(review)I’m fine with God…It’s Christians I can’t stand.
Title:I’m Fine with God… It’s Christians I Can’t Stand
Author(s):Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz
Publisher:Harvest House Publishers
Pages:183
I’m fine with God…It’s Christians I can’t stand (Getting past the religious garbage in the search for spiritual truth). That is one long title/subtitle, there I got that off my chest. Now lets get down to the nitty gritty. This is one of those books that can make you think, a lot. It can also make you cringe, until you get the point. They cover several different kinds of Christians that they can’t stand in the book for example: Christians who think they have a monopoly on the truth, Christians who believe God wants them to be rich, Christians who don’t know what they believe, as well as several others.
I saw myself in a few of the ones they covered, and felt rightly ashamed as I hadn’t realized how annoying the habits I had were. I think most people will find a little of themselves somewhere in this book, which brings me to my biggest point. Unfortunately, the ones who really need this book would never pick it up because of the title alone. I have dealt with my share of modern day pharisee’s and I can tell you right now that they would never read this book. They are convinced that they are perfect and need no help.
Oop’s, I got sidetracked a bit there. All in all this is a really good book. It may help you, it may anger you, actually I am sure it will anger you at some point but stick with it, it is all worth it in the end. There were a few chapters where I was quite annoyed with the authors until they made their point. That only happened a few times before I realized that the way it was laid out was kind of like a roller coaster. Were going up a hill, very big hill, seems to take too long, you start to get annoyed then voila, you’re at the top of the hill, you can see where it is going and down you go, full speed. That may not be the best way to describe it but the only other one I can think of is slightly offensive. 
I am giving this book 5 stars and it deserves every one of them. They worked me hard and brought me to realize a few things about myself, not sure if that was their intent, but hey, it happens.
[rating:5]
The book, I’m fine with God…It’s Christians I can’t stand, was provided to me at no cost by Active Christian Media and Harvest House Publishers for review purposes. To become a reviewer for ACM you may click here.
Sometimes it amazes me what people will do in the name of Christianity. I work with two people who claim to be model Christians, they wear the T-shirts, spout the Scripture and enjoy their “status” as the resident Chosen People, if you will. They are two of the most hypocritical, back-stabbing, snide, judgmental people I’ve ever met. And it makes me sick that they use our Lord’s name at all in reference to their actions, words and lifestyles. Does this book address how to deal with this kind of Christian?
You don’t have any annoying habits that I can see…
Sounds like a real winner. If only we could get the ones who really need to read it to pick it up.
Now, if you don’t mind, might I make a suggestion for another read?
Starving Jesus.
I just finished reading this book and to say that it challenges me, is an understatement. My head is reeling from the amazing insights and honesty that these two guys write about. In fact, I just ordered 6 copies online to give to some of the people I love that would benefit from it.
And, Linda. As for your two co-workers. Pray for them. And then go out and be a better Christian than either of them, with a heartfelt attitude of wanting to serve God by serving others. That’s what I always do.
@Linda: It doesn’t really give any advice for dealing with them but it does cover them in great detail. M+ has some good advice down there though!
@M+: Starving Jesus, I think I have heard of it, but haven’t read it yet. I will look it up though I love reading!
I think you mean “up there” (being sick makes me ornery *wink*) but yes, I agree that’s good advice. He’s smart like that.
Thank you, both.
I was recently told by one co-worker that a few of my other co-workers, who are Christians (and I don’t question or judge their faith by this), that have been very condemning of me because of my Body Modifications. So I speak from experience when I offer this advice.
I’m still the Go-To-Guy when it comes to people with questions of faith, scripture and theology because all of my OTHER co-workers know that I have a heart after God’s. And they know I’m going to be honest and real with them.
BTW, Jeff;
I’m currently reading a book called Pagan Christianity. Another intriguing read that will shake things up for you. If you’re anything like me, that is.
Christianity is not only hated but it is also watered down.
Such ppl claiming to be christians and living a gay lifestyle.