Book Review: Empty Promises by Pete Wilson

There is the old saying, "Never judge a book by it's cover." Many will probably look at Pete Wilson's latest book, Empty Promises, and think this is a self-centered book. Nothing about honoring God nor living in light of the gospel.

The book starts off surprisingly talking about how each human being on the planet is wired to worship something. Wilson said, "The question isn't, 'Do we worship?' The question is, 'Who (or what) do we worship?'" Then Wilson goes on to talk about Idolatry, which some churches do not address because they think idolatry is the worship of some statue. Basically, this whole book is on idolatry. Wilson talks about money, identity, appearance, and other idols that can take our affections from God and onto other things.

One of the best chapters in the book was the one on religion. The chapter is called, "Religion Lies." Basically, this chapter talks about the lies that religion can bring on a person in order for them to perform so they can "feel" acceptable to God. Wilson said, The thing is, religion tends to sniff out the insecurities that we wrestle with and that lure us in. "The religion idol whipsers, 'If you would just:

give more;
show up more;
serve more;
pray more;
read more;
memorize more;
preach more;
evangelize more;
sing more;

then, and only then, will you be safe. Then will God love you. At the very least, if you do all this, he'll love you more.'"

This book was a surprise to read on idolatry. I do think it would make a great resource for all pastors to use when talking about idolatry.

Thanks, Booksneeze for letting me review this book.