Book Review: Evangellyfish

Evangellyfish (2012) is a satirical novel by pastor, speaker, and author Douglas Wilson. I have long been a fan of Wilson's ability to communicate effectively. He uses words like a scalpel rather than a broadsword, yet he is not shy about his opinions. I haven't read Carl Hiaasen, but if I did, I imagine this is what his books would be like.

I first encountered Wilson in the documentary Collision where he engaged in a series of debates with well-known atheist Christopher Hitchens. They were both exemplary wordsmiths, so it was a joy to watch. But I digress.

Evangellyfish presents the story of a pastor of a mega-church, Chad Lester, who is caught in the middle of a scandal of mega-proportions. There is a certain irony that even though he is happily involved in a number of sinful behaviors, he is being accused of a sin he perceives to be much more egregious. He wonders how he could ever be accused of that sin because he would never do that.  The book then follows the unfolding of this scandal, the responses of church leadership, and the reaction by the leader of a Reformed Baptist congregation, John Mitchell. 

Along the way, Wilson appears to call many of us to task. He challenges many of the prevailing notions in evangelicalism such as the lack of pursuit of holiness, our reliance upon Oprah-esque psychobabble, and the lack of biblical grounding in too many churches. 

The book is funny, satrical, and convicting.  If you are looking for a fun read, you may enjoy this novel.