It has been awhile since I read any of Sweet's writing. I read his book "Soul tsunami" and loved it's message. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this book. I felt like the flow was too hard to follow and I wasn't sure what to make of some of the chapters. I will admit there were segments that were very intriguing and insightful. However, I just didn't get the whole argumentation of the book.

Leonard Sweet: theologian, public intellectual, and futurist, shares with readers his 25 different "Rings of Fire" which could be cataclysmic for the church in a volcanic 21st century culture. Be prepared to discover more than you ever imagined you would find in a single volume about China, world religions, divisive political culture, sexuality, genders & gendering, race relations, ecology, genetic engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, informational technology, nanotechnology, hell, heaven, and many more topics!

This book reads a little bit like an encyclopedia of potential future disasters. Every chapter is filled with surprisingly informative explanations of topics the reader may only vaguely familiar with. The information isn't exhaustive, by any means, but it's comprehensive enough to inspire grave concern for the future of the church as we currently understand it. I dare say the vast majority of well-intentioned and devout followers of Christ are not adequately prepared for the volcanic upheavals of the near future described in this eye-opening volume, upheaval which have the potential to spectacularly disrupt the church as we currently know it.

Rarely have I encountered a book which taught me so much and gave me so many things to ponder. I'm reminded of the 80s hit, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" by Timbuk3. Only this time, the idea is more like the future is explosively volatile, I've gotta examine everything I thought I knew about being the church of Jesus Christ in a rapidly changing culture.

Thank you to Netgalley.com and NavPress for the electronic advance review copy.

Leonard Sweet’s new book “Rings of Fire” is simply a semiotic masterpiece. Sweet’s otherworldly ability to take in the stories of the past, read the signs of our present, and map the terrain of the future, is an extraordinary gift by God, to the church, and ultimately to the world. No future stone is left unturned, as he explores and examines topics from Refugees and Immigrants, China, World Religions, Gender, Race, Ecological Concerns, Artificial Intelligence, and host of other vital concerns. With his quick wit, extraordinary insights, breadth of sources, and masterful prose, Leonard Sweet is our guide to help us navigate the fascinating future!