Nonfiction Book Review for ‘Outlaw Christian: Finding Authentic Faith by Breaking the “Rules”’ by Jacqueline A. Bussie
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jacqueline Bussie knows that too many Christians live according to unspoken “laws” that govern the Christian life: #1: Never get angry at God; #2: Never doubt; #3: Never question; #4: Never tell your real story; #5: Always speak in clichés about evil and suffering; and #6: Always believe hope comes easy for those who truly love God.
Living according to these rules is killing real Christian life; Outlaw Christian proposes a rebellious, life-giving, authentic alternative. Through captivating stories and with disarming honesty, Bussie gives concrete, practical strategies to help readers cultivate hope, seek joy, practice accompaniment, compost their pain, and rediscover the spiritual practice of lament. Tackling difficult questions without political divisiveness, Bussie speaks to both progressive and conservative Christians in ways that unite rather than divide. And in doing so, she provides a new way to handle the most difficult and troubling questions of life in a broken world that God will never abandon.
My Review:
4 stars.
I find the title of this book a bit funny and sad at the same time. The reason I say this is because the advice in these pages is common sense to me, but I know all too well that what I consider common sense, someone else might consider radical or even shocking. I’ve been on the receiving end of well-meaning platitudes and clichés that people will parrot. I know they mean well, but sometimes these things can actually hurt rather than help. I’ve also been the one trying to comfort somebody and found myself at a loss for what to say. Avoiding them isn’t the answer, either. In this book, the author offers reasonable alternatives to the cliché platitudes. I find it sad that the title labels someone that has wisdom and common sense as “outlaws” though, and describes these actions as “breaking the rules.” That says a lot for the typical mindset of a person.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Jacqueline Bussie knows that too many Christians live according to unspoken “laws” that govern the Christian life: #1: Never get angry at God; #2: Never doubt; #3: Never question; #4: Never tell your real story; #5: Always speak in clichés about evil and suffering; and #6: Always believe hope comes easy for those who truly love God.
Living according to these rules is killing real Christian life; Outlaw Christian proposes a rebellious, life-giving, authentic alternative. Through captivating stories and with disarming honesty, Bussie gives concrete, practical strategies to help readers cultivate hope, seek joy, practice accompaniment, compost their pain, and rediscover the spiritual practice of lament. Tackling difficult questions without political divisiveness, Bussie speaks to both progressive and conservative Christians in ways that unite rather than divide. And in doing so, she provides a new way to handle the most difficult and troubling questions of life in a broken world that God will never abandon.
My Review:
4 stars.
I find the title of this book a bit funny and sad at the same time. The reason I say this is because the advice in these pages is common sense to me, but I know all too well that what I consider common sense, someone else might consider radical or even shocking. I’ve been on the receiving end of well-meaning platitudes and clichés that people will parrot. I know they mean well, but sometimes these things can actually hurt rather than help. I’ve also been the one trying to comfort somebody and found myself at a loss for what to say. Avoiding them isn’t the answer, either. In this book, the author offers reasonable alternatives to the cliché platitudes. I find it sad that the title labels someone that has wisdom and common sense as “outlaws” though, and describes these actions as “breaking the rules.” That says a lot for the typical mindset of a person.
I received this book for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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