A reviewer for Christianity Today has criticized Andrew Farley's new book, The Impossible Teachings of Jesus. The critic says the book's theology appears basically orthodox. But the reviewer says the writing style makes the book hard to follow. The review was published on November 10, 2026. It focuses on the book's treatment of the Sermon on the Mount.
What the review says
The reviewer says Farley uses a repeated structure throughout the book. In one imagined exchange, a reader asks the author whether his theology is wrong. The reviewer counts this pattern 23 times across roughly 250 pages. The critic says the device becomes distracting and feels templated.
The reviewer also says the book repeats its main claim again and again. Each chapter restates the same idea, often in new wording. By chapter 12, the critic says, the point was already clear. The review adds that the book's frequent "It's not X, it's Y" phrasing appears about twice per page.
The book aims to explain the hard commands in Matthew 5. These include the verses on anger, plucking out the eye, and being perfect. Farley argues that these commands show human need for God's grace. The reviewer agrees that this goal is worthwhile.
Context
The Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5 to 7, contains some of Jesus' most demanding teachings. Christians have long debated how to read these passages. Some read them as a standard to strive for. Others read them as a reminder of human limits and the need for grace.
The reviewer notes that the book is written for a general readership. She says many churchgoers feel the fears and pressures Farley addresses. For that reason, she says, the book may reach readers who do not need detailed Greek study. The critic argues that a clearer style would have served that audience better.
What to watch
The review does not report any response from Farley or his publisher. Readers who want to judge the book for themselves can read the full text and the complete Christianity Today review.
