So I’ve finally read a John Mark Comer book.

I first encountered JMC through the (I think now inaccessible) podcast This Cultural Moment with Mark Sayers. JMC was an interesting anchor to Sayers’ lofty and sweeping ideas and intellect.

Since then, Comer seems to have become a significant and influential figure in the Christian world, especially among a younger audience. He is an interesting mix of feeling both extremely modern (especially in his communication style – he always has a very conversation tone to him) and extremely ancient (he is constantly wanted to wade through the mess of Christianity in the past decades and return to more ancient Christian practices). Both these are worthy endeavours, and they certainly give him a unique place among Christian leaders today.

In this book, Comer offers an accessible overview of identity and sexuality. Typical of his writing, it reads like a textbook for Gen-Y and Gen-Z. He is a straight-shooter, and seamlessly weaves together ancient ideas and words with critiques of modern expressions of sexuality that fail to deliver on their promises. He covers many of the controversial topics in a succinct and pointed manner.

It’s a solid exploration of classic Christian theology, packaged in a fresh way.

Who wrote it

John Mark Comer is an American pastor and author

Why I read it

A fresh take on the topic from a modern writer who is communicating to a new generation will always have appeal. It was part preaching preparation, and part curiosity.

What I liked

Comer certainly has a way with words. He is clearly gifted in writing in a way that is accessible to a younger generation (I feel like Gen Z is his target, but that could just be my take as an older-millennial).

Comer is consistent, straight forward, and pointed.

What I didn’t

I have to admit, after a while, his style of writing did grate on me. While I appreciate it may be very appealing to some, I didn’t love it overall. That’s just a personal thing, I think.

While he does cover quite a breadth here, at times I wished he had said a little more, or had a stronger argument. Overall, they are minor gripes.

Major Takeaway

Couples who exist simply for one another are doomed to failure. If the point of your marriage is your marriage, it will collapse in on itself. If the end goal of your relationship is your relationship, it will self-destruct.

Scriptures don’t start with a negative command about sex — “Don’t.” They start with a positive command — “Be fruitful and increase in number.”

If you’re gay, this is for you. There is no “official” voice for “the church,” and if there was, it wouldn’t be me, but I know I speak for millions of Jesus followers when I say this — we are so very sorry for the way we have treated you.

For followers of Jesus, the point of singleness isn’t freedom from responsibility. It’s freedom for more responsibility.

Who should read it

I feel like this is probably geared more towards Gen Z or younger Gen Y. It’s solid, but the writing style is probably not for everyone.