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The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside
The Christian Culture Survival Guide is about the author's humorous experiences growing up in the Christian subculture and what he's learned along the way. From overcoming the temptation to wear W.W.J.D. bracelets to the disparaging experience of witnessing to a gay man at a bar, Matthew Paul Turner offers a fun read that's packed with profound insight and truth.
168 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
1 person is currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Paul Turner
44 books298 followersMatthew Paul Turner has made his mark as a force in the Christian children's book publishing market. With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Turner's books When God Made You and When God Made Light have become bedtime favorites for families across America. His latest anticipated release is When I Pray for You, which will debut in February 2019.
Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.
When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.
Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.
Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com
Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.
When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.
Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.
Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 5, 2015
When you grow up in the Christian culture (usually specifically Evangelical or non-denominational) you can find yourself in a bubble. The culture of Christian Rock, Veggie Tails and WWJD bracelets starts to seem like gospel.
This book is a breath of fresh air and a great reminder that people who listen to pop hits and read Harry Potter are not going to burn in hell. It provides much needed perspective in a humorous and relatable fashion. It is kind of like a more Christian friendly version of Rapture Ready!: Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture, and is a much quicker read as well.
I read this when it first came out and I was in high school and it made a difference in my life. Its message mirrored something that I had always felt and was trying to reconcile, secular is not synonymous with sinful. Not everything in your life has to be stamped with a Ichthys and Christian merch. Christian swag is not a substitute for theology.
Overall, this is really a book for those already immersed within the culture. Those who didn't grow up in the culture might not 'get it'. A must-read for any Christian struggling with a culture that can often feel smothering.
This book is a breath of fresh air and a great reminder that people who listen to pop hits and read Harry Potter are not going to burn in hell. It provides much needed perspective in a humorous and relatable fashion. It is kind of like a more Christian friendly version of Rapture Ready!: Adventures in the Parallel Universe of Christian Pop Culture, and is a much quicker read as well.
I read this when it first came out and I was in high school and it made a difference in my life. Its message mirrored something that I had always felt and was trying to reconcile, secular is not synonymous with sinful. Not everything in your life has to be stamped with a Ichthys and Christian merch. Christian swag is not a substitute for theology.
Overall, this is really a book for those already immersed within the culture. Those who didn't grow up in the culture might not 'get it'. A must-read for any Christian struggling with a culture that can often feel smothering.
March 6, 2025
A frank, honest, and sometimes funny look at the church. Lots of "I've been there" moments, but I was disappointed in his somewhat pat solutions to serious issues. It was nice to have someone be real about issues that are generally not but should be discussed in and by the church. It did have some good ideas and tips.
December 30, 2023
DNF. I wasn't loving this book. I think at 20 years old (it was published in 2004) it's just outdated. Some of the references were downright dumb and the jokes were no longer funny. It's just no longer relevant and not worth my time.
August 28, 2016
In the decade since I first read Matthew Paul Turner's first book, The Christian Culture Survival Guide, both he and I have changed a lot. I have read several of his subsequent books, and it seems like he has softened his edges and made more peace with his place in the Christian world than perhaps he had when he first started writing in 2004, and I have definitely undergone much of the same journey over the same period (as evidenced by some of my early blog posts). With both of our transitions in mind, I was interested to return to this book to see how it - and I - have aged in the time since I first read it and whether it has aged well.
CCSG is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek examination of many of the clichés of American Christianity as written by Turner (no relation, by the way), himself a former editor of CCM, the chief magazine of the Christian music industry. He works his way through issues such as salvation, church, pastors, volunteering, and worship before getting into some more meaty issues such as boycotts and extremes, dating and sex, Christian entertainment, and living a Christian life. The conceit of writing his thoughts into the "survival guide" style that was all the rage at the time works well throughout, including the incorporation of lists that accompany each subject.
The discussions mostly stay somewhat humourous and satirical, though at times Turner chooses to wade into deeper waters and to make a few comments on some more significant issues.The book itself is quite easy to read and only takes a couple of hours to breeze through, and it works well enough for what it is - an enjoyable critique of Christian culture from someone who grew up with it.
Turner shows a natural talent for writing, though at times it seems as though he is caught halfway between the humour and the heartfelt, creating some internal tonal inconsistencies and a couple of genuinely cringe-worthy moments with jokes that have not aged very well. Then again, he is writing primarily for a Christian audience, and his willingness to address a few taboo subjects, whether in jest or in earnest, is admirable considering his history and the context in which he was expressing his thoughts. He has certainly become a much more accomplished and nuanced writer in the last twelve years, and he has learned how to balance his own thoughts (and even his remaining pains and struggles) with a more tender personal side that allows him more agency to go to those places.
Sure, there are a couple of minor issues with CCSG, but I'm inclined to give Matthew Paul Turner the benefit of the doubt, considering the things he has written in the years since. Also, that last paragraph could have just as easily been written about me (right down to the last name and the time frame), and I appreciate that people have given me the grace to grow and learn as a writer and not to define me by the things I wrote in 2004.
The Christian Culture Survival Guide is an entertaining diversion, and it's one that I will continue to revisit every so often for a laugh or two or because some of the passages included are really interesting. I think that other projects - such as Stuff Christians Like have surpassed it in terms of the satire and that Turner's own subsequent books have surpassed his original observations in the realm of impact and meaning, but I can appreciate this book for what it is: a first attempt, and a good one at that; I can only hope that I have similar success when I finally publish my first book.
CCSG is a somewhat tongue-in-cheek examination of many of the clichés of American Christianity as written by Turner (no relation, by the way), himself a former editor of CCM, the chief magazine of the Christian music industry. He works his way through issues such as salvation, church, pastors, volunteering, and worship before getting into some more meaty issues such as boycotts and extremes, dating and sex, Christian entertainment, and living a Christian life. The conceit of writing his thoughts into the "survival guide" style that was all the rage at the time works well throughout, including the incorporation of lists that accompany each subject.
The discussions mostly stay somewhat humourous and satirical, though at times Turner chooses to wade into deeper waters and to make a few comments on some more significant issues.The book itself is quite easy to read and only takes a couple of hours to breeze through, and it works well enough for what it is - an enjoyable critique of Christian culture from someone who grew up with it.
Turner shows a natural talent for writing, though at times it seems as though he is caught halfway between the humour and the heartfelt, creating some internal tonal inconsistencies and a couple of genuinely cringe-worthy moments with jokes that have not aged very well. Then again, he is writing primarily for a Christian audience, and his willingness to address a few taboo subjects, whether in jest or in earnest, is admirable considering his history and the context in which he was expressing his thoughts. He has certainly become a much more accomplished and nuanced writer in the last twelve years, and he has learned how to balance his own thoughts (and even his remaining pains and struggles) with a more tender personal side that allows him more agency to go to those places.
Sure, there are a couple of minor issues with CCSG, but I'm inclined to give Matthew Paul Turner the benefit of the doubt, considering the things he has written in the years since. Also, that last paragraph could have just as easily been written about me (right down to the last name and the time frame), and I appreciate that people have given me the grace to grow and learn as a writer and not to define me by the things I wrote in 2004.
The Christian Culture Survival Guide is an entertaining diversion, and it's one that I will continue to revisit every so often for a laugh or two or because some of the passages included are really interesting. I think that other projects - such as Stuff Christians Like have surpassed it in terms of the satire and that Turner's own subsequent books have surpassed his original observations in the realm of impact and meaning, but I can appreciate this book for what it is: a first attempt, and a good one at that; I can only hope that I have similar success when I finally publish my first book.
February 22, 2018
Matthew Paul Turner has the ability to discuss the pitfalls of fundamentalist Christianity with wit and often laugh out loud humor. This is a guide for anyone who has felt marginalized, judged, and terrorized by a fundamentalist church. His humor discusses issues in a fundamentalist church which cause many people wounds, but his humorous way of addressing them is a salve to ease the pain.
February 4, 2009
The cover drew me in from the start. Turner hits the nail on the head. with tongue firmly planted in cheek he calls out the church and it's followers. if you can't take a joke you shouldn't read this book.
although some of the chapters neglected to come to any resolution, in my opinion, the book was entertaining and somewhat inspirational in that i know without a shadow of a doubt of whom i desire NOT to be.
too many in the church follow the church instead of Jesus.
Turner call's them out - but in a nonsensical, fun & humorous way. too bad most of the people he is talking about wouldn't get his 'jokes' anyway.
p.s. the church... and christians... we need to change. no wonder the world thinks we're fools. because we are.
although some of the chapters neglected to come to any resolution, in my opinion, the book was entertaining and somewhat inspirational in that i know without a shadow of a doubt of whom i desire NOT to be.
too many in the church follow the church instead of Jesus.
Turner call's them out - but in a nonsensical, fun & humorous way. too bad most of the people he is talking about wouldn't get his 'jokes' anyway.
p.s. the church... and christians... we need to change. no wonder the world thinks we're fools. because we are.
April 25, 2011
Three stars is generous. I'd say it's more closer to 2.5 for me.
A friend recommended Turner's "Churched" and it was a total winner with me because, like Turner, I had a fundamentalist upbringing and related 100% to all the weirdness such an upbringing could offer. Based on my laugh-out-loud experience with "Churched," I decided to continue with "Christian Culture Survival Guide" and it felt like was hearing a funny joke for the second time. Sure, it's still funny -- but knowing the middle part and the punchline makes it lose impact. Actually, many times it totally isn't funny and you think "Really? I thought this was so hilarious when I heard it before."
If you've read "Churched," you've read this before. If not, save your money and buy "Churched" instead.
A friend recommended Turner's "Churched" and it was a total winner with me because, like Turner, I had a fundamentalist upbringing and related 100% to all the weirdness such an upbringing could offer. Based on my laugh-out-loud experience with "Churched," I decided to continue with "Christian Culture Survival Guide" and it felt like was hearing a funny joke for the second time. Sure, it's still funny -- but knowing the middle part and the punchline makes it lose impact. Actually, many times it totally isn't funny and you think "Really? I thought this was so hilarious when I heard it before."
If you've read "Churched," you've read this before. If not, save your money and buy "Churched" instead.
June 14, 2013
Two stars, people, and that's all.
What earned them? The occasional non-judgmental, non-acidic humor and the occasional useful observations the author made.
He was brought up in a very judgmental church and, although he quotes the Bible verse against it, his book is solidly composed of 'types' of people, situations, etc. This is supposed to be funny and sometimes it achieves that but it is ALWAYS judgmental.
The overall effect would make anyone want to avoid going to church since people are so obviously obnoxious there.
Does the author offer helpful advice about correcting these things?
-Not nearly enough to match the scale of the problems he highlighted.
Thankfully, this was a quick read.
What earned them? The occasional non-judgmental, non-acidic humor and the occasional useful observations the author made.
He was brought up in a very judgmental church and, although he quotes the Bible verse against it, his book is solidly composed of 'types' of people, situations, etc. This is supposed to be funny and sometimes it achieves that but it is ALWAYS judgmental.
The overall effect would make anyone want to avoid going to church since people are so obviously obnoxious there.
Does the author offer helpful advice about correcting these things?
-Not nearly enough to match the scale of the problems he highlighted.
Thankfully, this was a quick read.
September 26, 2011
I've followed Matthew Paul Turner's blog for about a year and I bought this book before that but I finally got around to reading "The Christian Culture Survival Guide" last weekend.
This book is mildly humourous and I think Turner does capture some of the peculiarities within the Christian subculture (such as his guide about the Christian guys and girls one will see at church).
I am by no means a fundamentalist nor do I agree with a lot of things fundamentalists preach, but I think Turner is a bit too dismissive of orthodox theology. He provides some "key verses" in each chapter but I would hesitate to take his advice on several matters.
This book could've also been a lot longer.
This book is mildly humourous and I think Turner does capture some of the peculiarities within the Christian subculture (such as his guide about the Christian guys and girls one will see at church).
I am by no means a fundamentalist nor do I agree with a lot of things fundamentalists preach, but I think Turner is a bit too dismissive of orthodox theology. He provides some "key verses" in each chapter but I would hesitate to take his advice on several matters.
This book could've also been a lot longer.
January 30, 2011
Cute book, the introduction was the funniest part. He in humorous ways called the church out on some things while providing thoughts on how we can truly act like Christ.
In the Dating & Sex chapter, he talked about the youth group 'fake-perfect couple'...she gets pregnant... and then ends up with a successful career talking to young girls about abstinence." Wow he totally prophesied about Bristol Palin while writing in 2004.
Quick read but not for anyone who takes things too seriously or without a sense of humor or who truly thinks a Democrat can't go to heaven.
In the Dating & Sex chapter, he talked about the youth group 'fake-perfect couple'...she gets pregnant... and then ends up with a successful career talking to young girls about abstinence." Wow he totally prophesied about Bristol Palin while writing in 2004.
Quick read but not for anyone who takes things too seriously or without a sense of humor or who truly thinks a Democrat can't go to heaven.
June 30, 2014
Even though it was written a decade ago, this book is still hilarious, particularly because I grew up in some of the same environments. It's a great satire of youth group and Christian music culture in particular, but manages to find positive lessons. Turner doesn't throw out the baby with the bathwater, just encourages Christians to be a little more self-aware. If you're not Evangelical/Fundamentalist (I'm Catholic), the parts about church services probably won't seem as relevant to your experience. Good snapshot of early-aughts Christianity.
October 31, 2010
I was a bit disappointed in this book. I've read other books by Turner, and this is my least favorite. I also realize it's his first book, and things often improve with age. It was humorous, but not funny (meaning to the point I would laugh). I have laughed out loud at his other books, and did find this one to be a bit of a disappointment when compared to his other works.
January 8, 2008
all you have to do is look at the cover of this book and it makes you want to open it up and read it. hilarious. this book is for those who are frustrated with organized christianity. (and can take a joke) it may offend some. but seriously, get over it, it is funny!
March 1, 2008
Way too much bile and vitriol. Perhaps therapy with a counselor would have been more constructive than therapy through publication. Even when this guy is right, he's wrong on the presentation and attitude.
April 15, 2009
humorous book. i laughed out loud several times. there is nothing really insightful about this book, it just does a good job of mocking the christian culture. it even had a chapter mocking pastors and one mocking dating in the church. the dating chapter had me rolling.
June 14, 2010
An excellent and humorous look at some common practices in the Christian community - and how ridiculous they are - Like throwing out your CD collection...then buying most of them a year later! Good fun, great for a laugh.
July 26, 2011
Ah, the atypical Christian book where what is on the back and in the introduction in no way compares to the content.
But I liked the bit on sex. I mean...it was good. I mean....of course I didn't like the bit on sex cos there was no bits about sex. Only weirdos like that kinda thing....
But I liked the bit on sex. I mean...it was good. I mean....of course I didn't like the bit on sex cos there was no bits about sex. Only weirdos like that kinda thing....
December 20, 2007
a great, loving poke at a quirky Christian bubble
March 19, 2008
Anyone who grew up in the conservative church will get a good laugh out of this!
September 8, 2008
I really wanted to like this book. I kept waiting for it to get funny but it fell short. Needed a good editor.
September 5, 2008
Only just into it, bought this book ready to hate it for having a go at christians, but finding it absolutely hiularious. I am assuming the star rating I gave this will go up significantly!
December 31, 2011
Hilarious!
June 13, 2013
Hilarious but not for the unchurched
May 19, 2014
The author should have just stuck with the humor rather than also trying to give serious advice.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews