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Christian Atheist (2010)

by Craig Groeschel(Favorite Author)

4.05 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0310332222 (ISBN13: 9780310332220)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Zondervan

review 1: I'm not someone who likes to write bad reviews, but this book is one star. It's pretty much the same superficial stuff that's been written about before. It lends one to believe you can look at a person and judge them as "Believers" or "Un-Believers" by what the outside implies. Without trying to sound holier-than-thou I think it was the Bible that says: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."These kind of books have you start on the outer facade and work your way into the heart (if you get to the heart at all), when you really should do the opposite. It teaches to condemn yourself and/or others as not good enough and you must go through a to-do list to fix that.This book's cover descript... moreion insinuates it will teach you that it's not all up to you, but the contents inside makes it sound like it is.
review 2: Although this book did an adequate job of pointing out the differences between genuine Christians and "believers" who have not truly experienced God, it fell short of facilitating genuine heart-change. Since the book was targeted towards nominal Christians, I tried to read it with that mindset, taking in the parts that applied to me, but mostly thinking through it theoretically. The further I got into the book, the more I sensed that something was missing: the gospel. Though the author explained the gospel story and referenced it throughout the book, it was insufficiently applied to the Christian walk, leaving each chapter little more than self-help tripe. If I were a nominal Christian reading this book, instead of feeling convicted that I did not know God at all, I would merely sense that in order to be Varsity-level Christian, I needed to sin less, give more, worry less, and not trust in my money.The Biblical principles were sound, but by glossing over the truth of gospel change, the book offers nothing more than life advice. While offering a clear view of what constitutes "true believer behavior" and what does not, the book explains nothing about how to have the kind of relationship with God that empowers you to live that way. Although everything the book preached was sound, the missing core message makes it dangerous, threatening both genuine believers and "Christian atheists" by placing the emphasis on their behavior. Someone can have genuine faith without perfectly following the signs outlined in each chapter, and a book which is ultimately nothing more than a well-intentioned to-do list risks leading a true follower of Christ into doubt and insecurity about their faith. On the other hand, a nominal Christian is led away from challenging their presuppositions about Christianity, and will walk away with the misconception that attending church more often and giving more money will qualify them as sincere believers.The pastor who wrote this clearly expresses throughout the book that faith comes by grace alone, but his practical application does not mesh with his theology. You will find some good insights and spiritual thoughts here, but nothing that explains what it means to be truly transformed, able to sincerely love God and desire righteousness. For an explanation of how to get past works-based behavior and how to really know and experience God, skip this book and read one or all of the following:"Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary," J.D. GreaarStop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved," also by J.D. Greaar"Am I Christian?" by Mike McKinley less

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Reviews (see all)

mimmie

Topics: The Christian Atheist preaches the same message Jesus did. You can't both follow Him and live like He doesn't exist. Groeschel tackles several problems that many Christian Atheists face, from the constant pursuit of happiness to doubting God's love.Overview: The book got better as it went on. At first, I was tempted to stop reading because it seemed rather shallow, but I can honestly say I benefited from the reading. It's a good face-the-mirror type of book, and while it certainly doesn't make my Top 10 List this month, it's still a good read.Theology: I found very few theological errors throughout the book, possibly because (theologically speaking) it's not a deep read. The Gospel message is clear. There was only one statement I don't agree with, and it's rather low on the 'priority list'. Groechel mentioned that he has received direct revelation from God. While I don't believe this is impossible for God to do, I'm very cautious to trust any "His words" that aren't in the Bible. However, nothing 'revealed' to the author contradicted Scripture in any way, and he only touched lightly on the subject, so it wasn't as much of a distraction as it could have been.Audience: I would recommend this book for any 'Christian Atheist' in your life. Read it first, then pass it along to them. It's not one I would necessarily keep on my shelf for any purpose other than giving it away to someone who seems to need it more than I, but I'd say it's worth reading at least once. I don't think it would be the best book for an unbeliever who DOESN'T fall into the category of 'Christian Atheist', but that's simply a matter of opinion.Length: This book clocks in at 240 pages.Density: It won't give you the same kind of wonderful headache that C.S. Lewis does. It's not a dense book, but it's not a bad one either.Author: I haven't read any of Groeschel's other books, but I plan to. I don't know much about him, but he pastors Life Church, which is pretty impressive in itself. I'll be on the lookout for more of his work in the coming months!Depth: Like I've said, it's not a deep read. I won't bore you with repetition, but it struck me as rather "touchy-feely" in places. I'd recommend reading the book, but get it from your library if you can. You won't be likely to look anything up in it again anytime soon.

rae

I loved this book and have been recommending it to everybody! Craig Groeschel is a pastor that writes about Christians who say they are Christians but live their life as non-believers. Each chapter is an aspect that these Christian Atheists fall short in. Craig uses stories from his own life to help the reader get a better understanding of each concept. At some point in a Christian walk...I think everybody goes through Christian Atheism and when you look for it...the more you find it is very common today! It was an uplifting book that gave me hope and inspiration that a pastor can be honest about the not-so-spiritual trials he went through in life and put it out there for everyone to read!

chaehyosun

Not in library

Jeffery

Amazing

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