The Gospel According to Starbucks

That is the title of the latest book I picked up: The Gospel According to Starbucks - Living With a Grande Passion by Leonard Sweet. Pretty catchy title, eh? I have to admit that I picked the book up because of the title - Starbucks - and I bought it because it was on sale and I was looking for some new reading material that didn't cost a whole lot. I know those are not super spiritual reasons for reading a book, but you know, it is what it is.
As I started reading the book last night, I had to laugh. The author cleverly weaves coffee lingo in all that he writes, but he makes some pretty interesting points. Essentially, he looks at why Starbucks has become the phenomenon it has and why we are so willing to wait in line for and pay the price for a coffee at Starbucks. He then relates this to our faith walk.
He says, "You don't just get a cup of coffee at Starbucks, you have an experience. You shouldn't just go to church out of duty or guilt, you should experience the warmth and richness of the experience of living with God."
Just like you favourite brew from Starbucks is irresistible - mine happens to be a grande skinny hazelnut latte - so, too, is the life that Jesus offers you.

I am going to type out the last little bit of chapter two for you to enjoy.
Whenever I am interviewed, the question I'm almost always asked is this: "Dr. Sweet, do you believe in absolute truth?" There is only one answer: "I more than believe in it. I know Absolute Truth personally." Absolute Truth is Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the ... truth." When we know the truth, when we are in relationship with the Absolute, we will be...set free to live EPIC-ally. ...Jesus says, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The EPIC life is true with a capital "T". It is the irresisible answer to lukewarm, colorless spirituality. It is God's freshly brewed antidote to the dutiful Christian life. Once you respond to God's stirring introduction to the full experience of faith, you'll find spiritual passion that you'd gladly stand in line for.
Note: EPIC is an acrostic meaning Experiential; Participatory; Image-rich; Connecting.

So, I'm going to brew a cup of warm coffee, sit back and read on about this passion I'd gladly stand in line for.
Blessings,
Karren

PS Starbucks has not approved this book!