This is an interesting book, informative as well as educative. The introduction itself firmly establishes the author's wish to be identified as a Christian before getting into the subject of the book: how revival is being affected by today's internet technology particularly Twitter, Google, iPhone, Facebook - what Leonard prefers to call TGIF. While I'm not sure I entirely agree with Leonard's notion that people before the internet were not receptive to the concept of relationships with others as much as today's 'googlers', his premise that today's googling people "pursue connection with a tenacity not seen since Elizabeth Taylor's 6th wedding" does hold water.
On the other hand, whether you agree with Leonard or not, the writing throughout the book is compelling, insightful and mostly convincing too, if you can read past the sometimes over-generalizing viewpoints that is.
The best aspect of "Viral" is the mature understanding of Christianity and the Internet. The book is full of accessible tips on merging both positively and living a witnessing life online.
The book does a neat job of identifying opportunities as well as the challenges posed by developments like TGIF in sharing our faith online. It's also an invitation to those who are reluctant to dive into TGIF (Leonard calls them Gutenbergers) to shed their inhibitions and instead meet people where they increasingly are: online!
Contrasting how success belonged to those who controlled content before Google and how since Google, success belongs more to those who provide content, Leonard aptly concludes, "The only institutions that can look forward to a future are those that transition from regulation to resource." A thought-provoking challenge for the Church to transition itself from a teaching role to more of a participatory/interactive role.
Overall, a useful read for most people - I have to say that there's something in it for everyone.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 'Blogging for Books' review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
