Reviews of Bound Together

Special thanks to Shaun Tabatt of Cross Focused Reviews for his help. Here is a summary of a number of reviews:

 “Those desiring to understand how to love God and love others, two actions which Jesus said is what all of the Torah and the prophets meaning all of Scripture is based on, will find Bound Together to be an enchiridion, an extremely timely, helpful, and holistic guide for understanding what it means to relate to one another in a godly manner as outlined throughout Scripture. Our actions have repercussions and it is high time we all understand what that means!”

Bound Together explores the Principle of the Rope, the truth that we are bound together in surprising ways. I had never though about this before. Once I read a little of this book I saw that this truth was foundational to the world and my life.”

“Brauns is on the right track and I loved the gospel focus of this book. This could be a good book for personal study or for a small group study”

“Brauns touches on so many appropriate topics throughout this book, and ties everything in so well with our spiritual lives… You won’t be disappointed in this read. It’s easy to read because it’s interesting, and full of information.”

“great substance and practical value, giving hope to the hurting and encouragement for all those struggling with sin.”

“Pastors may want to include this book in their counseling tool kit. But anyone who wants to understand original sin and the relationship we have in Christ after our salvation would find this book helpful in unlocking some of the mysteries.”

“I  found “Bound Together” to be a wonderful, eye-opening perspective on life, especially for generations like mine that have been raised in such a self-centered culture. To view our union with Christ and other Christians as a desired treasure should help us overcome disappointment in our relationships and be more intentional about building unity in our local church families.”

“I encourage you to read this book for a clear understanding of “original sin” and the best understanding of our “union with Christ”. For me, Chapter 7 alone is well worth the price of buying the book because my wife noticed that I had done something I had not done in our 14 ½ years of marriage, which was taking a week off to do Spring Cleaning.”

“This book is well-written, interesting, and will give the reader a far better understanding of Adam’s sin and how it affects all of us in a bad and good way. By the time you get to the end of the book, you realize the good far outweighs the bad regarding the principle of the rope, and how that applies to your relationship with Jesus Christ.”

“It is a book for a time such as this. I highly recommend it.”

“The book was thought-provoking, and written in a comfortable, readable way. I could tell it was written by someone with a pastor’s heart for people. I highly recommend it, and I would love to see it handed out to both teenagers and young adults.”

“This book will not disappoint you. It is easy to read yet contains powerful principles. May we learn that our actions & choices have lasting affects on ourselves & those we journey with.”

“Brauns writes with grace to urge readers to help lift up the rope with decisions that will benefit us all as we are tied to the rope for the glory of God and each other’s good. ”

“This book has impacted me because I have thought of things this way before in reading the Bible or thinking through my personal choices, however I needed to be reaffirmed that no matter what choices I make God works them all out to fulfill His greater plan… Over all it is an interesting read.”

“This is a helpful, thought-provoking, valuable book, particularly the definitely recommended first five chapters.”

“If you are looking for a well thought out book about original sin and God’s grace through Jesus to save us from it, Brauns does an excellent job of laying the background and then showing an application of those truths. Although our ties to Adam doomed us, our ties to Jesus saves us.”

“On balance, this is an excellent book: well organized, theologically Reformed (in Baptist mode), engaging. Since I am a critical, glass-half-empty sort, and since I’m writing this review in the midst of assorted life problems and annoyances, I will attempt to offer some criticisms. Don’t let these criticisms mislead you; this is one of the better books I’ve read recently and I highly recommend it.”

“I give Bound Together 5 stars. Like Unpacking Forgiveness, I’ll refer to it often and highly recommend it to others.”

“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.”

“This book is a must read. If you have a problem understanding how we are accounted sinners because of something Adam did or righteous because of what Christ did, this book has the best explanation I have found. He uses many real life illustrations to prove that we are all connected. I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.”

Bound Together is a unique work in that it touches on several critical issues of today. Apart from just sharing the gospel with you it is a guided tour through the follies of contemporary culture and the hope and truth of being bound with others and by others to Jesus Christ”

“I hesitate to tell you that this book tackles with verve the theological ideas of original sin and union with Christ. I can hear the groans–another theology tome. Please reroute your thinking as this volume is so much more than academic exercise… This is a great book.”

“In a western culture that introduces self dependence to children early on, it is a book that is culturally relevant and fairly courageous in its intent to delve into topics such as these.”

“This is a book I wish I could hand to every family. As someone who works with children each day, I wish parents could see the effect their decisions have upon their children. Somehow some parents have managed to delude themselves into thinking their divorce will have no effect on their children since both parents plan to remain active. Yet, they fail to recognize their selfishness is not only seen by their children but in many ways is imitated by their children. Likewise, I wish children saw how their actions affect their siblings and even their parents.”

Bound Together is a welcome addition in this renewed understanding of an essential truth: We are one body with many parts and we only work as we should when we’re together. I trust it will be a great encouragement to you as you read and apply it.”

“I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to have a better understanding of how original sin, mankind and the cross of Christ bind us together.”