Review: Reborn Again: Crucifying Christendom & Resurrecting a Radical, by Christopher VanHall

Reborn Again: Crucifying Christendom & Resurrecting a Radical

Christopher VanHall

I found this a fascinating and challenging read.  My fascination is with the process he is describing.  The author is very open about how his painful journey out of conservative evangelicalism wounded and drove him to explore very different understandings of Jesus, the Gospel, and the “place of the church in the 21^st century” (from the back).  His passion and his enthusiasm radiate throughout the book.

Reading the book felt like an energetic conversation with a brilliant and inquiring mind with which I did not always agree. What I found challenging as I am on my own journey of trying to articulate new ways of understanding Jesus and the Gospel is that he makes a number of statements that stopped my reading and raised questions for which his answers made me question his scholarship. VanHall’s “answers” raised more questions yet.  Some of his interpretations of biblical passages I found enlightening, others raised my eyebrows high as my own knowledge of the Bible, biblical studies, Christian history, and theology made me dubious of those statements, and some made me hasten to search for where he might have gotten it. One example that really raised my eyebrows was that “John’s understanding of the gospel is a massive distortion of the good news that the historical Jesus preached.” (p. 56) I don’t see it that way, but it’s an interesting statement that will make me look again at the Gospel of John. But that is part of the challenge of this book and this author’s journey. (He does provide a short list of books that have been important to him along the way.)

Reacting to his wounds appears to still be a major thread of who he is becoming and how he is processing; I understand that, as I have spent many years seeking healing from trauma.  I don’t know that we ever completely heal from trauma.  He is honest at the beginning that he will be using a lot of language that is not usually acceptable in faith circles, and why. I understand that these words seem to help him articulate what he is saying. Although I certainly have used these words on occasions, his use of them gave me the impression that he is still so angry at the distortions of evangelicalism that he uses these words rather than articulate his challenge in ways that would deepen his critique.

It seems to me that his theology is still in fairly early stages of development. It will be interesting to read a book that he might write in 10 years. I would recommend this book for believers who are questioning all that they have been taught about God, and who are seeking help in that process. I would hope, however, that they not take everything he said as a “final conclusion,” but let the book challenge them to explore the ideas and make up their own minds.

There are a few ways that the structuring of the book fell short of helpful.  Almost none of the scripture passages are identified, which I found disconcerting even though I have a fairly thorough knowledge of scripture.  And the lack of footnotes or endnotes was very frustrating.

I appreciated his anecdotes, as they were excellent and engaging illustrations of his journey.  The book is well-written and would be an enjoyable read for anyone on a similar journey.  I would encourage such readers to let it stimulate their own questions and search for answers.

As I was reading, especially toward the end of the book, I was saddened to recognize my own belief in the limitations of the Church’s ability to change.  I felt that VanHall’s hope may be unrealistic:

“My desire for the Church is to admit that it is past time for us to strive to become better. The Church must endorse humanity’s continued pursuit in the discovery of new scientific truths while helping society navigate our future with the ancient moral truths of love and justice.  This is our calling, because God’s story did not end with the Scriptures.” (p. 197)

However, his vision, as the many varied hopeful visions are arising, I see as part of the growing call of God for the Church to change (even if it means some traditions will have to be jettisoned in order for the Body of Christ to become a more viable way of serving God’s purposes).

#RebornAgain

I received a copy of this book from speakeasy for review purposes.

Review: Faith Lies: Seven Incomplete Ideas that Hijack Faith and How to See Beyond Them by Darrell Smith

I was excited to receive my review copy of Faith Lies.  When I first started reading it, I felt a little puzzled, wondering who this is intended to reach.  I found the Introduction rather long, almost anxious in establishing the premise, and throughout the references to pop culture (movies, songs, etc.) are quite dated and obscure. (Although I recognize this could be because I have “opted out” of much popular culture for a long time…)

However, as I kept reading, I found my attention deepening.  I consider myself very progressive, although I minister with elders who are quite traditional and many are very conservative.  I thought I had worked through a lot of these “incomplete ideas,” but as I read I found myself recognizing many ways there is still residue from them that is affecting my spiritual life and how I view the world.  Darrell’s very “conversational” writing, theological depth, and broad perspective on the life of faith touched me deeply, particularly “Lie 2: God is Angry and Doesn’t Like Me.” I even used some small quotes from this chapter in worship on Sunday, and they were very well received by these same elders.

I am curious about the many references to “my rabbi” (I think Darrell is using this in the etymological sense of “teacher”?), and wondered if this and much other language about Judaism might make this less accessible to Christians who are in the process of deconstructing these lies.  As I read, however, I realized that these both deepen and broaden the scope and reach of the book.  As a seminary graduate and spiritual director, I found the scholarship and emphasis on the full history of relationship with God, for Jews and Christians alike, to be very illuminating.  I also have come to recognize that while people who are in the early stages of deconstructing these lies might have some difficulty with this, in spite of Darrell’s frequent reassurance, they may not be the most important audience for this book.

This book will be invaluable for several categories of readers.  People who have been deconstructing what they learned in evangelical circles from which they have disconnected (willingly or unwillingly), but have felt bewildered at times by the complexity of the journey, these will find this very helpful and encouraging.  I could envision groups of such people, whether they have become “dones” (with church) or are seeking community in mainstream or more progressive churches, finding this helpful as a book to read together and discuss. Such an experience might be very liberating.  Individuals who aren’t connected with a spiritual community might find this very encouraging and helpful in urging connection with other people of faith who are on similar journeys.

But I think the people who might find this most helpful are those who minister, as pastors, lay leaders, spiritual directors, and in other capacities, with people who are working through these issues.  The book is going to affect how I respond to those who are questioning, and it is going to have some effect (not sure yet what) on how I use language with the elders who are my responsibility.  I’m not going to confront their traditional views head-on, but what I learned from this book will help me to continue choosing language that reflects freedom from these lies.  I’ve been doing that, but I foresee that I will be assisted in that process by this book.

I definitely recommend this book for a broad audience of readers who are questioning, or ministering with those who are questioning, what they have been taught about God and about faith, and wondering what those questions mean for their relationship with God. This will be helpful in reassuring and encouraging them to deepen and broaden their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. #FaithLies