What do you think?
Rate this book
Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus
The breakout star of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding shares his views on being unabashedly Christian for the 21st century. An expansion of his wildly popular sermon for the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2012, Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry gives inspiration and guidance on being bold Christians for a modern audience. Known for his positivity, fiery and magnetic speaking style, and Gospel-based knowledge, Bishop Curry is the go-to spiritual leader for today’s public life. He was the officiant for the funeral of President George H.W. Bush and Senator John McCain. The words of his sermon, which went viral, will energize followers of the Gospel or readers looking for bolder spiritual life. “We need some Christians who are as crazy as the Lord. Crazy enough to love like Jesus, to give like Jesus, to forgive like Jesus, to do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God― like Jesus. Crazy enough to dare to change the world from the nightmare it often is into something close to the dream that God dreams for it. And for those who would follow him, those who would be his disciples, those who would live as and be the people of the Way? It might come as a shock, but they are called to craziness.”―from Crazy Christians
“Filled with wisdom, humor, and insight, Michael Curry’s Crazy Christians is one of the finest introductions to the great breadth of Christian faith I’ve ever come across. But be this isn’t the staid, predictable, strait-laced Christianity too many of us were spoon-fed in Sunday school. Rather, Curry penetrates to the radical heart of the Christian gospel and invites us―indeed, dares us―to join the long line of those throughout history who have followed the rabbi of Nazareth.”―David Lose, Luther Seminary, Center for Biblical Preaching and Festival Homiletics
“Filled with wisdom, humor, and insight, Michael Curry’s Crazy Christians is one of the finest introductions to the great breadth of Christian faith I’ve ever come across. But be this isn’t the staid, predictable, strait-laced Christianity too many of us were spoon-fed in Sunday school. Rather, Curry penetrates to the radical heart of the Christian gospel and invites us―indeed, dares us―to join the long line of those throughout history who have followed the rabbi of Nazareth.”―David Lose, Luther Seminary, Center for Biblical Preaching and Festival Homiletics
160 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
268 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Michael B. Curry
32 books68 followersThe descendant of enslaved Africans brought to North America by way of the trans-Atlantic slave routes, Presiding Bishop Curry was born in Chicago, IL, on March 13, 1953. Presiding Bishop Curry’s father was an Episcopal priest and his mother was a devout Episcopalian. She died at a young age, and Presiding Bishop Curry, along with his sister, was raised by his father and his grandmother. His father, mother and grandmother grounded him in Christian beliefs and practices through their example and their teachings.
He attended public schools in Buffalo, NY, and, even at a young age, he learned about social activism through his father’s leadership and his own dedication to righting a broken world.
Presiding Bishop Curry was graduated with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, NY, in 1975. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, CT. He has furthered his education with continued study at The College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies. He has received honorary degrees from Episcopal Divinity School; Sewanee: The University of the South; Virginia Theological Seminary; and Yale.
He is married to the former Sharon Clement, and they have two adult daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.
Presiding Bishop Curry maintains a national preaching and teaching ministry, having been featured on The Protestant Hour and as a frequent speaker at churches, cathedrals, and conferences around the country and internationally.
He has authored five books: Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times (2020); The Power of Love (2018); Following the Way of Jesus: Church’s Teachings in a Changing World (2017); Songs My Grandma Sang (2015); and Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus (2013). He was one of the subjects of In Conversation: Michael Curry and Barbara Harris by Fredrica Harris Thompsett (2017).
He has authored numerous publications including columns for the Huffington Post and the Baltimore Times.
In 2018, Religion News Association named Presiding Bishop Curry religion newsmaker of the year.
He attended public schools in Buffalo, NY, and, even at a young age, he learned about social activism through his father’s leadership and his own dedication to righting a broken world.
Presiding Bishop Curry was graduated with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, NY, in 1975. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, CT. He has furthered his education with continued study at The College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies. He has received honorary degrees from Episcopal Divinity School; Sewanee: The University of the South; Virginia Theological Seminary; and Yale.
He is married to the former Sharon Clement, and they have two adult daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.
Presiding Bishop Curry maintains a national preaching and teaching ministry, having been featured on The Protestant Hour and as a frequent speaker at churches, cathedrals, and conferences around the country and internationally.
He has authored five books: Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times (2020); The Power of Love (2018); Following the Way of Jesus: Church’s Teachings in a Changing World (2017); Songs My Grandma Sang (2015); and Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus (2013). He was one of the subjects of In Conversation: Michael Curry and Barbara Harris by Fredrica Harris Thompsett (2017).
He has authored numerous publications including columns for the Huffington Post and the Baltimore Times.
In 2018, Religion News Association named Presiding Bishop Curry religion newsmaker of the year.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 18, 2018
Like most people my exposure to Bishop Michael B. Curry was during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I found him to be an enthralling speaker and thoroughly enjoyed hearing his sermon about the transformative power of love. Naturally, I wanted to hear more from this talented man.
Each chapter of the book is one of Curry's sermons. I found each and every sermon to be insightful and though provoking. Jesus really was a revolutionary. He challenged the status quo. Forgive your neighbor? Love unconditionally? Much of this was unheard of at the time. These concepts were so revolutionary that I feel that had many people today been living at the time would have scoffed at this.
Curry really challenges us to understand what it means to be Christian. His main message is this: Christianity is based on love - not hate or prejudice. We are here to serve God and our fellow man. We are here to do good and love one another - not judge or belittle one another. For me to read these and other words from Bishop Curry in our troubling times gave me a glimmer of hope. I found much comfort in Bishop Curry's words and I hope other readers do too. While this book does have a slightly Episocopal/Anglican slant it really is for everybody. I cannot recommend Bishop Curry's book highly enough!
Each chapter of the book is one of Curry's sermons. I found each and every sermon to be insightful and though provoking. Jesus really was a revolutionary. He challenged the status quo. Forgive your neighbor? Love unconditionally? Much of this was unheard of at the time. These concepts were so revolutionary that I feel that had many people today been living at the time would have scoffed at this.
Curry really challenges us to understand what it means to be Christian. His main message is this: Christianity is based on love - not hate or prejudice. We are here to serve God and our fellow man. We are here to do good and love one another - not judge or belittle one another. For me to read these and other words from Bishop Curry in our troubling times gave me a glimmer of hope. I found much comfort in Bishop Curry's words and I hope other readers do too. While this book does have a slightly Episocopal/Anglican slant it really is for everybody. I cannot recommend Bishop Curry's book highly enough!
June 20, 2015
This is a wonderful book written by one of this Bishops within the Episcopal Church. Curry is good at poking fun at Christianity and the Episcopal Church. Highly recommended!!!
August 17, 2015
OK for what it is: a collection of sermons. For that reason, it sometimes comes off a bit platitudinous. While it contains a few theological insights, it is not profoundly theological (which can be both good and bad). Personally, I would prefer more depth. But as a broad introduction to Bishop Curry's pastoral emphasis, it's not bad. I look forward to reading more of Bishop Curry's non-exhortative material.
October 16, 2021
I've had this book in my pile to read for a few years, since I went to the Episcopal Triennial conference in Austin, TX where I met Bishop Curry and heard him preach. It was well worth the wait. It's a compilation of different sermons. His words always speak to me.
The title Crazy Christians comes from Mark 3:19-21, "He has gone out of his mind." That is the New Revised Standard version of the Bible. The King James versions translates it as, "He is beside himself." The old J.B. Phillips New Testament puts it, "He must be mad!" Bishop Curry's favorite is from the 1995 Contemporary English version which says, "When Jesus' family heard what he was doing, they thought he went crazy and went to get him under control." So, thus, Jesus was crazy and since we follow Jesus, we are crazy Christians.
The message that hit me square in the face was in chapter 12 where Bishop Curry says that we need more deacons, "interpreting Jesus' teachings to the Church, and inspiring and organizing the Church to eradicate poverty and suffering in the world."
The title Crazy Christians comes from Mark 3:19-21, "He has gone out of his mind." That is the New Revised Standard version of the Bible. The King James versions translates it as, "He is beside himself." The old J.B. Phillips New Testament puts it, "He must be mad!" Bishop Curry's favorite is from the 1995 Contemporary English version which says, "When Jesus' family heard what he was doing, they thought he went crazy and went to get him under control." So, thus, Jesus was crazy and since we follow Jesus, we are crazy Christians.
The message that hit me square in the face was in chapter 12 where Bishop Curry says that we need more deacons, "interpreting Jesus' teachings to the Church, and inspiring and organizing the Church to eradicate poverty and suffering in the world."
July 12, 2018
Absolutely loved it!
August 23, 2022
What a gift these sermons are. Bishop Curry is a gift to everyone!
July 1, 2015
I'm warning my readers in advance: this is my personal critique of the theology presented in this book from a conservative theological perspective regarding teaching on human sexuality. I'm rooting for Bishop Curry as Presiding Bishop, but I don't agree with him on core points of teaching on sexuality, but that's okay. I even disagree with my other conservative-leaning brothers and sisters in TEC on other core points of theology and philosophy. Being able to question, explore, and think through the history of Christian Theology is _why_ I joined the Episcopal Church... but some points of unity are important if we are going to be messengers of The Gospel.
I'm sure these sermons are better heard than read, but reading helps the reader dissect what's being communicated in these messages, without being influenced by masterful cadence and razzle-dazzle spoken-word rhetoric. He's an engaging preacher. I'm looking forward to hearing him live, if he comes to New York and I can get in.
In this collection of sermons, Bishop Curry is exhorting the beloved community to get up off our lazy Episcopal Church asses and go! Be disciples. Proclaim the Good News of Our Salvation. Be God's blessing to a world that desperately needs us.
But, hey, Bishop... is our church really ready to proclaim Christ to the world? You exhort us to be unified as one, and go! But are we truly prepared? How do we get prepared for the mission?
In my limited experience, and in my layperson's reading of the Bible, The Lord always calls his people to repentance, then forgiveness, then to the experience of his Grace-filled table or temple, and then... then he empowers a refreshed and emboldened people and sends them out to preach the Gospel... which includes a call to turn away from sin, and be faithful to... well, the Gospel.
These sermons are great on Glory.
Do not expect to learn what the Bishop understands, personally believes and teaches about: the Fall, sin, repentance, the nature of man, salvation, sanctification. Who is the Jesus he's proclaiming? _Why_ did Jesus die?
I'm hoping there's more meat in his other published book, and in more content he'll create during his time as PB.
I'm sure these sermons are better heard than read, but reading helps the reader dissect what's being communicated in these messages, without being influenced by masterful cadence and razzle-dazzle spoken-word rhetoric. He's an engaging preacher. I'm looking forward to hearing him live, if he comes to New York and I can get in.
In this collection of sermons, Bishop Curry is exhorting the beloved community to get up off our lazy Episcopal Church asses and go! Be disciples. Proclaim the Good News of Our Salvation. Be God's blessing to a world that desperately needs us.
But, hey, Bishop... is our church really ready to proclaim Christ to the world? You exhort us to be unified as one, and go! But are we truly prepared? How do we get prepared for the mission?
In my limited experience, and in my layperson's reading of the Bible, The Lord always calls his people to repentance, then forgiveness, then to the experience of his Grace-filled table or temple, and then... then he empowers a refreshed and emboldened people and sends them out to preach the Gospel... which includes a call to turn away from sin, and be faithful to... well, the Gospel.
These sermons are great on Glory.
Do not expect to learn what the Bishop understands, personally believes and teaches about: the Fall, sin, repentance, the nature of man, salvation, sanctification. Who is the Jesus he's proclaiming? _Why_ did Jesus die?
I'm hoping there's more meat in his other published book, and in more content he'll create during his time as PB.
February 16, 2016
Crazy Christians
The sound just pops off the pages of this book! No, I'm not talking about the audible version. I'm talking the written version. The Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, writes like he is tellin' it from the pulpit loud and clear. And as a reader, that is how I heard...er, read it. Good old-fashioned preaching that will have you jumping out of your seat.
Curry has the audacity to suggest that we Christians no longer be complacent but instead embrace Christianity as the radical idea it is. Love your enemy. Turn the other cheek. Make sure no child is hungry. Yeah, that's crazy! Who has time for that? Well, folks, if you call yourself a Christian, you had better make time and find the energy because you are called to be Jesus in the world. Are you crazy enough to believe?
Although this book definitely has an Episcopal/Anglican slant, this is an absolute must-read book for Christians of all denominations. You may like it. You may disagree with his thesis. But you will think.
The sound just pops off the pages of this book! No, I'm not talking about the audible version. I'm talking the written version. The Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, writes like he is tellin' it from the pulpit loud and clear. And as a reader, that is how I heard...er, read it. Good old-fashioned preaching that will have you jumping out of your seat.
Curry has the audacity to suggest that we Christians no longer be complacent but instead embrace Christianity as the radical idea it is. Love your enemy. Turn the other cheek. Make sure no child is hungry. Yeah, that's crazy! Who has time for that? Well, folks, if you call yourself a Christian, you had better make time and find the energy because you are called to be Jesus in the world. Are you crazy enough to believe?
Although this book definitely has an Episcopal/Anglican slant, this is an absolute must-read book for Christians of all denominations. You may like it. You may disagree with his thesis. But you will think.
October 24, 2015
This was a delightfully inspiring and encouraging book from the Episcopal Church's new Presiding Bishop. He pulls us back in time and infects us with the thrill and hope—as well as the shock—the early disciples must have felt in the presence of Jesus when they first heard His radical "crazy" message. Bishop Curry digs deep to the roots of our faith to make sure we're well-grounded and ready to get crazy for Christ in a world that's just as hungry for the message as it was 2000 years ago.
March 13, 2016
Reading this collection of sermons as a Lenten study. very impressed with Bishop Curry.
September 25, 2017
A quick read with simple messages, beautiful true stories and awesome quotes.
October 4, 2019
This is a solid book of well-written sermons by Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry. The sermons are consistently interesting, upbeat and challenging to modern Christians, especially those in the Episcopal Church. I read this for our church book club, and found that it was not really the best book club book, perhaps because there is not a lot of disagree with, unless you are someone who opposes unity and racial reconciliation. So, as good as it was, I would not recommend it for book clubs. For individual devotional reading, it is quite inspiring and challenging for modern Christians.
I didn't give it 5 stars because it is quite repetitive. The themes, while positive, tend to be repeated sermon after sermon. While unity is an ideal theme, there are other aspects of the Christian faith to discuss. In addition, there are multiple references to the Verna Dozier book, "The Dream of God". Preachers will indeed repeat themselves (I know, I'm one). However, after a career of thirty years of preaching, perhaps some other choices could have been made. Don't let that stop you from reading "Crazy Christians". It is well worth the time and will push and inspire you in your faith.
I didn't give it 5 stars because it is quite repetitive. The themes, while positive, tend to be repeated sermon after sermon. While unity is an ideal theme, there are other aspects of the Christian faith to discuss. In addition, there are multiple references to the Verna Dozier book, "The Dream of God". Preachers will indeed repeat themselves (I know, I'm one). However, after a career of thirty years of preaching, perhaps some other choices could have been made. Don't let that stop you from reading "Crazy Christians". It is well worth the time and will push and inspire you in your faith.
June 26, 2020
I have heard the Presiding Bishop speak at an Episcopal revival and he was wonderful. One of the things I love about this book is the footnotes. Yes, that’s weird. But Bishop Curry gives the exact verse in Matthew he’s referring to, so I can go look it up for myself. He gives the hymn number and then I go find it and sing it. The reading experience is richer this way.
But I must say, it doesn’t hurt to have seen the PB live and then be able to picture him as he likely was when he gave these sermons. How expressive he is, how excited he gets, even how he laughs during his sermons. That brings these to life nearly as much as the ideas are ones that are still speaking so loudly in 2020, though some of these sermons predate my 17 year old.
That is Bishop Curry’s gift. He speaks of what Jesus is to us and what we can be to the world, no matter when we read his sermons.
But I must say, it doesn’t hurt to have seen the PB live and then be able to picture him as he likely was when he gave these sermons. How expressive he is, how excited he gets, even how he laughs during his sermons. That brings these to life nearly as much as the ideas are ones that are still speaking so loudly in 2020, though some of these sermons predate my 17 year old.
That is Bishop Curry’s gift. He speaks of what Jesus is to us and what we can be to the world, no matter when we read his sermons.
November 24, 2017
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's ecclesiological theology includes a belief that "the Church's missionary goal is to live, witness to, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to make disciples-disciples who will join us in making a real difference in the world for the cause of God's kingdom and the realization of God's dream." This belief is reflected in this book's compilation of addresses to the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and the General Convention. The only thing that the book is missing is Bishop Curry's animated delivery style.
December 20, 2017
Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop (leader) of the Episcopal Church, wrote these sermons while a bishop in North Carolina. He is an inspiring speaker/writer, and these are thought-provoking and uplifting essays with a serious message of social justice based on the teachings of Jesus. He writes about a welcoming church that includes everyone, and he makes me feel optimistic about the future of Christianity and the Episcopal Church. A good antidote to the truly crazy beliefs of certain American denominations. Easy to read, short, filled with great quotes--I want to read it again.
October 25, 2018
This collection of sermons made me stop and think, and that's always a good sign. In some ways, they do blend together -- but there were 2 or 3 where I really wanted to put down the book and think about how we do church [specifically in the Episcopal church], how we talk about our faith, how we think about our faith, and more. I think there is a great call to reevaluate ourselves through the prism of Jesus, which sounds strange, but is true. A definite recommend for Christians in general, and Episcopalians specifically.
February 22, 2018
This book would be better taken in small doses. It is comprised of 13 sermons by Bishop Curry. I thought about drawing this out and reading one a day, allowing me to reflect on it as a Lenten exercise. But I’m a Bishop Curry fanboy and having heard him speak, his cadence and voice were in my head and I would read three or four in a single sitting. This book encourages hope and love. Episcopalian or not, I think anyone on a spiritual journey would appreciate these words.
July 14, 2018
A great read - A great message
I saw Bishop Curry in Bellingham, Washington this year, following his call for love at the royal wedding. Both times I felt the spirit of the Lord had inscribed on my heart a permanent message of goodness and love that is obtainable. His book was a refresher course that I will be able to referece as needed. We already have the tools that Jesus gave us. We just have to believe and move forward embracing one another with goodness and support.
I saw Bishop Curry in Bellingham, Washington this year, following his call for love at the royal wedding. Both times I felt the spirit of the Lord had inscribed on my heart a permanent message of goodness and love that is obtainable. His book was a refresher course that I will be able to referece as needed. We already have the tools that Jesus gave us. We just have to believe and move forward embracing one another with goodness and support.
May 22, 2019
Wonderful collection of sermons by Bishop Curry. I found myself screenshooting (read the book on kindle) so many of his words because they truly felt genuine, important, and inspired. This book serves, although I don’t think this is its intention, as a great “introduction” to Bishop Curry and his radical message (which comes from Christ and his teachings) of love. I highly recommend this lovely set of sermons.
November 6, 2017
This is a collection of sermons by one of today's most amazing preachers. I have been wowed by him in person and on You-tube. Unfortunately these pages just don't have the same pizzazz he does in person. I'm not sure if the difference is the printed word verses the nuances of delivery, or if it is in some editing. It is still worth a read, but I was spoiled by hearing the real thing.
September 10, 2019
Thirteen chapters of stand alone messages of Biblical truths and challenges delivered by Episcopalian Presiding Bishop Michael B Curry. Although these insights were presented over more than a decade, they are very relevant to our current time. In my opinion this book should be read slowly, pondered, digested and ultimately applied in the Christian's journey.
May 20, 2020
Bishop Curry is dynamic in his combination of thought and enthusiasm. These sermons express his continued exhortation to Christians to reclaim their religion which, in his words, has been hijacked. He continues these exhortations in his podcast, which I also suggest. It is called, "The Way of Love".
September 16, 2024
The challenge is to follow Jesus and live like he did, fully committed to the will of God. We don't all go on the same path but we are all called to be all in on being a disciple, learning from Jesus and doing what he calls us to do.
This is a personal story woven with scripture and challenges that are worth hearing and thinking about.
This is a personal story woven with scripture and challenges that are worth hearing and thinking about.
December 5, 2017
Bishop Curry is a dynamic preacher...a perfect combination of Episcopal thought and Baptist enthusiasm. These collected sermons express his continued exhortation to Christians to reclaim their religion which, in his words, has been hijacked.
July 25, 2018
Ok, Is there any way I can convince Michael to become a Methodist. I am sure other denominations would love to have him too.
Wonderful messages for our times in the Episcopal Church and in others.
Thanks Bishop for this book.
Wonderful messages for our times in the Episcopal Church and in others.
Thanks Bishop for this book.
August 1, 2018
Excellent, accessible, absorbing, compelling, quietly transformative set of sermons, which together are far greater than the sum of its parts. A great precursor to the liberal/progressive Church's business of Reclaiming Jesus.
December 28, 2018
This book was written by Bishop Michael B. Curry who spoke at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I loved his style and message, which is why I read this book. I liked it, but it can’t compare to hearing the Bishop speak.
August 24, 2019
Bp. Curry is a dramatic preacher. Unfortunately, his sermons don't read nearly as well.
His enthusiastic presentation covers a rather thin theology and a lack of depth in his thought. It was pretty disappointing.
His enthusiastic presentation covers a rather thin theology and a lack of depth in his thought. It was pretty disappointing.
June 30, 2023
A collection of edited sermons by well-loved Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry, with all his charm and passion on full display. (Though no written word can do justice to his in-person speaking). Perhaps the chapters are best read as daily inspiration for followers of Jesus.
November 8, 2023
My Musings
Wow, such an amazing message. While this book was written ten years ago, before he became the bishop and the American Episcopal church, it is spot on for today as well. I am so glad I found this book. Every Christian needs to read it. A very grateful reader!
Wow, such an amazing message. While this book was written ten years ago, before he became the bishop and the American Episcopal church, it is spot on for today as well. I am so glad I found this book. Every Christian needs to read it. A very grateful reader!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews