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Title: How to be a bad Christian
Subtitle: ...and a better human being
Author: Dave Tomlinson
Narrator: Dave Tomlinson
Format: Unabridged
Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins
Language: English
Release date: 08-13-15
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes
Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Christianity
Publisher's Summary:
In the course of his work as a vicar, Dave Tomlinson meets lots of people who describe themselves as 'not good enough' to be Christians, thinking that faith involves going to church a lot or believing in a list of strange things or following certain rules. But being a Christian isn't about any of that - and actually, following Jesus is a lot easier, and more fun, than most people think....
In this handbook to Christianity for people who describe themselves as spiritual but not necessarily religious, Dave sketches out some key practices for how to be a 'bad' Christian, including how to talk to God without worrying about prayer, how to read the Bible without turning off your brain, and how to think with your soul rather than trying to follow rules.
This is an accessible, light-hearted book but one with a powerful invitation: to be the person you've always wanted to be, following a God you've always hoped is on your side.
Members Reviews:
View from the margin
Dave Tomlinson has a very viable parish in London with young professionals and families. While this is an established ministry, Dave is equally (more?) comfortable with those on the margins of the established church. He states: "...I feel more at home in a pub with honest 'pagans' than I do in many churches." This book relates how one in the church can also have doubts, not have all of the answers, invite questions, and a distain for church as 'exclusive ' club. This is an honest critique of the state of Christianity today, one that focuses on Jesus of Nazareth more as a role model than on his divinity. Dave also is very clear about his theology that views God as "love", not the king, the judge, the ruler and the "firer of thunderbolts". This is a theology that is available to all, without question or having to earn it.
This book is a refreshing perspective on Christianity as it struggles for relevance, especially with young people who are actually quite spiritual but not connected to any particular community. Perhaps this disarming book, and the vignettes about Dave's ministry on the margins, will be seen as opportunity to take a look at what church can be as opposed to what it has been for centuries.
Real Answers.
This is an excellent book for anyone who has run afoul of religion not being willing to answer questions, but instead being told to sit down and shut up. After escaping organized religion and finding my own way, which has worked much better for me, this book would have helped a lot fifty years ago. It does now. I think we all seek, or at least want to, for answers. The book encourages it. I recommend it absolutely.
A refreshing, candid perspective on Christianity and life from an honest, thinking person
An encouraging book that talks candidly, humbly and directly about many topics that are not discussed in the church. Dave is a thinking Christian. One who would likely be thought to be controversial from those who practice fundamental Christianity.
I would highly recommend watching his youtube plugs about the book prior to reading it. There are 5 of them. Here's one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DGCLxNmhfQ
For me, his thoughts were a breath of fresh air and encouraged me to pursue and live out my faith more passionately while thinking hard about what scripture means and who God is.