Corny, But a Quick Read| Posted March 27, 2014 This begins as a funny--okay, let's go ahead and say it--a corny story of a self-declared neighborhood watch officer encountering a mad scientist, his android sidekick, and a subdivision full of monsters. Within a few chapters, this silly book becomes a serious look at each and every person who claims to be a Christian. Are we really living what we say we are, or have we stopped part of the way into this abundant life we claim, walking around as half-dead monsters?
Matt Mikalatos uses a ton of goofy humor to make the point that although we may be masquerading as born again and full of life, it's possible that inside hides a spiritual vampire, zombie, werewolf, or worse. An equal-opportunity monster-killer, Mikalatos covers all the bases in Christianity, from conservatives to Catholics to independent "generic" Christians. We learn what makes a monster and then are challenged to look at ourselves and deal with what we find. Night of the Living Dead Christian is a quick, easy read that will leave you thinking about what's lurking inside you for a long time after you finish.
NOTE: NetGalley provided me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Humorous Allegory for Christianity| Posted July 01, 2012
When I first heard the title of Matt Mikalatos's new book, I didn't know what to think. His first book was Imaginary Jesus, and was apparently pretty funny. Based on that, and on the book jacket, (plus the description that he is like "Monty Python meets C.S. Lewis" - Relevant Magazine) I decided to try Night of the Living Dead Christian. I wasn't disappointed. I like my theology explained through fiction, and Mikalatos uses a variety of monsters (vampire, werewolf, robot, zombie, mad scientist, etc.) as allegories to explain how being born again is the road to Christ and being made new. The story involves Matt, his neighbor Luther (a werewolf), and other denizens of his neighborhood, on a quest to cure Luther of being a werewolf. The story proceeds at breakneck speed, with lots of action and hijinks. Along the way, the path to salvation is explained, as well as why that salvation is needed. The story is not all fun and games though, as several parts can cause uncomfortableness as the reader is forced to examine his own state of "monster-ness". The book comes complete with a monster guide, as well as a discussion guide. I really enjoyed this book and will look for others that Matt Mikalatos has written.
I was given a copy of this book to read by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
