Book Review: Christopher Bogosh - Compassionate Jesus

We see from the thousands of pages in the new health care law and the continual rising prices of health care, that America is obsessed with life and health. Why not? Should we not as Christians use every means at our disposal to live a long and healthy life?

Christopher Bogosh shows us in his new book, "Compassionate Jesus", that things are not that simple. With so many new technologies, there are ethical lines that can be crossed. What is God's will in sickness? Are we to pray for physical healing? Does God have a plan for our sickness?

Here, the author takes us through the maze of ethical dilemmas many people face. Should we remove the feeding tube? Should the respirator be unplugged? Should Hospice be called in?

I can not say I agree with every single remark made in the book, but it has given me a whole new perspective on life and health. Proverbs 18:17 says, "The man who first puts his cause before the judge seems to be in the right; but then his neighbor comes and puts his cause in its true light."

Many beliefs we hold are based on the first thing we hear. This was true for me concerning health and dying. I had heard it said as Christians we should use every means to keep ourselves alive for as long as we can. Before coming out of the faith movement, I was even told that it was a sin to be sick. Biblically Paul said, "To live is Christ and to die is gain." If Paul saw death as gain, why do we fight it with every fiber of our being? I am not saying we should desire death only that we should not fear it. It is the vehicle that takes us to heaven and brings us into the arms of Christ.

Bogosh also brings up the subject of God's sovereignty. In fact that is the premise of the whole book. We see God as sovereign in every area of our lives, but seem to forget that truth when it concerns health care. Was God surprised when we found out we had cancer? Is He concerned? The truth is, He was right there?

Bogosh keeps a good balance. He does not suggest keeping medicine away from the hurting. His argument is against prolonging live for the sole purpose of gaining more time. Instead of using aggressive treatment that leaves the person in an unconscious state for the little time they have, he believes they should be comforted with medicine to relieve the pain. His goal is for the person to spend their last days with their loved ones.

A summary of the book would be: Do not worship life and health. Know that God is sovereign and He is the ultimate ruler who is in control. Worship Him only!

I enjoyed this book tremendously and highly recommend it to all. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, this is an important read. I pray that if I experience the same, God will grant the grace to practice the principles given in this book.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book, free of charge, from Cross Focused Reviews and Reformation Heritage Books in exchange for an honest review.