If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus

by Philip Gulley Narrated by Don Hagen

Overview

While many denominations claim to be growing, the largest group in American religious life is the disillusioned-people who have been involved in the church yet see few similarities between the church's life and the person of Jesus. In the midst of elaborate programming, professional worship teams, and political crusades, they ask, ""Is this really what Jesus called us to do?""

While the church has dismissed these people as uncommitted and lacking in faith, perhaps the opposite is true. Their commitment to authentic spirituality over institutional idolatry might be the very corrective the church needs. These people respect Jesus, but question what Christianity has become.

In If the Church Were Christian, Quaker pastor and author Philip Gulley explores how the church has lost its way. This eye-opening examination of the values of Jesus reveals the extent to which the church has drifted from the teachings of the man who inspired its creation. Many Christians might be surprised to discover how little Jesus had to say about the church, and that he might never have intended to start a new religion.

But the church is here to stay, and Gulley is determined to help the church find its soul. If the church were Christian, Gulley argues, affirming our potential would be more important than condemning our brokenness. If the church were Christian, inviting questions would be valued more than supplying answers. If the church were Christian, meeting needs would be more important than maintaining institutions.

These simple statements return us to the heart of what Jesus cared about during his ministry. Gulley provides a profound picture of what the church would look like if it refocused on the real priorities of Jesus.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Filled with memorable, insightful and revealing stories. I recommend it.” — Marcus Borg

“Philip Gulley separates wheat from chaff, experience from explanation and purpose from function in this book. He calls the Jesus message into a new vision - one that has both power and integrity.” — John Shelby Spong, author of Eternal Life: A New Vision

“Gulley puts the Christ back in Christian. This manifesto is a call not just to worship Jesus, but to follow him. It asks the daring question, “What if Christians actually began to take their Christ seriously?” The answer to that question could change the world.” — Shane Claiborne, bestselling author of The Irresistible Revolution.

“Gulley has done a fine job pinpointing the flaws of the Christian churches and suggesting transformative paths to follow.” — Spirituality and Practice

“[Gulley’s] effortless and uncomplicated style allows for easy reading over some heavy material.” — Library Journal

“Gulley’s newest book is thoughtful, insightful and a joy to read.” — Indianapolis Star

Spirituality and Practice

Gulley has done a fine job pinpointing the flaws of the Christian churches and suggesting transformative paths to follow.

Shane Claiborne

Gulley puts the Christ back in Christian. This manifesto is a call not just to worship Jesus, but to follow him. It asks the daring question, “What if Christians actually began to take their Christ seriously?” The answer to that question could change the world.

Indianapolis Star

Gulley’s newest book is thoughtful, insightful and a joy to read.

Marcus J. Borg

Filled with memorable, insightful and revealing stories. I recommend it.

John Shelby Spong

Philip Gulley separates wheat from chaff, experience from explanation and purpose from function in this book. He calls the Jesus message into a new vision - one that has both power and integrity.

Marcus Borg

Filled with memorable, insightful and revealing stories. I recommend it.

Library Journal

Gulley is most widely known for his homespun and humorous stories in his best-selling Front Porch Tales as well as the heartwarming "Harmony" series of novels. A Quaker minister, he here presents his third book on religion, deliberately and carefully laying down his beliefs, knowing that many Christians will vehemently disagree with his views on salvation, Jesus, and organized religion. He imagines what the Church would be like if Christians were more concerned about following Jesus's example than judging others or believing the right doctrine. His effortless and uncomplicated style allows for easy reading over some heavy material. The questions he has placed in a section at the end of the book are obviously meant to facilitate group discussion. VERDICT While Gulley is convincing, most traditional Christians will have a hard time getting past his admission that he no longer believes in the basic tenets of Christianity, such as the virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus, or the Trinity. Christian readers accepting of Gulley's nontraditional views and interested in issues of social justice will be attracted to this book.—Holly S. Hebert, Rochester Coll. Lib., MI

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170066506
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	05/24/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged

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