Book Review: Implosion

I just finished reading Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg.  A few years ago, I read and reviewed Rosenberg's book Epicenter, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read his latest nonfiction work.    Rosenberg is the bestselling author of a number of books, both fiction and nonfiction, and although I'd only read one of his books up to this point, I expected Implosion to keep my interest and give me lots to think about.  I was not disappointed.

Implosion's subtitle reads, "Can America Recover from Its Economic & Spiritual Challenges in Time?"  In seventeen chapters, Rosenberg takes the reader on a journey through current events and issues in America, historical events (specifically the First and Second Great Awakenings), and in-depth consideration of the question "what happens to America in the last days?" (which is actually the title of Chapter 8).  He presents four possible scenarios for America's future, while at the same time being very clear that he doesn't know which, if any, of these scenarios will come to pass.  Through the use of facts, statistics, quotations, and observations, he paints a sobering picture of where we are now as a nation, and where we are headed.  He believes America is in grave danger economically, morally, and most important, spiritually.

I am the type of person who tends to somewhat "put my head in the sand" when it comes to current events, politics, and economics.  It's easier that way to believe things aren't "that bad."  This book woke me up, and even shook me up.  It was scary, convicting, and challenging all at the same time.  I came away burdened about several things:

• The need to pray for our country and its leaders much more faithfully
• The need to pray for revival--a third "Great Awakening" in America . . . and is my own heart ripe for revival?
• The need to love and care for others, share my faith, build relationships, and make disciples
• The need to dig into God's Word faithfully

There is so much more I could say . . . Implosion is a big book, packed with information and food for thought, but not at all a difficult read.  I wish everyone in America, Christian or not, could read this book.  Whether or not one agrees with Rosenberg's politics, eschatology, or faith, I believe we can all benefit from a long, hard look at where we have been as a country, and where we are going.

As with Epicenter, I especially appreciated how Rosenberg views events (past and present) through what he calls the "third lens" of Scripture.  I also really appreciate how he can take a potentially "boring" subject matter and make it anything but!  As an author, he writes with a voice of care and compassion for America and the world, but also for people as individuals.  He has a heart for evangelism and discipleship, and it shows.

Implosion is a fascinating book, and well worth reading.  I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

**Many thanks to Tyndale for the free review copy of this book.  I was not required to give a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.**