If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus

I was lucky to have found this book at a library sale. I had heard of his other work "If Grace is True", and have been wanting to read it. So when I saw this laying on that table, I had to have it. And I'm very glad I found it.

Reading this book was almost like finding someone had taken many of the different things I believe about religion and faith and had written them out for me - in a way I know I never could.

Books like this mean a lot to me - someone who is often considered a "heretic" for coming to different conclusions than what is considered "mainstream" or "traditional". I think it's important for authors like Philip Gulley to show that there really *is* another way of looking at faith, a way that can be different while still show more being valid.

Of course I agree with him completely on the various issues he mentions throughout this text. This is a side of Jesus, a side of Christianity, more people need to see. And since this book was written in a way that is so read so easily and quickly, it's something that anyone can read and consider, which I highly suggest.

I loved this book, and I am certain I will recommend it to many. I'm also that much more certain that I can't wait to read his others, as well! :) show less

Sorry, Rev. Gulley, but I think you have lost some of your sense of direction when it comes to the Christian faith. The way I understand it, there are certain tenets that give the faith its uniqueness. These would include the sovereignty of God; the virgin birth; the existence of Heaven and Hell; and, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross to save us from Hell. Gulley flatly states in his latest book that he believes in none of these except God, and that's only god in the lower case. A lot of Christians will have a hard time getting past his assertions. That said, he does make some valid points in that the church could do a much better job concentrating on grace with a capital "G" rather than knit-picking about various sins. The church show more does seem to be rapidly losing its relevance, and this could certainly be a factor in it. Tossing God and all of our beliefs about him out the window does not seem the best solution to me, however. So, read the book but beware of its controversial nature. In the future, it might be labeled "Gulleyism". show less