The Messiah Formerly Known as Jesus: Dispatches from the Intersection of Christianity and Pop Culture

by Tom Breen

Acclaimed "Internet Theologian" Tom Breen has written a satirical, tongue-in-cheek exploration of pop Christianity. Whether pondering why there are so many Christian rock bands but so few good Christian rock songs or providing helpful tips on writing hip translations of the Bible ( lose the boring parts and constantly mention celebrities), Breen offers whip-smart, non-stop fun, along with a side-splitting send-up of our contemporary obsessions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

227 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book! It will change your life! Also, you should purchase multiple copies - I hear this book is not only compulsively readable, but also cures ague and keeps away bats.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

One need not be among the ranks of the faithful to enjoy Tom Breen’s fun and incredibly witty examination of where modern Christianity and pop culture meet. Though he is clearly erudite and extremely well-versed in his subject matter, he is careful never to drift into dry territory, helpfully aided by his endearingly anti-intellectual and utterly unreliable narrator - a character he executes flawlessly. Not only is Breen knowledgeable on matters religious, but also on things like sports, music, literature and history - making the book available to a variety of readers. So, whether one fully embraces all the ideas in the book or disagrees with him here and there, it is highly enjoyable and a pleasure to read. I recommend it to the devoted, skeptical and uncertain alike, though not to fans of a certain Northeastern baseball team.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read of this delightful tongue-in-cheek examination of Christianity and pop culture, the more I wanted to read. You'll appreciate the humor more if you have some background in church history, the Bible, etc., but almost anyone will garner a few chuckles. I laughed out loud more often reading this than I did reading the latest David Sedaris. I'm giving a gift copy to my priest -- she appreciates a good laugh -- and will start outlining my own apocalyptic novel. (Read the book to see why that's funny!)

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

this 'hip, Internet Theologian' spends too many pages really attempting to be sarcastic, witty, historical & theological all in the same sentence without really telling us why he's doing what he's doing. it's a new book but feels out of date already. i think i've had enough church bashing for a few years. seems like we always focus on what we aren't going to be or what we don't want to be rather than being who/what we are to be.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this book is quite funny - ranging from laugh out laud to quiet chuckle - but the subjects touched can be serious.

It very much has the feel of a collection of essays weaved together to make a book. And it reads best if you approach it that way. At times the satire and sophomoric humor can wear thin.

In the end I think the humor overload significantly weakens any message or theme the author was trying to get across.

Funny but less than the sum of its parts somehow.

[Shera · Rating 2 out of 5]

At times this did have me laughing out loud. At others, I was just annoyed with the level of sarcasm and repetitive attempts at humor... The book was okay. I would say it is best suited for those who are well-educated in Christian history and apologetics ~ I'm sure over half of it referenced things I didn't even know about, which lead to me not getting the humorous aspect and having to just slog through it to finish.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad I went to Div school so i could actually get most of the jokes in this book. It is a great irreverent look at modern theology and everyone once in a while the author actually points out the ridiculousness of what Christianity has let itself become.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite chapters: the chapter about music (what the deal is about sucky pop Christian music) and the chapter about sports (hail the Christian Athlete)-- although the field guide to the North American Jesuses is a hoot, too.

This book runs the gamut from funny to funnier. Thanks, Tom!

[Tania · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute, funny and entertaining for a short while, but I couldn't stick with it. This writing style, sense of humor, and over-the-top social critique is best taken in small doses--like blog posts! Which is where the book came from. It shows.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a man with glasses could be so funny.

[R Schip · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not amazing or eye-opening. A mostly inane offering from the self-proclaimed internet theologian.

[Sofia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get past the first 50 pages... plenty of sarcasm with no content.