Victor Kuligin is a professor at a theological seminary in Namibia, Africa, where he has been serving for the past twelve years. Kuligin’s crosscultural ministerial experience provides him with great insight into American culture, as he is one who can see the United States from the outside-in. Ten Things I Wish Jesus Never Said is Kuligin’s first book and is a terrific contribution to Christians who wish to take seriously the tough sayings of Christ.
The Ten Things that Kuligin wishes Jesus never said are not surprising. Jesus’ words about hating parents, being poor in spirit, cutting off your limbs, and refraining from judgment are some of the popular “hard sayings” that have been addressed in many other books, most notably F.F. Bruce’s The Hard Sayings of Jesus. What makes Kuligin’s work stand out is the way in which he applies these difficult teachings to modern day life. As a professor in Africa, Kuligin has firsthand experience with the rising popularity of prosperity preaching, and he denounces the movement for the false gospel it promotes.
But Kuligin does not stand back and smugly wag his finger at American culture. You will be hard-pressed to find an author give a more soul-searching, raw and honest self-appraisal. At one point, he even mentions his self-centered desire to see this book find success and bring large financial rewards and then increase his name recognition.
Kuligin’s book could be summed up in two words: Crucify yourself. And while this is a hard message to swallow, it is an important aspect of Jesus’ message that today’s Church desperately needs to hear.
written by Trevin Wax © 2007 Kingdom People blog
