Religiously Transmitted Diseases: finding a cure when faith doesn't feel right

by Ed Gungor

Do you feel like something is always wrong, that you can't seem to "get it right" in your relationship with God?  Then you probably have a diseased faith - thankfully, there is way back to the innocence and freshness of the hour you first believed.
There are only two ways to approach a human-centered approach, or a God-centered one.  A human-centered approach rests on human effort and persistence-human "coulds" and "shoulds"  It seems noble to work hard to secure godly, fruitful living.  But a human-centered faith is fundamentally wrong and harmful.  It is about human PERFORMANCE, which ultimately leaves people tired, oppressed and feeling distant from God. A God-centered faith, on the other hand, is refreshing, surprising and nourishing to the human soul.  True freedom is found whenever we center our faith on the PERSON of God and not the PERFORMANCE of humankind. 

Genres: Christian

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2006

Reviews

[Rene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous and telling. Started reading veraciously, then tapered off as I felt a little preached at. However, I agree with the message.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 1 out of 5]

While some of the information presented is good and does help get the reader to think, I found the author's use of the Message "translation" (MSG) to be a poor substitute for Scripture references.

I also found the author to commit the same "illnesses" that he's talking about in his cure for the illness. For example, in the chapter Inferiorphobia, the author talks about the little things can make a difference. But then he goes on with a pretend story where the end result is a BIG difference (number wise). Why couldn't it have been just as important if the pretend story ended with the result being one person?

In the chapter Pharisaic Disorder, the author explains how things/concepts get added to the law and that it is wrong to present these "added" things as fact. Yet, the author misuses Genesis 3:3 by stating that Adam told Eve that the fruit must not be touched when this is actually Eve telling the serpent. Someone added to God's command, but to claim it was Adam when Eve was talking is suffering from the same illness the example is supposed to be about.

The Pathological Do-Gooding chapter has a confusing issue. The reader is left confused as to if the author believes Jesus was requesting only one food item for lunch (no) or was trying to direct Martha to the fact that HE (Jesus) was the one thing that was needed (yes).

[Amy Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book alot!

Gungor's writing style makes you feel as thought he's having a conversation with you, and he covers so many key areas of "religiously transmitted diseases" in this book. He's a pastor who's clearly well-versed in theology and scripture, and he sums his book up with the bottom line: We need Jesus, period, not some prosperity gospel peddled by a lot of churches or more fundamentalist type churches that think alcohol in any amount sentences one to hell.

This is a good book. Read it.

[Bill Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of the title and feel Ed hit so many things right on target. I felt challenged especially by jia consistently message of trusting God rather than trying to take over ourcsalcation or faith. It's all about who loves us, not even how well we love.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is a Religiously Transmitted Disease? It's something that can infect every Christian church, organization, or person. It's something that seems small, a minor annoyance, a rule, or some belief that detracts from an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. 'Though the RTDs may border on what we would characterize as sinful behavior, most of them are not overtly sinful. They are more like adding a pound of salt to a meat loaf recipe, instead of a teaspoon. It ruins the loaf experience. RTDs ruin the faith experience.'

Pastor, speaker, and teacher Ed Gungor explores many of these RTDs - he explains the most prominent ones that Christians will encounter and what we can do about them. Some examples from the twenty-six ailments include:

Borg Disease - when Christian people think they have everything figured out and think everyone else must look and act the same way.

Pharasaic Disorder - making so many rules to protect ourselves from sin that we lose our trust in God's work in our lives.

Spiritual elephantiasis - thinking that everything God does must be huge and dramatic.

Charley horse - When we move from a get to mindset into a got to dread.

These are just the tip of the iceberg, and the author gets straight to the point. Never before has a Christian book hit me so hard - I saw myself and others I know in almost every situation he describes. And his transparency makes a huge difference. He fully admits that he's just as guilty as those he's describing, and he gives clear examples from his life. The passages are filled with humor which makes the book even more enjoyable.

After Ed Gungor describes each disease, he gives Bible verses and references to help readers determine what the correct action and attitude should be. In some cases, he provides step-by-step instructions. For example, one of the RTDs is on understanding and interpreting the Bible. He gives ideas for the best ways to study the Bible. Another time, he discusses unforgiveness, suggesting steps to follow to forgive.

Religiously Transmitted Diseases is extremely relevant for today's Christian. It would make an ideal book group or Sunday School discussion book. If you want to completely transform your relationship with God and with others, this superb volume is the place to begin.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite thing about this book is Ed's willingness to make fun of himself, and other religiously minded people (like me). The eternal truth is we're all lost. There are no degrees of lost. We're all searching, and lots of us become frustrated with what we perceive as disingenuous belief in platitudes and a lack of honesty in our doubts about what we've been sold as absolutes. Ed does a great job communicating this, and actually finishes off with some possible solutions to the problem.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book...Gungor's style is candid and humorous. Not a "deep", hard to understand book, but at the same time I found it thought-provoking and interesting. He tends to come from a different, out-of-the-box point of view. I would highly recommend this book!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about avoiding 'Christian-ese' faith and getting back to what the Bible actually says.

[D.L. Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ed Gungor uses humor to preach the Gospel. I saw him speak and fell in love with his teachings. He is really funny and spot on. Buy this book, you won't regret it!