the film, with a wink to Enchanted, is present day New York. Though we probably won’t waste our money on this remake, we do wish Nick Cage the best of luck and hope that he takes a roll – within this century – that includes a decent hair cut.

Inception

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page and Michael Caine
Release Date: July 16th, 2010

Thank you, director of The Dark Knight, Mr. Nolan. Finally you have given us something we can sink our teeth (and summer movie money) into, that isn’t a remake or a “sequel” or something that doesn’t involve werewolves. It’s reported to be a “contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind.” With a budget reported at $200 million, we’re convinced that Inception will blow our minds. And, yes, we want our minds blown.

Salt

Cast: Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber
Release Date: July 23rd, 2010

Keep an eye on this one. Underrated director Phillip Noyce helms, while Angelina Jolie stars in an action thriller about a CIA officer accused of being a Russian spy. She then has to clear her name, while the world basically tries to capture her. All we have to say is “Please, please, don’t let this be a “sequel” to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We just can’t take anymore…”

Red Dawn

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, and Connor Cruise (the adopted son of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman)
Expected Release Date: November 24, 2010

And, yet, another remake! This time Hollywood takes on the 80’s classic, Red Dawn, where a group of high school students take on invading forces from China and Russia. We are, however, giving this movie the benefit of the doubt. We’re not sure why but we just are.