Whether listeners are devout believers or distant seekers, The Idolatry of God shows that we must lay down our certainties and honestly admit our doubts to identify with Jesus. Rollins purposely upsets fundamentalist certainty in order to open listeners up to a more loving, active manifestation of Christ’s love. In contrast to the usual understanding of the “Good News” as a message offering satisfaction and certainty, Rollins argues for a radical and shattering alternative. He explores how the Good News actually involves embracing the idea that we can’t be whole, that life is difficult, and that we are in the dark. Showing how God has traditionally been approached as a product that will render us complete, remove our suffering, and reveal the answers, he introduces an incendiary approach to faith that invites us to joyfully embrace our brokenness, resolutely face our unknowing, and courageously accept the difficulties of existence. Only then, he argues, can we truly rob death of its sting and enter into the fullness of life. “Caveat emptor. Let the reader, the Christian, the skeptic beware, for with The Idolatry of God, Peter Rollins has taken his theological programme of turning everything we believe upside down to the next level. Not content to simply subvert how we believe, Rollins now turns his attention to what we believe. If you don’t want your faith challenged, do read this book.” — Tony Jones, theologian-in-residence at Solomon’s Porch and the author of A Better Atonement: Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin
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"This book is not out yet, but I am really excited about it. If this book is anywhere near his other books it will be Awesome!!"
— Robby (4 out of 5 stars)
" Enjoyed thinking about and allowing my faith to be challenged, unearthed, and exposed. "
— Benjamin, 1/6/2014" This book resonated with me and blew my mind at the same time. "
— Nora, 8/21/2013" Very thought provoking and would be very good to talk through with others. Would stand up to a rereading for sure. "
— Eric, 12/31/2012Peter Rollins is a widely sought after writer, lecturer, storyteller, and public speaker. He is the founder of Ikon, a Belfast, Northern Ireland, faith group that has gained an international reputation for blending live music, visual imagery, soundscapes, theater, ritual, and reflection. He currently resides in Greenwich, Connecticut.