Making Sense of Us

In Making Sense of Us, The Gospel Coalition introduces the concept of cultural narratives and sheds light on seven of the most prevalent ones, examining them through the lens of the gospel. Well suited for small groups or Sunday school, this book serves as a helpful guide for discussing and applying biblical truth.

The book excels at its goals: (1) identifying these narratives, (2) understanding how they operate in our lives, (3) recognizing where they fall short, and (4) discovering how Christianity, surprisingly, offers more than these narratives promise.

Reasonable, Rational, Winsome

I was hooked from the first chapter, as Rebecca McLaughlin addresses the idea of the self. Referring to the Moana—a favorite in my family—she shows how it reflects the “siren song” of expressive individualism. This book challenged me as I began to recognize the different cultural narratives I have left unchecked in my own life, as well as those I need to be mindful of in my home.

I especially appreciated the “Conversation,” “Practice,” and “Application” sections, which provide discussion prompts and questions to help you prepare to engage with unbelievers or those who hold to prevailing cultural viewpoints. With thoughtful and compelling insights, this book presents a reasonable, rational, and winsome picture of Christianity.

I received a media copy of Making Sense of Us (Amazon) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.