Empty Promises by Pete Wilson is a book about the idols in our lives that get in the way from our relationship with God.  Each chapter looks at a specific area about how people attempts to use it to fill a need in their lives, but in reality that leaves a void - or worse brings destruction, like addictions, divorce, and isolation.  From a perspective of calling these what they are, Wilson does a good job of communicating them.

Where I think the book falters is relating those empty idol areas back to a faith.  This book is clearly written to a Christian audience and Wilson uses common Christian idioms often that speaks of God filling those needs.  But that language and style leaves little room for those that struggle with doubt or skepticism on that relationship of God be meaningful.  The traditional Christian audience has evolved significantly, and there is so much resistance to these traditional church idioms and assumptions of faith.  I would have preferred a much more concrete examples of taking on faith in these areas that doesn't lean so heavily on assumptions that the reader knows how God works.

Pete Wilson's writing style is very approachable, and I appreciate his writing style a lot.  His books are quick reads, but can also be read in segments.  It is clear that Wilson cares about people and writes for his desire to be helpful and share his experiences.  I thoroughly enjoyed Wilson's first book, and will indeed read any future books Wilson publishes.

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