When I read books today, I love material that makes me think and expands my personal views and paradigms.
However, what I love perhaps even more, is when the material offered by the author is current, valuable and for the betterment of society, to the point that it encourages personal evolution, and at that evolution towards love.
And that is how I feel about the latest book I read, If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus by Philip Gulley.
When I first learned about this book, I knew I had to read it – as you can imagine, its title compelled me greatly. In fact it was I who contacted the publisher and asked to be placed on the TLC Book Tours, unlike what normally happens in that publishers contact me to do reviews.
I have never heard of Philip Gulley before, and was not familiar with any of his previous works, so I was super happy to have come across this book and learn more about both.
I don’t want to ruin it all in the introduction, but I highly, highly recommend any and every Christian or person tied to a religious affiliation to read it. As to why I feel so strongly, allow me to explain below.
Book and Author
If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus as I mentioned above, was written by Philip Gulley and just published this past February 2010. It is currently available in book stores.
Philip is a Quaker minister and writer. He is the author of over 15 books. Philip is also a frequent speaker at churches, colleges, and retreat centers across the United States. His first most known book, which he co-authored with James Mulholland was If Grace Is True: Why God Will Save Every Person (Plus). This book offers a beautiful message of hope and love for all people regardless of their various backgrounds.
In 2005, Philip and James continued on with a second book of a similar nature, entitled If God Is Love: Rediscovering Grace in an Ungracious World.
Than in 2007, Philip wrote his best seller, Front Porch Tales: Warm Hearted Stories of Family, Faith, Laughter and Love, where he shares tender and hilarious real-life moments that capture the important truths of everyday life.
Book Format and Structure
“If the Church Were Christian”, is quite a short and easy read. It is just under 200 pages and can be read within about 6 hours. It begins with a short introduction that sets the stage for what this book is all about. It then opens up to the following 10 chapters, which quickly give the reader an excellent idea of the topics covered in the book:
If the Church Were Christian…
Chapter 1 – Jesus would be a Model for Living, Rather Than an Object of Worship
Chapter 2 – Affirming Our Potential Would Be More Important Than Condemning Our Brokenness
Chapter 3 – Reconciliation Would Be Valued Over Judgment
Chapter 4 – Gracious Behavior Would Be More Important Than Right Belief
Chapter 5 – Inviting Questions Would Be Valued More Than Supplying Answers
Chapter 6 – Encouraging Personal Exploration Would Be More Important Than Communal Uniformity
Chapter 7 – Meeting Needs Would Be More Important Than Maintaining Institutions
Chapter 8 – Peace Would Be More Important Than Power
Chapter 9 – It Would Care More About Love and Less About Sex
Chapter 10 – This Life Would Be More Important Than the Afterlife
Philip finishes the book with a closing word, and a section of over 30 excellent reflection and discussion questions to further the reader’s growth and spiritual evolution.
Book Content & Personal Commentary
So based on the title and the above chapter breakdown, you probably already have a good idea as to what this book is about. Indeed, it is a look at the current state of the “Christian Church” – all of its 39,000 different denominations, and trying to bring it back on track with the actual values of Jesus. In other words, the book is a huge wake-up call for all Christians.
The author is a Quaker minister, but I found that this does not hinder the material presented whatsoever, as he provides as unbiased view of events as possible. He shares his experience from time to time throughout the years of his early and present ministry, with examples that serve as very valuable, as well as his experiences with other Christian denominations.
I have to tell you, this was one of those books, where I wanted to share some quotes with you from the author, but as I read, I literally highlighted every second sentence, so it was a really tough choice. The arguments, reflections, facts and ideas the author presents are phenomenal!
“That so many gatekeepers in today’s church act in ways Jesus roundly condemned is one of the great ironies of modern Christianity.”
Philip Gulley – If the Church Were Christian, pg 107
The author begins the introduction with opening thoughts of what did Jesus really want when it came to the establishment of a “church” or “religion“. After all the basis of Christianity and its foundations are based on the life and death of this man named Jesus. Here Philip does a phenomenal job at showing that in fact we barely know anything directly from the mouth or mind of Jesus, yet many people and the modern church act like they have the absolute and ultimate truth when it comes to that.
The modern Christian church is based on stories that were written long after Jesus had died, and ones that were greatly picked apart by the political and governing bodies around 2000 years ago, to best suit their needs. So not only can we not be sure as to what was really said, or how it was meant, but the modern church today, also has a hard time with any kind of growth or evolution of its institutions. It is literally closed to any new revelations, despite the fact that humanity today has matured and evolved to understand “God” on a much different level.
He also does a great analysis, of what the word “Christianity” really means today. Whatever it meant in the past, he asserts that today to most, it basically means – being nice. He claims that “the criteria for Christian faith today seems to be this: if I say I am a Christian, I am.” On the other end of the coin, he also acknowledges how many of us are Christian simply due to where or what family we were born into, and often not by conscious choice.
All of this sets the foundation for the topics and amazing 10 aspects that Philip explores throughout the book. He does this all while acknowledging that he is in no way practicing the perhaps “ideal” values of a modern church yet or has in the past, but what he presents is his dream for the future Christian church. And what a beautiful overview that presentation is.
“Salvation would be when heaven was in us, not when we were in heaven. It would happen when we stopped worrying about saving our own skin and cared more about saving and restoring the land and sea and sky and all who dwell therein.”
Philip Gulley – If the Church Were Christian, pg 185
I loved all the chapters more or less equally, but chapter 1 really resonated with me so much, because in my personal spiritual awakening in the past few years, I was personally awakened to such a new and more beneficial way of understanding Jesus. The idea of “Christ Consciousness” that other authors and teachers today speak of so much is no coincidence and it is what I personally strive for everyday of my own life.
Philip also explores how instead of focusing on the theory, dogma or orthodoxy, or being stuck on various details that have divided Christianity into 39,000 different denominations, we should be more concerned with trying to be and live like Jesus, not just reciting church prayers and participating in its rituals, without practical application of them to every area of our lives. Jesus is an amazing example for us to follow, but the way Christianity presents him is in a light that he is above and beyond what any of us can ever even remotely come close to.
Every topic from love, marriage, divorce, homosexuality, parenting and compassion – to – sin, reconciliation, salvation, guilt, shame and judgment are discussed. Philip truly has done a great job in my opinion at presenting all of these important issues to Christianity in a way that all can easily understand and relate to.
One of these topics that I really resonated with as well, as I am seeing it with so many people I know, is that they have left the church to the point that it served no meaning for them until they had children, and as soon as they had children they start going to church again. This is as Philip also discusses and exemplifies due to the fact that so many of us have been conditioned to think that the “church” holds the only keys to teaching us how to be “moral” and “good people“. Most of these parents, not for a second consider why they left the church in the first place, and how it can be actually more damaging than helpful, to fall back into the patterns of the parenting they grew up with, especially where religion today is concerned.
“Most pastors teach their congregations what to think. We need to teach people how to think.”
Philip Gulley – If the Church Were Christian, pg 114
The book is written in such a smart, engaging and at the same time friendly way. I have to tell you, as someone who came from and lived a quarter of their life in a Christian background, I completely understand where Philip is coming from, and greatly support his ideas. In most books, there are usually things we like and dislike about the style or message, but this was one book, where I honestly cannot think of one of those things. The only one things is that it will not be suitable for closed minded people.
Conclusion
As I stated in the introduction, I highly recommend this book. But why? Why, aside from what I said above, do I want you so much to read this book? For no other reason than the fact that it encourages and supports evolution in the areas of spirituality and personal growth. And I think this is a key area where many of us are today in these changing Earth times.
In fact it does not matter if you are Christian, or of another religion. As long as you are open to growth and are not afraid to have your beliefs and all that you think is the absolute core of your religion examined or want to learn more, than this is the book for that.
You may sense my passion shining through when it comes to this topic and there is good reason for that. In the past, I have been part of a Christian religion, as I mentioned above, and I have seen the good and the not so good sides of it. I also know today clearly why I have decided to have no identification with any religion, and yet have a better relationship and understanding of God and Jesus, among other things like life, death, the afterlife and more.
So many of us are so dependent on religions out of fear, guilt, insecurity or just out of habit, and being where I have been, I know today that it doesn’t have to be this way. We can think for ourselves, we can have many new and beautiful communities, and we can be close to Jesus, God or whatever religious figures you choose, without going through a third party. Ultimately if you are part of a religion, I would just make sure that it is making you a better, not a worse person.
I could go on and on about this book and the numerous fantastic points that Philip addresses to awaken us to our highest state of being, to think for ourselves, and to place love above all else, but I would just be giving away his entire book. So better yet, read it yourself. If you are seeking, have questions or want to explore the past and present of modern Christianity further and where its potential future stands, this is a great book for that.
“Perhaps this spiritual rigidity is a necessary step in our moral and religious evolution, a phase through which we must journey on our way to a richer, more meaningful spirituality.”
Philip Gulley – If the Church Were Christian, pg 73
In the end, I so applaud Philip for bringing this material and beautiful discussion forth to all of us. As he mentioned several times throughout the book, it has caused him distress and unpleasant situations at times, for as you can imagine, he says things that many Christians are far from ready to hear, or admit. This is the “inconvenient truth” of the Christian church today, and one I wish every Christian would consider. So it is all the more reason why I applaud his work, for anything that causes us to think or feel discomfort is perhaps the best platform from which to grow and evolve.
You can purchase the book from Amazon.com below or your local book store.
If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus (Hardcover)
by Philip Gulley
Price: $16.86
34 used & new available from $4.38
(45 customer reviews)
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*Photograph 4 provided by santian
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is the founder and editor of EvolvingBeings.com – an online publication featuring various topics on spirituality and metaphysics. Evita teaches consciousness expansion and heart-centered living to help people attain deep meaning, peace and happiness in their life. She is also a nutritional science and holistic health expert for optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow her on Twitter.
22 Comments to “Book Review: If the Church Were Christian”
I’m one of those who still is loyal to Christ but finds that denominations hold nothing for me.
This sounds like a great book.
Hi Evan
That is a great way of approaching the subject.
We can be loyal, respectful and loving to Jesus, minus any denomination.
I truly believe this is where modern spirituality is heading – more love and less rules.
I agree with salvation being in us is heaven. Two of my favorite quotes from ACIM are “Heaven is here, there is no other place. Heaven is now there is no other time.” I’m not waiting for heaven…it’s my choice in every moment.
Hi Tess
I feel the ACIM is a great stepping stone for many Christians to expand their view of the Christianity they have been lead to believe. The messages in the ACIM are so authentically loving, and there is no contradictions amongst them.
I too believe that Heaven is a state of being – within us, and not a place we “go to” after we die. We can choose to be in a state of Heaven each day or a state of hell.
So I love that you included this important message here – thank you!
Hi Evita! Wow, your passion really does shine through! You do one terrific book review! The quotes from the author and your enthusiasm for this topic sure fueled my interest to get this book myself. I have known so many people over the years that wear (and shout) the label of Christian but aren’t exactly what could be considered a glowing example in action, teetering on hypocrisy. This sounds like the kind of book that could potentially revitalize Christianity – makes me wonder though if it will get into the hands that need it? I, personally, am not into any organized religion any more. They all seemed to not get the Oneness but rather seemed closed minded to anything but their tight little creeds, excluding all else as non-believers and/or pagans and shunning others. Unfortunately I speak from personal experience with this. Ugly story.
Thanks for this wonderfully done review!
hugs
suZen
Hi SuZen
Thank you…. I really feel so much about this topic, and by so much, I mean that I know there is such potential in what we as human beings can take away from this for the better, and leave behind the “for the worse”.
I have had the same experience as you (more or less) with the people I knew. This is one of the reasons why, when I saw through it all, I really saw through it all and how people acted despite what they were supposedly living by….
And yes, I feel the same way about the closed mindedness and that explains a lot of why I am where I am today too. Thanks again for your comment and input!
I must put this book on my reading list. I have so many disagreements with the church/religious groups and am only connected to my denomination through the justice ministries, where it is powerful to work together and voice together our strong concerns.
I think the biggest value of group spiritual experience is learning to think…and I think the church has lost its truth by focusing on “rules” But then over history any time someone wanted control they isolated and dumbed down the citizens…just like what is happening in the USA and to folks in general about the earth…
good review and post Thank you
Hi Patricia
You are so welcome and thank you for the additions.
We as human beings have indeed been giving away our power for far too long and it has not served us well. So I so share your sentiments and understand where you are coming from.
But together, with love and awareness we can rise above the control and move into a state where we can think for ourselves and act out of our highest good, without others telling us how to do it.
I’m not Christian, but I *am* very spiritual, and I think this book sounds wonderful. It sounds like the author has taken many of the fleeting thoughts about “the church” and institutionalized religion that I have had myself over the past few years, and formalized them into a single, unifed, coherent thought. It sounds like a book I would love to read! Thank you for this great review!
Hi Jay
Thank you for adding in your thoughts Jay! That is great to hear.
And doing this review, reading this book was truly a pleasure, and I am glad to share it with others, and perhaps inspire, or help them look broader at this whole idea of “Christianity” and what it really means to them.
Evita,
What an outstanding review! This does sound like an extremely interesting book that discusses a very important topic.
My favorite quote was “Salvation would be when heaven was in us, not when we were in heaven.” This is brilliant! I find that when I meditate, love, forgive, etc., the feeling that I have feels like heaven. And I try to experience this as much as possible.
Like Jay, I put myself in the “very spiritual” category. I think everybody should find the best religious/spiritual approach for themselves. I personally get the most benefit from focusing on my own spiritual journey due to many of the things mentioned above.
In my view, if you simply focus on loving yourself and loving everybody else, you are going to go a long way towards making the world a much better place.
Hi Greg
Thank you so much for your comment and feedback!
You can make that three of us :) I too either consider myself “very spiritual” or “universally spiritual”. I just find it such a great place to be. From this platform I feel like I have an unlimited potential in which to grow in love and wisdom. I see no boundaries, no set rules or beliefs. There is just the spirit of me that is connected to all that is, and it feels good.
And your closing words are excellent advice – thank you so much for the beautiful comment!
Thank you for this wonderful review. I have already suggested this book to two friends and have placed it on my list. I look forward to reading the ideas expressed – and if they are anything like the passion you have shown in this review… I am going to love this work!
Thank you
Hi,
I am so glad you enjoyed this review and I have to tell you I really enjoyed writing it. So it is nice to hear that indeed my passion on the topic came through.
Thank you for stopping by and your thoughts :)
Evita,
I do call myself a Christian, and I do belong to an organized religion. And it is certainly not perfect, and I have witnessed what seems to go against every idea Christianity is about.
So, why do I stick around? What is it that I am getting from this place? Is there something, deeper, that it touches?
There is definitely something deeper there. And where I get that is not always on a Sunday morning. Although, sometimes I very much get that on some Sunday morning.
The most moving spiritual moments I have had, have come because of this place. And yet, each of them were moments that were far from the “norm”. They have each been very personal, very caring, very deliberate moments of love and compassion. And it was in those moments that I have felt the greatest connection to a Higher Power.
What makes these moments different than those from “normal”? I suppose it has been that each of these moments have been a very small gathering of people – who were not there out of any sort of obligation, or guilt, or “it’s the right thing to do”. I know, without doubt, that everyone was there for a very personal experience with a God of compassion and love.
So, hmmm….where does that leave me? Should I jump ship? And seek only those moments where this connection is so true and right? Should I keep believing that there is good in this place?
There is no “right” answer. Or at least not some broad, across the board “right” answer. Maybe there is a “right” answer for me. Just as there is a “right” answer for you.
I have no plans to leave this Christian life that is a part of me. Perhaps there is a stigma associated with organized religion.
On Wednesday of last week, I was in this place, with a group of 7th grade kids. It’s become a place for them to open up. To share moments of good, and moments of struggle. And in that time I spend with them, I believe very much this is a place I should be. In that moment – in a religious setting – religion takes a back seat to what is really going on in the lives on these young adults. It’s not about what what our religion says is “right”. It’s about connecting, it’s about believing in what there is, beyond our earthly human life, and it’s about being open to trust and understanding. And that feels so completely right for me….
And Evita, thanks so much for sharing your views of this book, and *ahem* allowing me to share here…
Hi Lance
Thank you so very much for sharing your experience as it is always so truly wonderful to hear the beautiful side of religion – of Christianity.
I so agree with you, there are beautiful parts to it, and there are people who go for that deeper connection and better yet, they are able to achieve it with their congregation.
It sounds to me that the denomination you are with, or more specifically your specific church community (because there are many diffs even within one denomination) is really working for you – and that is the most important thing at the end of it all I think.
If you are in a good place, if you are getting what you feel you need and want from the church, than that is wonderful. If there is growth, if there is love and empowerment than that is great.
And you are so right, there is much to this topic that isn’t clear cut, and there is indeed a lot of “bad press” associated often with organized religion. But I cannot say I am surprised why or that it is unfair, for in most cases the past 2000 years of church history have proven to really hold people back in so many ways, instead of propel them towards new growth.
I think what it sounds like you have found too is a community where you feel you can make a difference, and that is a big gift. Not all religions….or church communities are like that. In fact, I would bargain that they are rare.
So thank you so much for sharing your experience here with us Lance, and shining some light on the beauty that a church community, or more specifically a Christian church community can provide.
Thank you for your courage in sharing your views and featuring a book which may leave many unhappy. For a time, I attended church and took bible studies. However, I felt a sense of disconnect as I could not believe that Christianity was the only religion that could “save” us.
Nowadays, I tend to hold views more aligned to Buddhism. Still, I don’t call myself a Buddhist. Like Jay and the others here, if there is a label at all, I consider myself more “spiritual” than religious. Spirituality unites rather than creates a separation.
Hi Evelyn
And thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
You know for many years, when I was a Christian, I could not fathom the idea of “Buddhism”. I laugh today, and I can’t explain it, but in many ways it was looked at as such a taboo religion from what I was brought in.
And you know the really funny thing, is that I have reflected on this in the past couple years, after officially detaching myself from the Christian religion and really any religion, that if today I HAD TO (for whatever reason) be some religion, I would choose Buddhism. Out of them all, based on where I am and how I feel and who I grew to be, it perhaps resonates with me the most.
But like you and the others, I am glad no one is forcing me to choose, as the “label” that best represents me is indeed “spiritual” and I do not embrace the idea of being segregated or limited in any way today in my paradigms or beliefs.
Hi Evita .. yes – your passion does shine through .. but allows us all to see that perhaps we should read the book for what we will glean, the new thoughts, the pros and the cons of our life (and others) as it is today. Your first para under conclusion .. says it all to me .. and definitely in due course I’ll be buying the book – great review – thank you:
“As I stated in the introduction, I highly recommend this book. But why? Why, aside from what I said above, do I want you so much to read this book? For no other reason than the fact that it encourages and supports evolution in the areas of spirituality and personal growth. And I think this is a key area where many of us are today in these changing Earth times.”
Have a good weekend – Hilary
Hi Hilary
Oh Hilary, thank you for your encouraging and warm words here. I so appreciate them and yes, this all means a lot to me, for I feel that if a human being is not growing it is, in a sense “dying”. And if anything is limiting us, or preventing us from further personal and spiritual growth to move further into the light and love, than it is not serving us the way it may make itself out to be.
Wishing you a great weekend as well :)
Evita, I’m so glad you were on this tour! Your review has given me so much to think about, but particularly the quote about not teaching people what to think, but rather how to think, particularly resonated with me. That is exactly what Jesus did. When asked a question, he rarely answered it outright. Instead, he would tell a story meant to teach a lesson, which would in turn teach his apostles and disciples HOW to think. I could go on and on about various things you mentioned, but I’ll stop there. :)
Hi Trish
Thanks so much for the great feedback! It was really a pleasure to be on this book tour – so thanks again for the opportunity too!
And yes, I resonate with that idea of teaching people how to think so much too, as when I was a high school teacher, I saw this so much as well. There were teachers who just taught the students “what” to think and then there were teachers who taught them “how” to think. One is much more empowering than the other.