Condemned: The Transformation of a Violent Gang Leader
by Mark Rowan
Published by Monarch Books
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Review by Steven King, MBA
Mark Rowan’s Condemned paints a graphic picture of a life filled with crime, drugs, and sex. Apparently, Mark developed into quite a controversial character as he dealt with the fallout of being raised in an extremely dysfunctional family. Sadly, this tale is one that is spun all too often: wanton crime abuse that culminates in someone radically finding Jesus in a prison conversion.
Please do not be mislead, the fact that Mark has found Jesus – and today is serving in the capacity of an associate pastor – is a joy to know. As Jesus said, “I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.” We can all celebrate a life that is no longer darkened by the excess of sin – and has passed from “death unto life.”
What is bothersome, however, is the way that Mark Rowan spins this tale. Condemned is pinned in a mere 157 pages. Most will find it interesting and that perhaps it stretches the boundaries of credibility a little. A sound “reader beware” should be intimated to anyone finding this book. No mention of Jesus is made in this book until one meanders to page 127 where Rowan describes the account of a fellow inmate who asked him to attend a chapel service. In the next 20 or so pages, Mark shares his explosive reversal into evangelistic Christianity that culminates in his present occupation on staff a church in the United Kingdom.
Who will benefit the most from this book? Those who have walked the pathway of criminal excess formerly and now find themselves in dire need of the Savior. Perhaps they will not be offended by the graphic descriptions and criminal hubris that exudes from the pages.
Armchair Interviews says: Book buyers—heed this reviewer’s comments.