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If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk: Finding a Faith That Makes Us Better Humans by John Pavlovitz
benrogerswpg's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading this book a lot.
It was very good.
I would like to compare it and liken it to a male version of [a:Rachel Held Evans|3207795|Rachel Held Evans|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1557070897p2/3207795.jpg], which I found quite refreshing!
4.6/5
It was very good.
I would like to compare it and liken it to a male version of [a:Rachel Held Evans|3207795|Rachel Held Evans|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1557070897p2/3207795.jpg], which I found quite refreshing!
4.6/5
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk is an earnest look at how compassion, support, and acceptance - the tenets professed by most religious beliefs can make us better people. Released 28th Sept 2021, it's 238 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
There are three things that struck me pretty quickly after beginning this read - first, the author John Pavlovitz (yes, the same guy who scrolls up FB feeds the world 'round) is honest and genuine, that he's intelligent, and he has a real gift for making concepts understandable.
I've been distressed and saddened by the increasing encroachment of evangelical Christianity on politics and the fusion of that group with right wing political factions in the USA (and to a lesser degree abroad). This is a rational, well thought out collection of 18 essays of contextual counter-philosophy on making a real effort to "not be a jerk" (as we ALL are, from time to time).
The author and editors have also included insightful discussion questions for individual or group study. He has also included succinct chapter notes with citations from the New Testament which are salient to the text. I found many of the discussion questions both simple and difficult (in a good way). There is a lot of humor here too and the author is quite adept at pointing out the inherent absurdity of our cosmic reality without ever once being preachy or mean.
Five stars. This is a great handbook for how to not be a jerk. It's slanted toward people in the Christian denominations, but is in no way exclusive. Everyone will find something to ponder. My only worry/regret is that the people who need it most (radical "evangelical Christian" nationalists) will ignore the important messages here in favor of meanness of spirit and unkindness .
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk is an earnest look at how compassion, support, and acceptance - the tenets professed by most religious beliefs can make us better people. Released 28th Sept 2021, it's 238 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.
There are three things that struck me pretty quickly after beginning this read - first, the author John Pavlovitz (yes, the same guy who scrolls up FB feeds the world 'round) is honest and genuine, that he's intelligent, and he has a real gift for making concepts understandable.
I've been distressed and saddened by the increasing encroachment of evangelical Christianity on politics and the fusion of that group with right wing political factions in the USA (and to a lesser degree abroad). This is a rational, well thought out collection of 18 essays of contextual counter-philosophy on making a real effort to "not be a jerk" (as we ALL are, from time to time).
The author and editors have also included insightful discussion questions for individual or group study. He has also included succinct chapter notes with citations from the New Testament which are salient to the text. I found many of the discussion questions both simple and difficult (in a good way). There is a lot of humor here too and the author is quite adept at pointing out the inherent absurdity of our cosmic reality without ever once being preachy or mean.
Five stars. This is a great handbook for how to not be a jerk. It's slanted toward people in the Christian denominations, but is in no way exclusive. Everyone will find something to ponder. My only worry/regret is that the people who need it most (radical "evangelical Christian" nationalists) will ignore the important messages here in favor of meanness of spirit and unkindness .
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
chasingholden's review
5.0
If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk is a book on faith unlike any I've read before; Reading this book was enjoyable, not painful as some I've attempted to read. It's like curling up with the only person you can trust to express your honest feelings and thoughts regarding God and your faith. Stripped bare the essence of this book is "Thou Shall Not Be Horrible" a phrase that I have thought to myself often when encountering certain types of Christians.
This book isn't stuffy or scary, nor does it make false promises. One thing that is made very clear from the very first page is this will NOT be quick and easy so if you're looking for something you can just change instantly move right along and keep searching for what does not exist. Ideally you'll read this book instead and realize that while it may not be easy or quick it is the most inspirational relevant and desperately needed call to transformation.
John Pavlovitz writes with soul and it shines though every section of this book. Pavlovitz is humble, honest, and knows the meaning of humility; He bares his uncomfortable and frightening experience of the evolution of his Faith and leaves no room for mistaking his message. With simple sounding prose that flows naturally you'll find yourself nodding "mmhmming" and turning the page after page with no sense of time passing because you needed this book even if you didn't know it.
Before I even finished the book I was recommending it to my family and every friend I was in touch with and they are all excited at the idea of what this book can do for them, for their relationship with God and with themselves and their community. I am confident that they won't be disappointed and neither will you.
Do not ignore the call of this book. Make the time to give it a try and let your soul soar as you're led to a place in your Faith that you've been longing for (likely for quite some time)
Thank you so much to Netgalley and to John Pavlovitz for letting me preview an advance e-copy in exchange for my review. I am a much better person for the opportunity and I am beyond thrilled to have this blessing to pass on to every individual I can.
This book isn't stuffy or scary, nor does it make false promises. One thing that is made very clear from the very first page is this will NOT be quick and easy so if you're looking for something you can just change instantly move right along and keep searching for what does not exist. Ideally you'll read this book instead and realize that while it may not be easy or quick it is the most inspirational relevant and desperately needed call to transformation.
John Pavlovitz writes with soul and it shines though every section of this book. Pavlovitz is humble, honest, and knows the meaning of humility; He bares his uncomfortable and frightening experience of the evolution of his Faith and leaves no room for mistaking his message. With simple sounding prose that flows naturally you'll find yourself nodding "mmhmming" and turning the page after page with no sense of time passing because you needed this book even if you didn't know it.
Before I even finished the book I was recommending it to my family and every friend I was in touch with and they are all excited at the idea of what this book can do for them, for their relationship with God and with themselves and their community. I am confident that they won't be disappointed and neither will you.
Do not ignore the call of this book. Make the time to give it a try and let your soul soar as you're led to a place in your Faith that you've been longing for (likely for quite some time)
Thank you so much to Netgalley and to John Pavlovitz for letting me preview an advance e-copy in exchange for my review. I am a much better person for the opportunity and I am beyond thrilled to have this blessing to pass on to every individual I can.
beardedbarista's review
5.0
Wonderful read. Whole new perspective on Christianity and gives me faith that there is hope for the radical changes I have seen in the world. It seems more people use religion as a badge to wear and a weapon to exclude instead of broadening it to be more inclusive and loving. Pavlovits has a refreshing take on so many hot button issues. If you are struggling with your faith or even if you have none this book is a worthy read. Main take away... Don't be a jerk.
drsponsl's review
5.0
If the Church of not being Horrible is a goal, I'm IN, let's form a string of them! Thank you for a great, honest, simple perspective on very complex, convoluted and confusing nuances of following Christ vs. calling oneself a Christian.
carriejadud's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
rousina's review against another edition
This book was very difficult for me to finish as someone who wasn't raised religious. Much of my personal experience with religious folks in the US has made me uninterested in any religion at all.
Pavlovitz writes about people being good to one another. That the religion we hear people speak of very loudly doesn't really mirror the source material they claim to quote.
This book is primarily targeted towards Christian or Christian-adjacent folks in the US who feel disillusioned or disappointed with their church. If that's you, consider giving this book a read. As someone who was never religious to begin with, this book has already transformed the way I think about interacting with people and encouraged me to find a loving community. I just don't know what there is to argue with in here.
Pavlovitz writes about people being good to one another. That the religion we hear people speak of very loudly doesn't really mirror the source material they claim to quote.
This book is primarily targeted towards Christian or Christian-adjacent folks in the US who feel disillusioned or disappointed with their church. If that's you, consider giving this book a read. As someone who was never religious to begin with, this book has already transformed the way I think about interacting with people and encouraged me to find a loving community. I just don't know what there is to argue with in here.
shannanh's review
5.0
Kindness is something that has been missing in the world for a while, especially in the christian church. This is not your typical "christian" book, and that's a good thing. If more people who called themselves christians would not only read, but follow the principles found in this book, maybe more people would want to know Jesus. I will definitely be purchasing several copies to gift to people
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
scottkuffel1980's review
5.0
Powerful, common sense approach
Pavlovitz moves beyond being just the “anti-Trump pastor” with this book. He gives space to those who love God, and believe in spirituality, but struggle with the contradictions that institutional religion have put forward. His story about Hector and Angelina was touching as he says, “we were just Jesus to each other”. So accessible, yet so provocative.
Pavlovitz moves beyond being just the “anti-Trump pastor” with this book. He gives space to those who love God, and believe in spirituality, but struggle with the contradictions that institutional religion have put forward. His story about Hector and Angelina was touching as he says, “we were just Jesus to each other”. So accessible, yet so provocative.