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Reviews
If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk: Finding a Faith That Makes Us Better Humans by John Pavlovitz
kathleenguthriewoods's review
5.0
Pavlovitz often articulates what I've been feeling, and I purchased this book to support his good work. I thought his essays would be quick reads, then I found myself taking my time with each, considering what he had observed and the solutions he suggested.
What I most appreciate about this book is that he doesn't let anyone off the hook. We all must do better, be better, if we hope to make our world better. What might my role be? I'm saving this book to re-read as I consider the possibilities. Good stuff.
What I most appreciate about this book is that he doesn't let anyone off the hook. We all must do better, be better, if we hope to make our world better. What might my role be? I'm saving this book to re-read as I consider the possibilities. Good stuff.
susanp's review
5.0
. . . because I'm a Christian, not a jerk. This was a good, thought-provoking book; but I would have enjoyed it more as the focus of a study group.
lkthomas07's review
5.0
I loved this expansive look of God. And I would definitely join The Church of Not Being a Jerk
stabaquail's review
5.0
“If the God you’re following and preaching to people in their times of pain is indeed an a-hole—it’s probably not God at all. It’s probably just you.”
I love love loved this book.
I am always hesitant to read a Christian book because it can be hard to tell if the author will be "that" kind of Christian. Will the summary say they're all about love and living a Christ-like life and then spout some toxic, heteronormative, pro life, discriminatory bs for 6 hours? Or will we be on the same page? I could tell from the beginning we were off to an okay start when he talked about marriage equality and made some Trump jokes. But when we got to the chapter about God being nonbinary? Then I was like, "oh, hell yeah, now we're into the good stuff."
Like the author, there are times when I "can't Christian today" and don't want to align myself with a religion whose representatives can be so loudly hateful and discriminatory. But I still feel that loving Christianity is possible and important. I struggle with it a lot.
This book may have just been reaffirming what I already believe, but there were so many things that I have long thought and felt but have been unable to put into words as eloquently as the author has done here. There are also some things I still struggle with in my faith, like the purpose of prayer and the value of anger, which he provided some valuable perspective on.
It's usually a good sign when I check out both the audiobook and the Kindle book so I can highlight quote as I listen.
If you're not very very progressive, this book might make you uncomfortable, but maybe it's good for you to be uncomfortable! To me, it was validation that my ideals and values are still compatible with, and even essential to, this faith.
I love love loved this book.
I am always hesitant to read a Christian book because it can be hard to tell if the author will be "that" kind of Christian. Will the summary say they're all about love and living a Christ-like life and then spout some toxic, heteronormative, pro life, discriminatory bs for 6 hours? Or will we be on the same page? I could tell from the beginning we were off to an okay start when he talked about marriage equality and made some Trump jokes. But when we got to the chapter about God being nonbinary? Then I was like, "oh, hell yeah, now we're into the good stuff."
Like the author, there are times when I "can't Christian today" and don't want to align myself with a religion whose representatives can be so loudly hateful and discriminatory. But I still feel that loving Christianity is possible and important. I struggle with it a lot.
This book may have just been reaffirming what I already believe, but there were so many things that I have long thought and felt but have been unable to put into words as eloquently as the author has done here. There are also some things I still struggle with in my faith, like the purpose of prayer and the value of anger, which he provided some valuable perspective on.
It's usually a good sign when I check out both the audiobook and the Kindle book so I can highlight quote as I listen.
If you're not very very progressive, this book might make you uncomfortable, but maybe it's good for you to be uncomfortable! To me, it was validation that my ideals and values are still compatible with, and even essential to, this faith.
jhayes21's review
3.0
I appreciate reading books from people who believe different theology than me. This one was fascinating.
jesshwiley's review
5.0
Anyone who professes to be a Christian should read this and truly embrace its message. Poignant and powerful for the times in which we live… and love.