About If the Church Were Christian
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.
About Philip Gulley
Philip Gulley has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, Gulley is the author of the Harmony series of novels, as well as If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, which are coauthored with James Mulholland. He hosts “Porch Talk with Phil Gulley” on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI television’s flagship show Across Indiana. Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons, Spencer and Sam—in a rambling old house with Gulley’s eclectic chair collection (64 at last count) and a welcoming back porch.
Philip’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS
Monday, March 1st: Bibliofreak
Wednesday, March 3rd: Waving or Drowning?
Thursday, March 4th: Missional Church Network
Tuesday, March 9th: Evolving Beings
Wednesday, March 10th: Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom
Thursday, March 11th: Hugo Schwyzer
Monday, March 15th: Find Your Next Book Here
Wednesday, March 17th: The Broken Telegraph
Friday, March 19th: The Church of No People
Monday, March 22nd: Joyfully Retired
Thursday, March 25th: What Canst Thou Say?
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Tuesday, March 30th: Happy Lotus