A lighthearted jab at both Democrats and Republicans, McLaren's The Word of the Lord to Democrats will strike a nerve with those in both parties. It's clear that McLaren has a message but at the same time doesn't take himself too seriously. That approach worked here and made for a thought provoking but fun (and funny) read at the same time. McLaren's unlikely "prophet" in this story is someone who at first appears to have no interest in matters of faith but as the story progresses, becomes convinced that she has in fact heard from God. After going public with what she believes God has told her she ends up in an over-the-top encounter with a character who has more than a slight resemblance to a couple of famous (and infamous) American political/cultural personalities. The story is short and McLaren does a nice job of moving it forward. A fun, thought provoking read. ( )

A short but powerful read, McLaren takes a humorous look at some of the problems with our current political landscape, beginning with the party that has long held itself to be progressive. Ruth Schwartz is a most unlikely person to speak a word from the Lord, and her reluctance to be a prophet is justified as she is met with resistance, disbelief, and outright disdain and humiliation. But she delivers a message from the Divine that should rattle the foundations of our politics. McLaren's book is fictional, but that shouldn't lead the reader to believe he doesn't address real issues - he does and he does so with humor and insight. It is a quick read that will leave the reader with plenty of reflection points. McLaren has stated that it is the first in a series and it appears that "The Word of the Lord to Evangelicals" will be out soon. This reader is looking forward to it. ( )