Quit Going to Church

by Bob Hostetler

How did Christ imagine church and faith? Did he imagine the Sunday-Christian or the wholly immersed believer? In this book, Bob Hostetler tells readers to QUIT GOING TO CHURCH, and renew their walk of faith.

What drives people to enter the doors of churches every Sunday? It could be habit, living up to expectations, a sense of duty, or even guilt. People seem to be living “churchanity” rather than Christianity.

This thought provoking and “pull-o!-the-gloves” book is based on the premise that much of how we think and act, a great percentage of what we do these days as church-going people, bears only a slight resemblance to the way of Jesus and “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). With titles like “Quit Going to Church” and “Quit Sharing Your Faith,” each chapter issues an eyebrow-raising challenge, showing how many of us have misunderstood—even distorted—the Good News of Jesus and replaced Christianity with something else. As you read this book, be prepared to have your assumptions challenged and your life transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2012

About the author

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the novel, The Bone Box, have sold over 3 million copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them four beautiful grandchildren.

Reviews

[eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regarding the title, which is probably what caught your interest: It's a bit of a gimmick. The chapters are similarly titled ("Quit Tithing", "Quit Reading Your Bible", "Quit Helping the poor", etc). It's a great attention-grabber, and it's a little misleading. In the eponymous first chapter, Hostetler doesn't argue that you should actually stop going to church; he argues that you should stop just going to church (he's right, of course).

I'd say this book is primarily written for newer or casual Christians. For the most part, it's milk and not meat (though it's not a bad refresher course for a long-time believer or church who has simply become complacent or stuck in a rut). It does have several interesting notes about biblical customs/culture that would have connected with Jesus' original audience but may whiz past the modern Bible-reader's head.

I have to remind myself that this is a "Christian living" book. It's not meant to be deep theology or an intense examination of biblical texts. Even keeping that in mind, it seemed a little...light in some places. Some chapters are really good ("Quit Enjoying Worship", "Quit Volunteering" , "Quit Tithing"). But the chapter "Quit Being Nice" fell a bit flat for me after a strong start -- the portrayal of Jesus was good, but Hostetler's application to modern Christian life seemed to skirt the main issue. Other chapters seemed to build a straw man before correcting him.

My biggest problem with this book is that, to be frank, I couldn't quite trust Hostetler, which kept me from giving myself wholly to his message. There are two things that kept me leery. First, Hostetler quotes Rob Bell several times, and I am extremely suspicious of anything Rob Bell says because of the unbiblical, heretical, and blasphemous nature of his recent book Love Wins. To quote Rob Bell approvingly is, to some extent, an endorsement of his ideas. But it's not as though I saw it and said, "Oh. This is from Rob Bell, therefore it is false and you, Hostetler, are wrong." It's more like, "Was Rob Bell really the only person you could quote here? He's the one that first came to mind? Hmmm." It's just something that kept me feeling off as I read this book.

The second thing that unnerved me is that Hostetler quotes from The Message quite often. This might not bother most people, but I cringe every time I hear anyone use The Message instead of a proper translation of the Bible. From my perspective, there's only two reasons you would use The Message: either it fits more with what you wish the Bible would say or you think your audience is too stupid to understand the language otherwise. Ugh.

Still, I would recommend this book to a newer or casual Christian or to a Christian/Church book club. No doubt some great discussion would come out of it. Also, one could use this as a devotional aid. Hostetler even includes a "prayer" at the end of each chapter.


Disclaimer: I won a free copy of this book through GoodReads' First Reads program.

[Katelyn Bolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all struggle with it - the apathetic, "blah" attitude that creeps into our lives concerning our Christianity. What we need to do is stop going through the motions. Quit Going to Church by Bob Hostetler outlines 12 areas where Christians can struggle with apathy. Some of his chapters are "Quit Saying Your Prayers," "Quit Reading Your Bible" and "Quit Trying to Be Good."
In the introduction, Hostetler states the book is "about identifying and correcting the way we have forgotten - or departed from - the way of Jesus." It is about throwing off the fetters of religion and focusing on why we have faith in the first place. It's about losing the mindset of going to church or praying. It's about changing your mindset to fellowshipping and living out your Christianity with other believers and sitting down and having a chat with our majestic Father.
A word that Hostetler uses a lot in his book is "Churchianity." This is what our Christianity becomes when we go through the motions and forget the meaning and passion behind our actions. Readers are warned about following Churchianity because it is a religion with good intentions, but works become the focus. As Ephesian 2:8 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Quit Going to Church is mainly for Christians who have been going to church for a good portion of their lives. It is meant to rekindle the passion that those readers may have had at the beginning of their introduction to the faith. Even so, the book is a great read for Christians at any level. It is humorous at times and convicting at others. The 12 chapters all end with a prayer and are perfect for a daily or weekly study.
Bob Hostetler is a pastor and speaker who has written 27 books. He is known for his book American Idols and the book he co-authored with Josh McDowell, Don't Check Your Brains at the Door.
Whether you are in need of a devotional study or something to read in the bathroom, you need to check out this funny, captivating and convicting book!

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

- I received this book through LibraryThing Early Reviews in exchange for this review. -

With a title like "Quit Going to Church" I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I'm sure some of you are a little confused as to the point of the text as well - some may be afraid that this is some sort of revolutionary anti-church manifesto, but that really isn't the case. On page thirteen we are told that this book is about "identifying and correcting the ways we have forgotten - or departed from - the way of Jesus." So each of the chapters looks at a different thing we, as Christians, are usually made to feel are essentials or requirements to be "good Christians." The author shows how each issue tends to miss the point when it comes to the way Jesus actually did or taught them.

He asks us on pages 12-13:
"What if the form of Christianity commonly practiced by us and by most of the Christians around us bears little - if any - resemblance to the way of Jesus and the kingdom he came to usher in? What if we've missed the boat in the more important things, like how to talk to God and how to please him? What if we've truly misunderstood - even misrepresented - what it means to truly follow Jesus?"

I will admit that the book was a little more cliche than I was anticipating, but for the most part I do agree with his points, and I love anyone who references/quotes from authors like Brian McLaren (one of my personal favorite Christian authors), Shane Clairborne, and Rob Bell. The style of this book was pleasant, even if the author tends to be more traditional than I tend to be - for example, I'm not really "about" converting people, but I did appreciate how, on page 68, he emphasized genuine friendship and love for others, and not just faking it to get behind enemy lines, so to speak (my phrasing, not his).As well, even though I don't see the idea of spiritual gifts the same way he does, I did thoroughly love his comparison of the church to an orchestra on page 95 (that could have something to do with my being a major band geek throughout my school "career," lol). And I found page 148, where he was discussing the history of some of the things in Christianity - church bells, pews, pulpits, even the cross being used as a symbol - to be highly interesting and engaging.

Anyway, rather than list each of the chapters and giving an example of the main point of each, I would rather use the author's own words, from the final chapter of the book. I hope that's okay, since it is a longer selection than anything else I've ever quoted in a review before, but I feel it sums up the whole book much better than a mere list of chapter titles and points would do, and his words are far more eloquent than my own could be, thus hopefully touching or resonating with someone reading this review, moving them to give the book a look-see for themselves...

So, starting on page 215, and continuing through on page 216, I'd like to close with this prayer by the author. Keep in mind that each "I pray" refers to a different chapter:
"I pray you quit going to church...and start being the church.
I pray you will quit saying your prayers...and make it a habit instead to keep company with God.
I pray for you to quit reading the Bible, using it instead as a means of relating to him.
I pray you will quit sharing your faith...and share your life.
I pray for you to quit tithing and replace the 'ten percent way' of the law with the 'hundred percent way' of Jesus.
I pray that you will quit volunteering...and start exercising your gifts with greater effectiveness and enjoyment in God's service.
I pray that you will quit being nice...and be real instead.
I pray for you to quit helping the poor...and unite with them instead.
I pray for you to quit fellowshipping and start partying.
I pray that you will give up all attempts to be good and instead focus on one thing - the better thing - of daily dwelling in Jesus' presence.
I pray that you will quit enjoying worship and inspiring yourself in worship...and instead focus your worship on making God happy.
And, finally, I pray that you will quit camping out in the center of God's will and instead be courageous and full of faith, boldly embracing uncertainty and trusting God for the results."

[Robert Durough, Jr. · Rating 2 out of 5]

As noted in the brief, final chapter, one may not doubt Bob Hostetler “[has] prayed for everyone who reads this book” (215). Throughout QUIT GOING TO CHURCH there is an evident pastoral concern and desire for growth; however, prayer, concern, and desire do not necessarily yield a well-articulated argument. Hostetler plays a game of semantics that some may find more than ruffles a few feathers (13)—it’s likely they won’t even finish the book—and seems to defeat his purpose. It is not very helpful to tell one’s audience to “quit” doing something (in most absolute terms) and, instead, do something that arguably encompasses that said action; and when trying to change how others perceive an idea or phrase, it may not be very helpful to use other phrases that would require a new perspective before using them (e.g., describing Jesus as a “party animal” [151] and “the kingdom of God” being “synonymous with a wild and crazy good time” [152]). Some may find the semantic acrobatics appealing and refreshing, while others may find the forced shock value off-putting and unnecessary.

It is often self-implicating when an author writes something like, “It’s just not there. Honest. Go ahead, get your Bible. Look it up. See if you can find a passage that says . . .” (202). Hostetler is narrowly selective in his use of Scriptural support for his arguments, often relies upon his insertion of quite speculative details as he narrates a passage—again, some may find this helpful and others offensive—and makes claims (and certainly tells his audience to “quit”) that simply cannot be found in the Bible—anywhere. Of course, all interpret, extrapolate from, and claim implications of Scripture, but it is counterproductive to make such claims in the same book wherein refutation against such claims are made, and vice versa.

If one were to generalize, one may appropriately place the work among other “too little on too much” books attempting to convince and encourage readers to stop going through motions and be genuine in their walk with God, something we certainly ought to stress; however, the suggestions of “quitting” are not all accompanied with convincing examples and reasons, thus, the work may not prove to be as influential and/or helpful as intended. Regardless, one may benefit from reading the final chapter (215-16) for a concise recounting of the “quits” and “dos” argued in the book, as well as Hostetler’s prayerful closing statements.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers as part of their ACU Press Bookclub Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I guess I should start with a couple disclaimers. First, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, as a winner of a goodreads.com giveaway. Second, like the author, I also grew up in the Salvation Army, and it's a small world (in fact, my wife knew the author when she was a little girl, because her parents were officers in Ohio.)

I can't think of any other prejudicial factors, so now I'll get into the review. I really enjoyed the book. Each chapter of the book has a fairly sensational title saying to stop doing some typically Christian thing(e.g. Quit Tithing), and then goes on to show that many people have a completely wrong attitude/motivation for these actions and suggest how to do them in a way that is more pleasing to God.

I'm sure you've all seen books where the author has a great hook/concept for the beginning of the book, but finds there isn't enough there to fill a book. So they start twisting and stuffing other ideas into the mold they came up with, but it doesn't really quite fit. Well, I'm glad (and frankly a little surprised) to tell you that this didn't happen in this book. After I got a feel for how the chapters were organized, I expected a chapter to come along that just tried too hard. I had even started thinking about how I would phrase it in the review, but then it didn't happen. Sure, some chapters resonated more with me than others, but none of them felt forced. He really had a good point to be made in each chapter.

One thing which did feel forced at times was the humor. The author was obviously trying to keep the tone of the book light, and not come off as preaching at people, but there were times when the humorous asides were jarring. A few broke felt like they just broke the train of thought.

All in all, this was a good book. I found it more thought provoking, rather than life changing, but that's not a bad thing. There was definitely more meat here than there is in many of the Christian books which are popular today.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I would never have picked it up off the shelf in my local bookstore, but as it was assigned reading, I didn't have a choice.
The is one of the best, i.e. easiest, books I've read so far to deal with the basics of deconstructing the modern mindset of the western christian. In a humorous, humble way, Bob pokes at 12 "religious" beliefs and shows us how to get back on the right track. From "quit going to church", to "quit tithing", to "quit reading the bible", to "quit living in the centre of God's will", each chapter is practical, faithful to the story, and challenging to our commonly held beliefs. Thoughtful and insightful, this is a must read for everyone who wants to easily get a handle on how the practice of the christian faith is changing (for the better). After you finish this book, Brian McLaren's "Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, catholic, green, incarnational, depressed- yet hopeful, emergent, unfinished Christian" could be next on your list.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr.Hostetler his latest title 'Quit Going to Church' a little opposite title though, this book will take your beliefs to a new level. Those ideas and beliefs of what you should and should not do will be turned on its side and emptied out through each chapter. Just like the title, each chapter will give you a shock and sometimes make you apprehensive to continue reading, do not let that be a reason to stop you. With chapters titled Quit Going to Church, Quit Volunteering, Quit being Nice, and Quit Enjoying the Worship you will be challenged in each chapter realizing that we have allowed culture to define Christianity and fallen into a habit of how we believe we are supposed to act.(borrowed)

[Russ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that really inspires change and a much broader POV then most wound give on such a topic as this. Well done Bob I am working on finishing how to survive the end of the world and then on to falling in love with God. I am a fan of Bob's writing style and honestly his point of view and the way he puts the topics together and how he gets his points across are amazingly simple but not to the point of loss of meaning and depth. I will continue to buy and recommend Bob Hostetler's books as they are great.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads.

Starting with the title itself, I think the author is trying to get the attention of those who are truly devout and those who are questioning the validity of their beliefs. Throughout the book the chapters say Quit this or Quit that then engage the reader to explore certian related examples from the Bible and how they relate to the reader's personal spiritual journey. This is a good self reflection type of book.

[Catherine Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tongue in cheek look at the things Christians do and why.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many times I could hear the pastor at my church talking. A great book with so many nuggets of truth. Now to put into practice.

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth spending time with this book

[Peter DeHaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read with thought-provoking ideas. I highly recommend this for any Christian serious about their faith.

[George Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Very thought provoking and made for an excellent resource while putting together a seminar session ok thinking creatively about Church as we know it today.