Kissing Fish: christianity for people who don’t like christianity

by Roger Wolsey

Christianity receives a lot of attention in the media, but the most frequently discussed version represents a type of Christianity that sometimes turns people away from the Church. Kissing Fish presents a Postmodern systematic theology of Progressive Christianity, a growing movement that reclaims the radical message of the Gospel. This informative, contemplative, and entertaining book will guide you through the beliefs that inspire us to love one another in the transformative way that Jesus proclaimed, including practices that will take your faith to a new level.


Kissing Fish is a scholarly yet thoroughly accessible introduction to Progressive Christianity. While the intended target audience for this work would seem to be those who have either left the Christian faith or never adopted it at all; the work is filled with pearls of wisdom for all of us, whether associated with Christianity or not. Kissing Fish is a truly remarkable work, serving both as a reminder of the beauty and grace that form the central tenets of the faith, while offering a graceful yet prophetic rebuttal to its more exclusionary tendencies.
- Roger McClellan, Progressive Christian Alliance

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Christianity, Theology, Faith, Christian

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2011

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read for me in my life right now. As a preacher's kid and one of the few liberals, let alone Christian liberal, in Kentucky, I've really been struggling with my faith. It's nice to have some affirmation that no, it's not just me and I'm not some terrible person/Christian for questioning things.

It's really nice to see that there are other people out here who believe along the same lines that I do. I had pretty much been fed up by the Christian faith before I read this, telling my dad that if this "conservative Christianity" is what Christianity really is, then I wasn't sure if I wanted any part of it anymore. But this read has really given me a 180. Thanks to the author for writing something I really needed to hear right now.

[Gerhard Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had read this 20 years ago, I wouldn't have felt so lost for so long...

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough...it is so very good!!! The author is well-versed with biblical scripture and explains how Jesus' message of love in the gospels can be applied to the present day. If you have ever felt marginalized, judged, or criticized, this book will go a long way towards making you feel accepted and loved for who you are. It also offers advice about how to live more purposefully in terms of spiritual practices and helping others in this world. It's very therapeutic. People who will especially be attracted to this book: 1) Those who were raised in a church that made them feel rejected or judged; 2) People who want to read about a broader perspective on Christianity compared to what the media talks about; 3) Non-Christians who would like to learn about how they can work together with open-minded Christians to better the world around them; 4) Young people who struggle to connect with a church but want to grow in their faith. The writing style is very accessible, personal, thoughtful, and entertaining. You will enjoy this book!

[Anna Gracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and liberating. A must-read for anyone at odds with conservative Christianity!

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This apologetic for progressive Christianity takes its name from the Christian and Darwin bumper sticker fish which the author places next to each other as a symbol of his belief that there shouldn't be a conflict between faith and reason. Those who are dissatisfied with popular versions of conservative Christianity may find it helpful to know they are not alone. Traditionalists probably won't like this book.

[Jessica Damuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely incredible and resonated so much with me! I felt like Roger was writing about my own life and experiences as I have struggled with religion for most of my adult life and FINALLY feel like I have found my place and that I am not alone in my thoughts and beliefs. I may be the black sheep of my family and not agree with them on many things but now I know that I am in good company. THANK YOU for this book!

[Emma Saanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I am not converting to Christianity, this book really opened my eyes to the possibilities of a beautiful world by following the Way of Jesus. Written in good faith and good humor.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the first time ever, I have to give a book a middling review not because of its content, but because of its editing, or lack thereof.

Kissing Fish could be called a Christian Apologia as well as a defense of Progressive Christianity. Wolsey is a United Methodist minister in Boulder, Colorado and a self-professed Progressive Christian. Wolsey's stated audience for the book is those people who are fundamentally turned off of Christianity because of the mistaken belief that "Conservative" Christianity is the totality of Christianity. Consequently, he spends the bulk of the book comparing and contrastng Conservative and Progressive Christianity as a means to describe what Progressive Christianity is. A typical chapter will follow this formula: Conservative Christians beleive X and have Y and Z emphasis. Conversly Progressive Christians beleive A and have B and C emphasis. The rest of the chapter is a further exposition of the stated points.

The following quote is too simplistic but it captures the thrust of the book very well. "Conservative Christianity is a religion about Jesus. Progressive Christianity is the religion of Jesus."

I found the book itself enlightening. There were apsects that I disagreed with but much that I found I with which I could agree. Based on the content alone I would rate this book four stars.

However, the book itself was horribly edited. There was hardly a page that did not have a grammatical or formatting error (I was in reading it in its electronic version, so some of these errors may be due to its electronic formatting). As the book progressed, the number of errors grew. The last two chapters are almost a completely disconnected series of paragraphs with nothing to hold them together; almost as if Wolsey had a bunch of thoughts he wanted to get into the book but ran out of time.

There is also far too much summarization and quotations from other books to make a point for my taste. There are runs of five pages or more were Wolsey paraphrases chapters from one book or another rather than organize and present the thought in his own way or present the paraphrases as a point of discussion.

Ignoring the basic editing mistakes in the book, there is a larger issue with the book that is more damaging. Wolsey makes very clear that Progressive Christianity is very accepting of everyone but it isn't until the last chapter that he comes right out and states that it even accepts Conservative Christianity as a valid viewpoint. Consequently most of the book reads like "we accept everyone except Conservative Christians" which is clearly not the case (though having seen and read enough from Conservative media the same can not be said for Conservative Christians being accepting of Progressive Christianity's point of view, even to the point of a Tea Party Nation blog posting calling for the abolishment of the United Methodist Church).

I can recommend this book to anyone who might be turned off by Conservative Christianity but still consider themselves Christian and those curious about what Progressive Christianity is from someone who is one. However, I can not recommend this book to anyone who will be overly distracted by the many errors contained in the book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright this book, challenged me, and there's a lot that I agree with, in reference to "the least of these." Overall it's a book that made me think, is this book for everyone? Well, it would like to be. This book will offend some people, mainly right-wing fundamentalists. Still, it's a good read, and there is some solid theology in it. So if you're looking for a different take on Christianity, that is not your run-of-the-mill version you see portrayed on TV, or that "family member," this is a good place to start. Now I want to go over the problems: I'm not saying I'm right in wanting to reject Progressive Christianity all-together. I feel like they're approach to other religions is New Agey at its worst and doesn't seem to be solidly supported. Now it could be my own prejudices at work. I myself have found wisdom in other belief structures. But, I remember reading the story of a Buddhist monk and a Catholic priest; the priest kept saying to the monk look at all these ways we are the same, and the monk responded with we are diffenent, and that difference is where the beauty lies (paraphrased, mainly because I don't remember the specifics, but I agree with the sentiment). I agree if you try to only shallowly dip your toe into something you will never experience the underlying richness and complexity of something. And that we shouldn't limit ourselves, and that we should use the brains we were given, to be discerning. The other thing, which I support, is their view of social justice. Especially in relation to the gospel, and the tradition Jewish view. I don't mean to disparage any part of the book. It's something I need to sit with for a bit. Like I said earlier, it just might be me.

[Amyg1024 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. If Progressive Christianity is a new concept to you, this book may be of some benefit, in its exploratory and down-to-earth demeanor. However, in my case, I could not get past its length. It seemed like it could have conveyed the same powerful message in half the length. And, I say this as a "fan" of Progressive Christianity.

That said, the author has a Kissing Fish Facebook page which I very much enjoy following. I definitely appreciate the theology messages he conveys; I just wish this book had been pruned a bit before publishing.

[Wadeshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. The ideas were well communicated and laid out. It is for folks just getting into progressive Christianity, so if you’ve been involved in it for a while it might feel basic. That being said it’s a great resource for someone just dipping their toes in the water! Specifically the chapters on salvation and love. Those had a pretty significant impact on me even though I’ve been involved in progressive Christianity for a while. It didn’t tell me what Process Theology is, but it told me enough to get super some curiosity.
The author seem authentic, compassionate, patient, and personable. I would get a beer with him. Him voice isn’t condescending like a lot of spiritual authors.

My two main criticisms would be the length and the over reliance on quotations. Both of these are of course subjective opinions. The book seemed to say all that it needed to say pretty early in each chapter, but then continued to say. I think it could be cut in half and still be just as compelling.
One thing that could be cut is the surplus of quotes and full excerpts from other sources. I don’t mind one or two quotes pulling in other authors and authorities to support your point, but I get irritated when an entire argument is made based on “person A said this, and person B said this” at some point it makes me want to put this book down and just go read person A and person B (which very well may have been the authors goal!)

Over all, I enjoyed my experience with the book and would definitely recommend it to my friends who are slowly moving away from conservative thought into a more loving and expansive faith.

[Jana Purcell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book has saved my life. I do not say that with any bit of hyperbole. After growing up Catholic and sending my oldest two children to a private Catholic grade school, I never recognized how much hurt I was carrying in my heart from the rigid conservative strict views I was taught. Roger has shown me what I had always had guilt about...that I can still have God in my heart even if religion is not a place I am comfortable with! That God is about love and not about rituals, and rules, and God gives us more free will that we are capable of comprehending.

While some of the book is exhausting to understand, I did my best. I also feel like a lot of it was dated, (2010) way before the tumultuous political arena we find ourselves in in 2020. He reminded me how I can still love my neighbor who doesn't share my same beliefs, but that it was my job to remind everyone that the right way for humanity and what Jesus taught is to fight oppression, so I cannot continue to be quiet about that. He convinced me that there is room for all of us.

I find this book a gift, and I hope he writes another that I will relish just as much.

[Joe Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where particular brands of Christianity and prominent Christians are being found out for perpetuating abuse and hypocrisy, it is becoming common for many folk to distinguish themselves from this group and say something like: "yes I am a Christian, but not THAT type of Christian" or to call themselves "followers of Jesus" rather than Christians. This book is for that group of people.

Kissing Fish shows us that there are other valid ways to follow Jesus in this world than what we are fed by the multi-billion dollar Christian media industry. This book is also an encyclopedia of knowledge for anyone wanting to understand Progressive Christianity. Acknowledging that Progressive Christians do not all think or believe the same, Roger Wolsey does a great job of discussing the primary beliefs and practices that encompass a more progressive/post-modern understanding of Christianity.

While I have been on a personal journey to a more Progressive Christianity for a few years, it was a joy to see many of my thoughts put so elegantly in this book. Kissing Fish Book will remain a useful reference tool for me to use in the future.

[Gary Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed Roger Wolsey's Facebook page and reading his blog for quite awhile I finally got around to reading his book Kissing Fish: Christianity for People who don't like Christianity. I consider Roger to be a leader on the current scene of Progressive Christianity and his book does a good job of describing the faith from the only perspective I am able to accept it from, indeed the perspective that led me back to a life of faith. The book did not contain alot of new information to me, although some of the stories and quotes were quite good and I'm glad I got a chance to highlight them. I am sure to quote Roger and his work here in some future sermon. If you are interested in what Progressive Christianity is about this is a good reference book, and if you don't understand that there is a Progressive Christianity or think all Christians are fundamentalist Evangelist Please read the book to know that there is a different perspective of Jesus and his radical message of Social Justice for many of us!

[Greg Schloesser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book for the many, many people who are still journeying, still questing, still questioning, still trying to understand and grow in their Christian faith. It is for those who just can't seem to fully accept some (or many) of the dogmatic beliefs of traditional Christianity. It is for those who truly want to go deeper into our understanding of Jesus, His message and His calling.

Wolsey offers a good explanation and understanding of what is called "Progressive Christianity", where the emphasis is living one's life as Jesus lived His and directed us to live ours. It is more about love and working for a better world than it is about dogma. It is eye-opening, enlightening and sometimes disturbing. It can upset some of the proverbial apple carts of your faith. Wolsey asserts that if we don't continue to grow, to learn, to understand, to journey, we stagnate. That is NOT a good thing.

HIGHLY recommended for anyone who wants to grow in their faith and better understand what being a follower of Jesus is truly about.

[Greg D · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a mediocre read. I suppose if I had read "Kissing Fish" before I read, "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" by David L. Felten and Jeff Procter-Murphy, I would have given it a higher rating. "Kissing Fish" was essentially the same thing. However, the only difference about "Kissing Fish" is that it compared progressive Christianity to it's conservative counterpart. Which, coming from a conservative background, made for a lot of extraneous reading. Whereas, "Living the Questions: The Wisdom of Progressive Christianity" focused solely on what progressive Christianity is. Furthermore, "Kissing Fish" seemed heavy on theology but only touched on progressive socio-political issues. Honestly, it was a bit tiresome to read.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy the author's format or style. I think the book is intended for a young audience. My next choice in this field may be Marcus Borg.

[Bethany Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Carolanne wollin]

I usually don’t write reviews on book study. However,I was surprised to find how much I liked this one considering I didn’t think I would.

[Geoffrey Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting summary of progressive Christianity.

[Elise Barker]

I thought it would be helpful but it was boring. I’m glad I have it around though.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! Informative, inspiring, uplifting, affirming.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book, a "thoroughly accessible introduction to Progressive Christianity." On one hand, it's a wealth of interesting information. Kudos and thank you, Mr Wolsey! On the other hand, it's not well written and kind of a slog to get through. Wolsey apologizes for not taking the time to get the book edited in his haste to get it published. Mistake. Grammar and other errors are distracting. The author's switching back and forth between male and female pronouns for God is another distraction. If he wants to use female, ok I guess, but it would flow better with consistency in my opinion. Finally, any book with this number of subjects should definitely have an index. There's no index.

[Sandy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave it three stars because the writing style was just okay for me; I found the "break-downs" intrusive and wish he'd just included them in the text rather than always having them as asides; on the other hand, I was reading the Kindle version so maybe they flow better in print. On the other hand, it was nice to read something that I could actually agree with all the way through. As in all things, even we progressive Christians can differ in some details here and there, but still n' all, it was a good read.

[Lori Schwilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful,provocative book. Although he occasionally succumbs to the self-righteous tone that he decries in others, I am nevertheless stirred by Wolsey's passion. I do wish he had conformed to the basics of English grammar. In an effort to speak informally, Wolsey's message is sometimes distorted.

[Mary Beene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some great ideas, but fairly ugly toward the Reformed tradition. I would call myself a Calvinist, but that's a dirty word in this book and his version doesn't describe me. Turned me off -- not sure I even finished it.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely thought-provoking and inspiring. I believe that Christians and non-Christians alike can find some wisdom in these pages.

[Jo Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started May 4th
Finished May 18th

[David Kingsbery]

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogerwol...