The Grace Effect: How the Power of One Life Can Reverse the Corruption of Unbelief
4.5/5
()
Currently unavailable
Currently unavailable
About this ebook
“Simply defined, the ‘grace effect’ is an observable phenomenon—that life is demonstrably better where authentic Christianity flourishes.”
What does Christianity give us beyond televangelists, potlucks, and bad basketball leagues? Not much, according to the secular Left. The world, they say, would be a better place without it.
Historian and Christian apologist Larry Taunton has spent much of his career refuting just this sort of thinking, but when he encounters Sasha, a golden-haired Ukranian orphan girl whose life has been shaped by atheistic theorists, he discovers an unlikely champion for the transforming power of grace.
Through the narrative of Sasha’s redemption, we see the false promises of socialism; the soul-destroying influence of unbelief; and how a society cultivates its own demise when it rejects the ultimate source of grace. We see, in short, the kind of world the atheists would give us: a world without Christianity—cold, pitiless, and graceless.
And yet, as Sasha shows us, it is a world that is not beyond the healing power of “the grace effect.” Occasionally infuriating, often amusing, but always inspiring, The Grace Effect will have you cheering for the courageous little girl who shamed the academic elitists of our day.
Endorsements:
"In The Grace Effect -- Larry Taunton's deeply moving and personal story of how his family adopted a Ukranian girl -- we behold the staggering contrast between a culture suffused with Christian faith and one that has utterly rejected it. Atheists must assiduously avoid exposure to stories like this one. If you've ever been unsure of how much good Christianity does in the world, read this book." —Eric Metaxas, New York Times Best-selling author of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
"This highly readable book is a collection of powerful insights into the long-term consequences of spiritual indifference and, above all, a remarkable example of how to conquer it." — Dr. Olivera Petrovich, research psychologist, University of Oxford
"What would a world without Christianity look like? We don't have to guess because such a world does exist: it exists in the current and former Communist bloc. Through the inspiring story of a little girl born in Eastern Europe and now living in America, Larry Taunton draws a sharp contrast between the life-giving influence of Christianity and the worn out theories of atheism and radical secularism. The effect?The Grace Effect?is nothing less than powerful and moving." ?Dinesh D'Souza, former White House policy analyst, fellow of the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, and current president of Kings College
Larry Alex Taunton
Larry Alex Taunton is Founder and Executive Director of Fixed Point Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the public defense of the Christian faith. Fixed Point has captured the attention of BBC, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News Network, The Christian Post, and many others. Taunton has personally engaged some of the most vociferous opponents of Christianity, including Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Peter Singer. He lives in Birmingham, AL.
Read more from Larry Alex Taunton
The Faith of Christopher Hitchens: The Restless Soul of the World's Most Notorious Atheist Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Grace Effect: How the Power of One Life Can Reverse the Corruption of Unbelief Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to The Grace Effect
Related ebooks
Great Reset Christianity: How Woke Evangelicals Twist Scripture to Advance the Left's Agenda Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThen Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLooking for the King: An Inklings Novel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInventing Freedom: How the English-Speaking Peoples Made the Modern World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Reflect: Becoming Yourself by Mirroring the Greatest Person in History Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLessons From the Least of These: The Woodson Principles Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Awake, Not Woke: A Christian Response to the Cult of Progressive Ideology Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRediscovering America: How the National Holidays Tell an Amazing Story about Who We Are Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLincoln's Battle with God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Have faith in Massachusetts; 2d ed. A Collection of Speeches and Messages Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJohn Wise: Early American Democrat Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has Worn You Out Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Menno Simons: His Life, Labors, and Teachings Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhat I Saw in America Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Postmodern Pilgrim's Progress: An Allegorical Tale Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Fish Out of Water: A Search for the Meaning of Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Joan and Peter: The story of an education Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTruth Matters, Life Matters More: The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe First Blast of the Trumpet against the monstrous regiment of Women Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Hope of the Gospel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPondering the Permanent Things: Reflections on Faith, Art, and Culture Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThose Boys on the Hill Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Cost of My Faith: How a Decision in My Cake Shop Took Me to the Supreme Court Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Of Seeds and the People of God: Preaching as Parable, Crucifixion, and Testimony Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Year with G. K. Chesterton: 365 Days of Wisdom, Wit, and Wonder Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Thin Places: A Memoir Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Light and the Glory (God's Plan for America Book #1) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Christianity For You
The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Bible (World English Bible, Easy Navigation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wild at Heart Expanded Edition: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for The Grace Effect
3 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I'm always a little worried when I read books by people I know, because I know that the book will change or shape my opinion of that person. Usually it's not for the better. But I really enjoyed The Grace Effect.Larry Taunton skillfully weaves the effect of Christianity and grace into the story of Sasha. Normally, I'd be impatient to get on with the story part, especially since I personally know Sasha. But I found myself very interested in every part of the book, not just her story but the history and theology as well.Even if you have no personal connection with the Taunton family, I would strongly recommend this book.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I felt like this book was telling two different stories. The author begins by letting us know that he is friends with Christopher Hitchens and that they discuss and debate Christianity vs. athiesm together. Then, he goes on to tell the story of his family adopting a little girl from an orphanage in the Ukraine. He tries to sell the point that the Ukraine is an unfriendly corrupt country due to the influence of athiestic socialism - which may be true, and that the US is a friendly, loving, non-corrupt country due to the Christian influence. I think that might be a debatable point to many people. I really enjoyed his story about his daughter's adoption and all that they went through in order to adopt her. I found his version of Ukranian history interesting and humerous - especially the part where Prince Vladimir crossed his legs after hearing about the Jewish practice of circumcision, decided not to chose the Muslim religion since they did not allow vodka and picked Greek Orthodoxy since he could keep his nether regions intact and drink vodka and because he had heard tales of how beautiful the Haigia Sophia was. I also thought it was funny that they have a bumper sticker with a high heeled boot on it on cars with women drivers to warn other drivers in the Ukraine. The book is well written and interesting and I enjoyed his story about adopting his daughter, but I think that there are many people who would disagree with his concept of the "Grace Effect" of the Christian religion on society. I don't think he gives much support to that concept. If being a Christian nation makes us less corrupt and more polite and caring, then what about what happened in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit - how horribly people behaved, compared to how civilized and polite the Japanese were during and after the recent earthquake and nuclear meltdown? I don't think that the "Grace Effect" helped the Americans to behave well and the Japanese who behaved so much better are not Christians. I am not sure that the US government is any less corrupt than that of the Ukraine - they just admit it and have it out in the open and we hide it. I don't think that the "grace effect" has eradicated slavery and treating other people badly in the US - we just hide that better too. There are plenty of slaves in the US; most of them picking produce and most of them don't speak English and are not here legally. We don't see them or know about them so that makes it ok. And our whole society is built on products that are made by people who live in slavery or sub-standard conditions in other countries. But since we don't know about it, we don't feel responsible for it. That "grace effect" just seems to hide things, not make them go away.I got this book free to review from Booksneeze.