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bart_gunn's review
2.0
God isn't a man or thing. God isn't responsible for anything. God is everything and everywhere. This book isn't actually telling me anything. What is the point of being a Christian or believer? Half way through the book, I just got frustrated and bored. A talented writer for sure and I would be interested in reading his other non 'religious' material. The book's raison d'être appears to be as an antidote to Richard Dawkins and his kindred spirit's publications of the world
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
4.0
This book explained to me many of the contradictions of Christianity which I have almost unconsciously struggled to understand for years. It brings to the fore concepts like grace, forgiveness and "reckless love." It helped me understand the Gospels better. And it has encouraged me to go back to church more regularly - well, to try, anyway.
Very human. Very helpful.
(And could have done with a more ruthless editor, but on the whole that's a small point.)
Very human. Very helpful.
(And could have done with a more ruthless editor, but on the whole that's a small point.)
asurasantosha's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
savalaur's review
5.0
This was a fascinating look at the emotional relevance of Christianity in a secular setting, in a world where it's almost just embarrassing, and why it still matters.
From a Christian perspective, the very anglican passage on communion shook up my more evangelical understanding of it a little bit, and gave me some wider things to think about.
From a Christian perspective, the very anglican passage on communion shook up my more evangelical understanding of it a little bit, and gave me some wider things to think about.
bmatsko's review against another edition
5.0
The chapters Yeshua and Et Cetera are particularly good.
annieltaylor31's review
3.0
There were several nuggets in there that I appreciated, but overall not what I expected from the title. I had trouble following with the audiobook, but maybe it's easier in print to follow his ideas.
benyoda95's review
3.0
This book was good. While it was not revolutionary for me, it did help cement some core beliefs and help me analyze some assumptions I had.
bluestarfish's review
5.0
Reading about the emotional sense of Christianity was a refreshing change and I'm grateful for this exploration. Debating the existance of a sky pixie is boring and nowhere near my experiences of faith. I liked Spuffords redefinition of sin as HPtFtU (or the Human Propensity to Fuck things Up) rather than an arbitary ban on chocolate, probably have to start using that myself:) I enjoyed reading this.
adamrshields's review
4.0
Short Review: This was probably overhyped to me, but I still really think it is an important book and it will make my best of 2014 list. The basic idea of the book is that logical reasoning isn't the best way to talk to people about Christianity in a post-Christian world. Instead we need to address the emotional and experiential pull of Christianity. Spufford is primarily talking to a post-Christian UK, not evangelical Americans, but I really resonated with much of what he said. He starts with a what he thinks is a way to start on a common ground by introducing the Human Propensity to F*ck Things Up, which is primarily abbreviates HPtFtU.
He uses HPtFtU instead of original sin because even those that don't believe in original sin (or the concept of sin at all) can agree that in general HPtFtU is real. The central movement of the book is his novelist's rendition of the story of Jesus, which for the UK (and some in the US) may be the first real presentation of what the gospel is all about.
There are lots of rabbit trails and Spufford will not be confused with a traditional US Evangelical in part because of some unorthodox beliefs, but also because of regular (but in my mind appropriate) swearing in the text.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/unapologetic/
He uses HPtFtU instead of original sin because even those that don't believe in original sin (or the concept of sin at all) can agree that in general HPtFtU is real. The central movement of the book is his novelist's rendition of the story of Jesus, which for the UK (and some in the US) may be the first real presentation of what the gospel is all about.
There are lots of rabbit trails and Spufford will not be confused with a traditional US Evangelical in part because of some unorthodox beliefs, but also because of regular (but in my mind appropriate) swearing in the text.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/unapologetic/
rwlongino's review
5.0
Adding this to my list of books to re-read every year. What a stunning work on the emotional side of Christianity. Spufford writes with humor, while also naming the darker reality of what the church has become. I'm grateful for this book.