The Pure in Heart, by Mark Miller

Josh Mason was doing his best to pastor his small Baptist church, trying to live like Jesus, serving his congregation and his community.  Dave Johnson has made his mission exposing pastors and destroying their careers.  In Mark Miller's novel The Pure in Heart these two preachers' kids' paths cross.  The question is, will either man's life be changed as a result?

Dave's father was an abusive and controlling, driving Dave away from the faith.  He was actually a criminal sexual predator, but apparently was not held accountable for it.  Dave understandably looked upon clergy with suspicion.  When Dave's own pastor had an affair with his wife, that was the last straw.  He hit the road, searching for pastors to bring down.  He aimed at sexual impropriety and financial irregularities.  His pattern was to ingratiate himself to a new church, then sow rumors, uncover secrets, and, at least once, going as far as seducing the pastor's wife.  The more havoc he left and the more pastors' resignations he forced, the better.

When Josh answered a call at church from someone asking how to be saved, he never would have guessed that Dave, on the other end of the line, was out to destroy him.  The problem is that Dave actually met a pastor who, while he may not be perfect, is conscientious and honorable.  Josh agrees to meet Dave and ends up spending most of a day with him.  Dave peppers him with questions, relentless trying to call him out for hypocrisy, pushing Josh to lend him his car and give him money (after denying that he wants any money).

Miller works in some entertaining and insightful conversations about money, racism, and the role of the pastor.  A pastor himself, he paints a realistic picture of life as a small-town, small-church pastor.  Sure, he preaches and leads Bible studies, but he also runs church ministries, community outreaches, and, of course, mows the grass.  I think any pastor will be able to relate to Miller's realistic, un-romanticized view of ministry.

The Pure in Heart is a fun, breezy read.  It's not too heavy on the preaching, and Josh doesn't come up with a lot of easy answers.  Miller will prompt some questions and discussion about ministry and benevolence, evangelism and giving, and that question so many of us face: when is it OK not give?  As I read, I thought many times about the "show, don't tell" maxim for writers.  Miller spends a lot of time telling and not showing.  Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book and appreciate the honesty, experience, and thoughtfulness he brings to the story.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!