Salt of the Earth Paperback – March 29, 2016

I, sincerely enjoyed reading this book. Not only was it a good story it was a layered cake of characters, plot.lines and philosophy. How do you reconcile modern science and religion? You have to understand how progressive Christianity is making the church relevant again. "Salt of the Earth" is a guide book that shows by example how to be a good Christian in light of the discoveries of modern science. The church needs to evolve to remain relevant and serve all members of society. Do you miss being part of a community? Do you want your children to sign the social contract and be contributing members of society? James Asparro wants you to attend a progressive church in your community and enjoy the benefits of an extended family. This book is a quick read with multiple plot lines, amusing anecdotes and engaging characters. You might even learn something new and possibly life changing.

Salt of the Earth is a book with multiple love stories including one with a fabulous dog. The story highlights progressive Christian values from multiple points of view. It is heartening to observe a variety of complex characters solving a multiplicity of life questions and dilemmas through a lens that is unabashedly both Christian and progressive. The story mostly takes place in the Portland metropolitan area, and accurately reflects the beauty of the region. The parts of the story that take place in the Pacific are at times riveting and devastating. The book's richly drawn characters and story lines coalesce in an ending that describes the grace that is available to us when we share in community and celebrate both our unity and diversity. Read this book for it's sense of place, it's romantic nature or it's clear example of progressive Christian values. It is both eye-opening and entertaining.

Salt of the earth is a thought-provoking narrative, which brings to light numerous issues plaguing our society and today’s mainline Christian communities. Set primarily in the Pacific Northwest, with frequent mention of Portland’s cultural landmarks, the vibrant character’s personalities seize the reader. The novel evoked my emotional responses including: compassion for hardworking nurse Megan, married to workaholic and sex addicted navy officer Brandon; loathing for the arrogant Palmer who thinks expensive diamonds can buy love; and disgust for closeminded Ray Fish with his prejudice judgments. I cheered for Pastor Ben Dawson as he fell in love with Alex, applauded executive assistant Teresa for her astute business sense and honored Navy Chaplain Bill Wilson for his caring insights. . . and I loved Lizzie the dog! This is a well-researched, fast paced story, which will leave you asking for a sequel.

I really love the connections that the characters make. The author does a great job of building the characters-ones you love and those who just make you mad. The issues these characters face are those we face in our own lives, very relatable. I’ve read and listened to this on audible and plan to read it again. I recommend this book not only for pleasure reading but for some insight to humanity. This story is packed with brokenness and hope. A great read.

This is the one quote that literally made me feel with a sense of sadness:"We need to explain to people that we are a Christian nation, and we should all be grateful to Jesus for our freedoms to have guns, subservient wives, compliant children, a strong military, no queers, no perverts, no colored, no abortions, and the freedom to worship Jesus in our schools."These words, and many like them, were put in the mouths of a series of conservative caricatures that weave its way through this story. The reason I took a risk on this resource is because I wanted to better understand a different perspective of church and ministry. It was a way of dipping my tow into the water so that I can better understand certain progressive discussions...but I came to realize that this resource is only geared to point out that Christian conservatives are bigoted, knuckle dragging, heartless bullies - and that progressive liberal leaning ministries, and ministers, are the ethical high road. I will finish the resource, as I am already the majority of the way through it. I really hope the other resources I ordered, resources recommended by the Progressive platform, do more than assemble grossly exaggerated caricatures, to elevate an ethical superiority.

An inspiring book that takes on some of societies most critical issues through its engrossing characters. Gratifying to see progressive values played out as characters face challenges and resolve struggles and conflict. Some even come into good fortune with very satisfying results.