Making Sense of Life

Brian Burch is a teacher, writer and poet and author of Still Under the
Thumb.

It is rare for a writer to be able to make sermons as effective when published as when spoken. Andrew MacRae’s Making Sense of Life shows that it is possible. I do not agree with many of his conclusions but I am challenged by his arguments.

MacRae’s strength is his ability to apply traditional parables and Christian scriptures to a modern setting. Whether it is the story of the prodigal son, explored in his chapter “The Boy Who Knew Better, “ or his analysis of problems with organized religion, dealt with in “Why Formal Religion Fails,” MacRae shows a strong knowledge of Christian scripture and uses language that is neither condescending nor academic to place the past in a modern context.

MacRae shares a common weakness of many researchers and theologians: preconceptions determine the outcome of research and analysis. His support of the concept of a just war, for example, means that in “The Logic of Faith” MacRae can support some forms of war and reject others. There is no problem with presenting opinion as opinion but MacRae has a tendency not to be able to separate opinion and fact.

MacRae does not hesitate in dealing with substantive issues, like the difficulties inherent in belief or the demands that are implied in publically living a claimed faith or ideal. He doesn’t spend much time, in this collection, dealing with such matters as personal grief or loneliness but gives an indication that he would be able to link personal needs to larger theological issues.

While an evangelical, MacRae is not making an effort to convert in this collection of sermons, but trying to express some of the logic behind the Christian faith from a conservative perspective. He has succeeded in this endeavour.