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If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus Audiobook
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(4.03) - 263 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
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.
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"We all choose the things in our lives that are worth committing to despite their flaws, and the church has been one of those things for me. Some people put energy into the political system in the hopes of making whatever small improvements they can. I put my energy into the church in that same vain. I share the author's vision for the church as a place for learning, grace, community, caring and questioning - not a place of judgement, uniformity and absolutes."
— Alison (4 out of 5 stars)
If the Church Were Christian Listener Reviews
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" A very compelling consideration of Jesus and his ministry. "
— Peter, 1/21/2014 -
" We are reading this in a small group for Lent. It's easy to digest and great for discussion. Good Book. "
— Shelly, 1/15/2014 -
" Pretty good book, even though I found several points of theology with which I disagree. On the positive side Gulley points out many inconsistencies in the church, and discusses alternatives which would be more authentic. "
— Rick, 1/10/2014 -
" A little repetitive, a little self-indulgent, but revolutionary. Therefore, I'm assuming sales were low. Every American should read this book. "
— Michelle, 1/9/2014 -
" This was the best book I have ever read on this subject! The views of the author on all major topics corresponds with my own. I highly recommend this book to all readers. "
— Jim, 1/7/2014 -
" I've been using this as a source for a study group and found this to be one of the most thought provoking books I've ever read. I don't agree with all of his premises, but he made me think. The author comes accross as someone you'd like to hang out with. "
— Glenn, 1/1/2014 -
" I loved this book and agreed with so much of what Philip Gulley had to say. A lot of sermon potential in this book. "
— Sadie, 12/31/2013 -
" Lovely, thought-provoking book. The chapter titles alone are worth it. "
— Betty-Ann, 12/29/2013 -
" Aother great book by phil! "
— Kendra, 12/22/2013 -
" The title says it all. Interesting thoughts from a controversial Amish minister. "
— Jill, 11/21/2013 -
" Philip Gulley always gives me a lot to consider. I always vow to be a kinder, gentler, better self after reading his wise words. "
— Elizabeth, 9/24/2013 -
" The four-star rating is less for the writing than the general ideas in the book. "
— Clarke, 7/29/2013 -
" Philip brings up some very good questions as to what the church is about. He has good stories that make the point he is working on. I would enjoy being in the church of which he is pastor. "
— Carol, 7/9/2013 -
" I really enjoyed reading If the Church Were Christian. Gulley, a Quaker minister, was very progressive, in my opinion, in his assessment of the church and Christianity in 21st century America. I particularly liked the book's first chapter. I look forward to reading more of Gulley's writings. "
— Don, 1/24/2013 -
" A fantastic read. As an A-theist, I think every Christian, especially the dogmatic evangelical, should be forced to read this. And we can only pray that it has a life altering change on them! "
— Justin, 11/28/2012 -
" All I have to say is Amen. "
— Julie, 7/21/2012 -
" Worth the read, but it swims over too many proven literary facts from the science of Biblical literary criticism to make it a slam dunk. Touchy sections where the author seemingly 'proves' his point without connecting the dots. Good read to make one think for yourself. "
— Gwen, 5/23/2012 -
" Gulley is gentle, but firm-- and right on about the church. I would hope that good church folks would take his criticisms and his recommendations to heart. "
— Sharon, 12/22/2011 -
" This was very enlightening! Lots to think about. "
— Maria, 8/26/2011 -
" Ok--let's challenge the traditional evangelical view of Christianity! So far I'm not agreeing with everything he's saying, BUT Gulley makes EXCELLENT points about how "Christians" should behave and the role of the church... "
— Diane, 5/22/2011 -
" Gulley has some very unorthodox theology, but he makes several very good arguments for how the church really could look more like an embodiment of Christ and the Kingdom of God in the world. "
— Tiffani, 5/2/2011 -
" Gulley has some very unorthodox theology, but he makes several very good arguments for how the church really could look more like an embodiment of Christ and the Kingdom of God in the world. "
— Tiffani, 3/12/2011 -
" I loved this book and agreed with so much of what Philip Gulley had to say. A lot of sermon potential in this book. "
— Sadie, 3/6/2011 -
" Though I don't agree with everything Mr. Gulley says, he certainly makes me think. "
— Cynthia, 2/3/2011 -
" A very compelling consideration of Jesus and his ministry. "
— Peter, 10/12/2010 -
" Lots to ponder here. This is not a book that I am satisfied with reading only one time, so it will go on my bookstore shopping list. "
— Lisa, 8/14/2010 -
" Ok--let's challenge the traditional evangelical view of Christianity! So far I'm not agreeing with everything he's saying, BUT Gulley makes EXCELLENT points about how "Christians" should behave and the role of the church... "
— Diane, 5/19/2010 -
" The four-star rating is less for the writing than the general ideas in the book. "
— Clarke, 3/21/2010
About Philip Gulley
Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, Philip Gulley is the author of the Harmony series of novels. Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife and sons.
About Don Hagen
Don Hagen has been behind the microphone since fifth grade. He is a nine-time winner of the Peer Award for narration/voice-over and twice winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also been heard in radio and television commercials and documentaries. In addition to his freelance voice work, he is a member of the audiobook narration team at the Library of Congress.