When Christians Get It Wrong (Revised)

I will be reading this at least once more and will be taking detailed notes. The book is easy to read and gave me a lot to think about. Definitely worth my time and money.

This book may encourages those of us who operate from a place of Logic, Reason, and Empathy to consider returning to a mainline, welcoming normal church. It is hopeful. I hope the book succeeds in growing church numbers with people of sanity to combat the neo-Evangelical problem that is destroying America.Probably not the intent of the book-but unfortunately it doesn’t really help with opening dialogue with these Christofacist, close minded people whose goals are to destroy public school in favor of: nut-job “Patriotic” gunfetish fear-based indoctrination homeschooling; the end free thought, rhetoric, and discernment; embracing fake news and Q-Anon; denouncing and completely rejecting medicine and science; closing mental health facilities in favor of holding Exorcisms like it’s 1623 (YES, really! This happened in my family), blame the non-existent Boogeyman for everything instead of taking responsibility that is Mankind’s alone to blame for the horrific things mankind does/has done; and taking over politics until America becomes Gideon/Man in the High Castle. This book was written in 2013 before the Trump era, but still is important for today’s world. How more of us Believers/Non-Church goers aren’t complete Atheists by now is really a miracle. I rarely tell people I’m a Christian because the term has been so tarnished; corrupted, and cheapened by most people who call themselves one. I don’t want present myself as one who is an idiot, a hypocrite, or a far right wing-nut.He does a pretty good job at initially explaining why these people think the way they do (Determinism) without condemning them, other than they “got it wrong”. And there are good examples of “getting it right”.Perhaps, how to engage these crazy people to bring them back to reality would be another book, probably on cult deprogramming-which would be fairly useless to write, tbh because they’re SO sure(most of them I’ve encountered are not well-educated and not up to code to even have a discussion with) that the rest of us are absolutely wrong and going to Hell. Idk how they arrive at that conclusion when most of them have never even left their hometown to see any parts of the world.I look forward to reading more of his books though, just for myself.

Loved this book for it’s head-on way of grappling with not only current issues in the way many Christians think and talk, but a framework to determine why a stand is right or wrong. Excellent approach for a layperson like me who felt some of the things I had been fed by my church were wrong but not how to reconsider it within the belief in inspired scripture. Thank you, Rev. Hamilton, for helping me bring my faith into the 21st century under the umbrella of the 2 greatest commandments and Biblical authority (God’s timeless truths/will) vs. Biblical interpretation (cultural expressions/suppositions of the times the Bible was recorded).

Very easy read while still covering a LOT of meaty theological situations that threaten our Christian community today. Rather than change our churches to fit the people, we are going to have to change some of our ways of thinking if we truly desire to save the church from distinction. Hamilton tells us how and I believe he's got it right! This is a great book and one you will enjoy.

In addition to reluctant reports by church officials representing mainline denominations, a number of survey researchers (e.g., Putnam & Campbell, American Grace) have documented the disaffection a growing number of young people have for Christianity as it now widely practiced. Unfortunately, the tendency among many evangelicals and fundamentalists is to "blame the victim" rather than engage in critical self-assessment about how they may be pushing people away rather than drawing them in. Anyone who is concerned about declining participation in Christian churches, and more importantly, the reluctance of young people to view Christianity as relevant to their lives, could use this book to see how their opinions and actions may be contributing to this tragedy.It is hard to imagine a period in our history when the discrepancy was greater between the rhetorical commitment to Christianity and angry opinions and actions that stand in stark contrast. A recurring theme in Hamilton's brief book is to summon people back to the core of Christianity--love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. He uses a series of key theological issues to show how beliefs that were byproducts of historical contexts that no longer exist should be re-examined from a fresh perspective, but without compromising the essence of Christ's teachings.Hamilton presents his arguments in a clear, direct, and compelling manner. His personal journey and the spiritual reflection that led to changes in his beliefs can be seen in his description of an ongoing dialogue with a young man who confronted him with these issues. Whether through this book or a simple process of prayer and introspection, every believer should challenge themselves as Adam Hamilton did.

AH is such a good writer and his openness and humility are an important factor in this book. He clearly lays out issues but is never dogmatic in his responses and provides so much to consider.

Love them

I have read many of Adam Hamilton’s books. I have also been blessed to hear him speak at a three day conference. This book had helped me codify many thoughts I have on my faith walk. I highly recommend this book.