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The Shack by William P. Young |
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He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection by Wayne Jacobsen |
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Authentic Relationships: Discover the Lost Art of "One Anothering" by Wayne Jacobsen,Clay Jacobsen |
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Divine Nobodies: Shedding Religion to Find God by Jim Palmer |
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Pagan Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices by Frank Viola,George Barna |
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So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymoreby Jake Colsen, Wayne Jacobsen, Dave Coleman |
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 Not Enough to Grab My Attention, October 12, 2008 |
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So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore is the second fiction title by Windblown Media, which is most famous for publishing The Shack. Like The Shack, this book has been criticized for bad theology. It would be easy for me to say that this book is purely fiction, but that would be a lie. This book is merely a vehicle for Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman's views on Christianity. I would hesitate to call it bad theology, because the authors really do not delve into standard theological issues. They are more concerned with relational issues.
The plot centers around a man named Jake, who is an associate pastor at a popular church in California. He becomes disillusioned with church after meeting a man named John, who tries to explain to him the type of life that God wants people to live. This life is not even close to the way Jake is living, and his self-discovery during his conversations with John lead to a series of events that completely changes his world. The main problem I have with this book is the fact that it is a work of fiction, and with that in mind, it is terrible fiction. The characters are bland and one dimensional. There is way too much dialogue. The plot is generic, and the prose is weak. There were times when I would skip over the extremely long paragraphs because they would just repeat the same rhetoric that I've heard before in other books. The message of this book is good; however, it is poorly written. There's not much original about it. I've haven't read any of the critiques of it, because I wanted to remain objective. But as far as theology, there wasn't anything that jumped out at me. Bottom line: I wouldn't pay much money for this book. |
 Don't miss the forest for the trees, October 7, 2008 |
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I finished the book in about two days. A very good and intriguing read. Perhaps the greatest thing that I have taken away from the book is a reminder of both the complexity and simplicity of Father's love.
I have read several of the comments written about this book, and I can't help but wonder if the majority of them have still missed the central message of the book and the gospel itself: Everything is about the Father's love. A search of scripture will quickly reveal that the Father is much more interested in our unqualified fellowship with him than making sure that our ecclesiology is correct. I read the book and immediately wanted my wife and all others I know to read it too. My hope was that they would get the same revelation that I did. Unfortunately, Father doesn't work that way. Father understands that this thing called "Christianity" is a journey not a destination. As He leads us, He desires intently that we remain in fellowship with him. His holiness is not subverted merely because we we forsake structure and seek him as a loving father, rather his holiness is magnified the tighter we cleave to him. Paul wrote in Galatians that is was for freedom that Christ set us free. Not so that we can be burdened again with the yoke of the law; or as this book alludes, institutional religion. To be sure, in nearly every body of believers there are those who love the Lord with abandon and who deem it a privilege to be on this journey, seeking more and more about His person. But there are also those who seek their own gain and labor to perpetuate the institutionalism of the establishment. Serving the "church" for the sake of the "church." Doing away with "church" was not the goal of this book; rather it was about focusing on Father's love and leading--however that may look. Let's not miss the proverbial forest for the trees. Gal 5:6 (NIV) "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." If we remain focused on Father's love for us, then our motives, actions, speech and direction will follow his leading and will be centered upon him. We won't need regulations, bylaws and rules because the driving factor is Father's love. When we miss the mark (sin) his forgiveness and grace readily abound. We then use our forgiven, grace-infilled lives as testimonies of Father's love. If a fictional book can shift our focus to Father's love--great! If a Sunday morning service can shift our focus to Father's love--awesome! If a movie, car accident, children's book, documentary, tragedy, illness, or whatever can shift our focus to Father's love than praise be to God! The goal is Father's love. Period. Look for Him to reveal His love as you read this book and know that He has promised that He will reveal it to you. Blessings on your journey! |
 A Dramatic Fiction Title That Ministers To The Broken Hearted, October 4, 2008 |
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"So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore" brought me to tears and ultimately, healing. I am personally guilty of thinking I could build a relationship with God without any involvement from the church. In the past, I have placed my pastors and leaders on pedestals on which they didn't belong. This book reminded me that the church is made up of fallible human beings, myself included. We are fallible, but usable by God. I have discovered a new favorite author in Wayne Jacobsen who ministers to my heart.
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What I needed., September 30, 2008 |
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Haven't read thte entire book yet, but the first 4 chapters brought me to a place I knew I was looking for and once had.
Had moved from my "hometown" and church 12 years ago and have been very discouraged with the results of my looking for another home church. This book, so far, has reminded me of who my first love is and how my focus has been skewed. |
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Beware! More bad reviews by the same Guy!, September 27, 2008 |
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The author gives an incredible challenge to all those attending church today. A message of authenticity, relationship and reconciliation inside and outside the physical walls of a church building. Jacobsen gives insights into the worldly beliefs we buy into that get in the way of real relationship with God and others.
This book gives hope to anyone following the Spirit of God and not man-made rules. Hope for discipling with the love of Christ versus trying to control and manipulate others with man made religious agendas and theology. As a long time elder of a local church, this book is not negative toward the local church; it is a book that casts a vision of what church could be like, if we follow Christ and not our own agendas! Unfortunately, if you are a Christian who believes in an extremist view of reformed theology you will not like this book and probably not like any of the books by this publisher. If you are a top book reviewer with your own agenda of attempting to push extremist reformed theology onto all Christians (with no biblical support) then this book may anger you to the point that you would attempt to misrepresent its contents. This type of elitist attitude unfortunately can create the kind of division within the church body the author is warning against and, unfortunately, is false and misleading. Beware. I doubt if any of us need any more humans telling us what we "must reject". However, if a controlling version of religion is what you are after, then please, heed the misleading advice, and ignore this book. No doubt about it...5 stars! |
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