Reviewed by Mark Lawrence

Written by Grammy Award winning artist Israel, A Deeper Level sets out to take the reader on a journey of intimacy into a deeper level of relationship and experience of God. Interspersed with personal testimonies and insights from members of Israel's band, New Breed, the book tackles themes such as overcoming obstacles, worship and justice and what it actually means to go deeper in our experience of God. The book practically helps the reader by including a few study questions at the end of each chapter to allow time for reflection and to record notes on, for example, personal steps needed to overcome fear and destructive habits. I must admit that as I read this book, well intentioned that it is, I felt uneasy. There are so many 'self-help' books available in the Christian market-place that focus on the individual and the individual's relationship with an individual God. It is important to spend time in intimacy and getting right before God but we are created to be in community, to love in community and to worship God through being in relationship and community. The top-heavy emphasis of individuality in books such as A Deeper Level can cause us to become more inward looking and become more and more a part of the individualistic society and culture that we already inhabit here in the West. If you like your ten-step plans then there is something for you in this book but I would suggest a note of caution whilst reading it.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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