Book Review: Bound Together by Chris Brauns

Bound Together by Chris Brauns is another example that you cannot judge a book by its title. The subtitle to the book, How We Are Tied to Others in Good and Bad Choices would make one think this book is about making choices and the consequences, good or bad, they bring. He begins the book by addressing the principle of the rope which explains how we are connected to another. I am about to scream. I have read Chris Brauns' stuff. I know he is not one of these moralistic guys. Is he going through a midlife crisis? Remember, never judge a book by its title, unless it's a Joel Osteen book.

What Brauns is communicating in the book is two very important theological beliefs that seems to be misunderstood: original sin and union with Christ. Original sin seems to very confusing because not many churches preach nor teach it. Original sin deals with the fall of man. Brauns writes:

Original sin refers to the reality that we are all bound to Adam in his choice to disobey God's command. Because we are bound to Adam by the principle of the rope, when Adam sinned against God, he pulled himself and his descendants into a chasm of sickness, perversion, corruption, and decay that continue to rule our world today (pg. 44).

The Bible addresses original sin in Romans 5:12-21 which says, that death has been passed from Adam to all men because all have sinned. His sin lead all men to be put under condemnation.

Brauns talks about our union with Christ which the cross "cancels solidarity with Adam and links us to Christ" (pg. 58). What that means is the cross cancels our connectedness (if there is such a word) with Adam and his sin, to be joined with Christ and His righteousness if we put our faith and trust in him. Brauns continues,

The principle of the rope is what underlines the good news of the gospel, namely, that if we are roped to Christ, we are so bound to him that nothing - not even the rope that ties us to Adam - can ever separate us from his love (pg. 59).

Brauns stresses our union with Christ because it is one of the most important beliefs in scripture we have. He quotes other theologians on the importance of our union with Christ and proclaiming it. Brauns says that God is not far away from you, He is closer than you think because you and I are bound in Christ. Now this is only the first half of the book. The second half of the book deals with applying the principle of the rope. Applying the principle of the rope is how our union with Christ makes us united with other Christians, the church. Also applying that rope in marriage and show love when a family is hurting.

Brauns takes a user-friendly approach to the doctrines of original sin and union with Christ which I am thankful for. This is a must read for any believe especially those who are not familiar with these two doctrines. This is also a good resource for small group discussions and also a aid in preaching.

Thanks Zondervan for letting me review this book.