Steve McQueen: The Salvation of an American Icon
By Greg Laurie with Marshall Terrell (American Icon Press)
This book not only is a spiritual biography of iconic movie personality Steve McQueen, but also the story of how and why pastor/evangelist Greg Laurie became a fan of the actor and how he came to write the book. Laurie parallels his own life with McQueen’s in the early years.
An alcoholic mother and an absent father shaped McQueen’s young life, and his behavior landed him in Boy’s Republic for delinquents. McQueen later served in the U.S. Marine Corps, from which he received an honorable discharge. He credited the Marines for making him a man.
McQueen wanted anything but a 9-to-5 job, the authors note. So, McQueen entered an acting school and auditioned for several roles. His first film, The Blob, is a 1958 horror cult classic produced by a company that made Christian films. The producers held daily prayer meetings and prayed for McQueen, while also asking God to save them from him. Also in 1958, McQueen starred in a television series, Wanted: Dead or Alive. Ten years later, he landed the starring role in Bullitt. His portrayal of Lt. Frank Bullitt cemented his stardom, and the movie featured a chase scene from which all other chase scenes were copied.
Throughout his movie career, Christians continued to cross his path, and McQueen eventually accepted Christ as his Savior, due in large part to the influence of his flying instructor. Evangelist Billy Graham came to see McQueen after his cancer diagnosis, and McQueen told Graham about his conversion experience. Graham presented him a Bible—the same one he clutched in his hand on his deathbed.
The book, which ends with a gospel presentation by Laurie, is a wonderful spiritual biography of a movie legend who needed Jesus and found and accepted him.
Skip Holman, minister of discipleship
Northeast Baptist Church
San Antonio
Seven-Mile Miracle
By Steven Furtick (Multnomah Books)
Steven Furtick, author of Greater and founder and pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., invites readers to journey into God’s presence by reflecting on the last words of Jesus before his death on the cross.
The first mile on the journey is “getting your slate clean” and relates to forgiveness. Subsequent miles following salvation deal with relationship and adoption, abandonment and distress, and finally triumph and reunion. Furtick asks important questions: As we travel this spiritual journey, are we taking someone with us? Are we walking with others on the road Jesus walked?
This work is replete with Scripture. A 40-day Bible reading guide is provided to lead up to Easter. Also, there are Scripture references, by chapter, at the end of the book. A DVD and member’s book are optional resources to accompany this book.
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While Seven-Mile Miracle is a perfect book for the Easter season, it can be read anytime. This is a book for anyone who wants to be reminded of the pathway Jesus walked.
Skip Holman, minister of discipleship
Northeast Baptist Baptist
San Antonio
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