The Rebel Christ

by Michael Coren

Once the darling of conservative Catholicism and evangelicalism, the outspoken broadcaster and journalist Michael Coren had what he terms as a profound conversion and began embracing the issues he had previously judged. It cost him his lucrative broadcasting career and made him the target of vitriol, but he found freedom in the radical and progressive nature of the gospel and is today its champion. In The Rebel Christ he explores what Jesus said about the pressing issues of his and our day. Jesus may not have mentioned sexuality, but welcomed outsiders and the marginalized; he never spoke of social security systems, but did criticize the wealthy and complacent and called for the poor to be protected; he didn’t side with the powerful but did condemn those who judged and exploited others and turned their eyes away from those in need and from the cry for justice. This was Jesus the rebel, Christ the radical, who turned the world upside down and who today demands that his followers do the same.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Spirituality, Audiobook

176 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2022

About the author

Michael Coren is an English-Canadian columnist, author, public speaker, radio host and television talk show host. He has been the host of the television series The Michael Coren Show for six years. He has also been a long-time radio personality, particularly on CFRB radio.

He has writen more than ten books, including biographies of H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, and C. S. Lewis. His latest book, Why Catholics are Right, will be published in 2011.

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite understand what this author is saying and his intentions. Christianity has been butchered by certain branches of so-called Christians and Mr. Coren has tried to make it right.
It is a book of faith and the understanding of the Bible for our times.

He deals in a sensible and humane manner with hot-button topics such a homosexuality and abortion and he does it well.

“…I’m stunned by the grace and goodness, but also the hatred and hysteria, of people who label themselves Christian.” (Pg.144) (me too).

His ideas are in sync with mine but he has expressed them way better than I ever could.

My one problem is that if I had not already agreed with what Mr. Coren was saying before reading the book, the book would not have swayed me one iota.

By naming names and calling out certain people he will have lost a large portion of the audience he is trying to reach. This is surely a shame because this book is something very much needed at this time.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book!

A very interesting look at Jesus.

Had some moments in it that reminded me of Rachel Held Evans.

Got really good around the half-way point.

Great, great!

4.2/5

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mad respect for the author who was a champion of conservative Christianity and is now spreading love and joy instead. He and I have written back and forth a few times and he was so compassionate.

[Matthew Stienberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

You often hear how much God hates homosexuals, abortion, and commies. Problem is, He really doesn't, and Michael Coren shows us the Biblical bankruptcy of such arguments as pursued by purported Christians who use God's word to enforce their moral prejudices. This is a beautiful, and brief, book of retort, debate, and analytics to bring God's word to the light and show that far from being an ally of oppressive institutions, capitalism, patriarchy and heteronormativity, Jesus spoke of unconditional love, revolutionary acceptance, and damned Biblical legalism. It reinvigorates my own beliefs, and makes me so happy that Michael Coren wrote it, and it is a must for any church, no matter how uncomfortable it makes them.

[somayya · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is probably good if you are ok w reading a Ton of bible quotes but i don’t want that i wanted analysis and further explanation 😐 also it was very repetitive without elaboration, but the author himself has a really cool ideology story

[Glen Kushla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and practical perspectives on a faith hi-jacked by our culture and politics

[John Martindale · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a three-star book until I reached his pro-abortion section, which is just repugnant--so incredibly gross. Even if some parts of the bible can be interpreted to devalue the most vulnerable, well, so much the worse for those sections of the bible. Even though the typical proof texts given by prolifers are ridiculous, who cares? It is simply a matter of sound ethics. I can be against slavery even though the bible supports it. I am against slavery, even if the proof texts used by apologists to suggest the bible was against slavery are eisegesis. Slavery is a moral evil, regardless of what those in the bible thought in their day. So it is with abortion. That said, we have general principles, such a love of neighbor, and love not harm. And yes, I really struggle with how the killing of a human fetus can be considered "doing no harm" and how killing a baby a moment before birth is "loving" them.
I just find it upsetting that Coren goes on about a woman's RIGHTS to her body, when it is a scientific fact that ANOTHER body is in her stomach. Does that living body in the mother have NO RIGHTS at all to his or her body? For Coren, obviously not. He doesn't even have an issue with partial birth abortion.
The heart of the issue is whether there are two human beings involved. I think it is an indisputable fact that there are two human beings involved. So yes, we can say a woman has a RIGHT to HER body, but how can it be her RIGHT to take the life of the other body? But, but, she is housing the baby, so can she not just kill it if she does not want to house and feed it? Well, I suppose we should say that if I have someone over in MY HOUSE, that person loses value and rights, and it is MY right to kill them. I have a right to MY HOUSE, and if someone is in MY house, then I CAN ABORT them.
For crying out loud. Ugg... Coren just pretends this life within the mother is not human; that there is only one life involved (that of the mother), and then acts like THIS is what the rebel Christ is all about. Jesus has nothing but utter contempt for a baby until it takes that first breath. Yes, the rebel Christ is all about dehumanizing and killing the most vulnerable people, those who don't have a voice! It is just SOO Progressive!

It is an undeniable fact that another human is involved, and that a developing human is being killed in an abortion. This cannot be disputed. It is a fact, and pro-abortionists are, in this case, science deniers; dogma forces them to deny obvious reality--to belong to their leftist tribe that must turn off their brains. Possibly, Coren takes the personhood argument. What is so horrific about the concept of personhood is that most lists of characteristics that make someone a "person" (so as to justify killing them before birth) also mean mentally ill people, or even people who are sleeping, are not "persons". It is also intellectuals who decide what makes someone a "person," and that is incredibly scary. Like Nazis Germany scary... To be consistent (Peter Singer is famously consistent here) if a mother wants to kill her 1-year-old, she should go for it; that baby is not a person according to any of this list of what makes someone a person. We can also kill all those with severe mental disabilities, as they are clearly not persons either; they have no rights, and killing them is not murder. They are dependent and a drain on society. Society's RIGHTS, I mean, shouldn't society have a right to just get rid of non-persons that are an inconvenience and a drain on society!!??

The primary meat of Coren's attack on pro-lifers is ad hominems. But what does it matter if some prolifers are inconsistent? Does it really matter one wit to the argument if they are only pro-birth, and not prolife after birth? (He, of course, ignores the many Christians who do help women with unplanned pregnancies after the babies are born). It is like Coren (back in the 19th century) was pro-slavery and condemned abolitionists, because some, while being against slavery and wanting it abolished, were not willing to then give freed blacks money and land. Then Coren would act like he is super virtuous, because he is not like those hypocritical abolitionists! He'd be like, look at me, look how morally progressive I am, for these black people are not humans, and they are mere property, and it is the Master's RIGHT to do with his property what he wants! The only people who are against the Master's rights to their property are hypocritical abolitionists, some of whom even kill slave masters! Some even use violence and try to DENY slave Masters THEIR RIGHTS! Can you believe this?

We have two living human bodies involved. Is the killing of one of the two humans murder? That is the question. If it is murder, then it is WRONG and people who say it is wrong have EVERY RIGHT to NOT BE OKAY WITH IT! regardless of their behavior or support for conservative politics! Coren's Ad hominem attacks against pro-lifers do not negate THAT point! They don't.
It is just mind-boggling how self-righteous he is, how he thinks he has the moral high ground, and how he thinks pro-lifers have no right at all to be against what they see as murder, injustice, and evil. I mean, just a little empathy, please, put yourself in pro-lifers' goddamn shoes. IF they see it as murder, don't they have the RIGHT to be against it? Show a little understanding for the Rabel Christ's sake!

As there are TWO human beings involved, then yes, we may be forced in some cases to choose between these two lives, and I am fine in these tragic situations to side with the life of the mother. In the case of rape, a woman, against her will, is having to carry another human to term, and while I think valuing that unwanted human is best, it is understandable to allow for abortion in this case.
Sadly, it is just impossible to find pro abortion Christians who are even capable of getting their brains around the idea that pro-life people think TWO humans are involved, and thus, it is our responsibility to seek the best of BOTH, and only when faced with an ethical dilemma, choose one life over the other.

Okay. At the very end of the book, Coren straight out claims the unborn is not a human, and claims the support of science. What? Coren then mentions the Jewish idea that it is not a person until it takes a breath. This is actually a personhood argument, and not whether someone is classified as a human. But seriously, let's go with the classification "human." So this living "thing" a moment before birth with human DNA, a functioning heart, brain, a body, unique blood type etc...? Is a what? Is it another species? If so, what type of animal is this? So what makes someone a human being is breathing? If breath is what makes someone a human, does that mean someone who is hooked to a machine that does the breathing for them is no longer a human? So, in partial birth abortion, the brains are sucked out of the head of a "what?" It is not a human brain (because it has not taken a breath yet), so how should we classify it? As you would say, it is not a "human" fetus, so what type of fetus is it? You seriously are going to claim science supports your ludicrous claim that a baby, the very second, before its first breath, is not human?

If you want to understand how Hitler could so easily dehumanize people and justify their extermination, just take note of Coren's reasoning. It is chilling how easily people can dehumanize others and justify their extermination. Coren is a case in point--and someone who thinks he is super morally superior for doing so.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely essential reading for humanists, both atheists like myself and Christians. There will be “Christians” who read this book and want to burn it, but as the author compellingly argues, they have not understood the assignment. It’s about what is actually said in the Bible about some of the things that people say to exclude or harass people (turns out it doesn’t say much) and repeats the excellent point that Jesus was really very famous for saying that his followers should have love and care for strangers and people they don’t know or agree with. Turn the other cheek. A wonderful read for an atheist, to see just how much we have in common with the truly religious about how the world should be and what religion is for. It’s to help people through hard times, it’s to support those in need. It’s not to be used as a justification for hate and exclusion. Religion is useful for those that need a friend, but too many have twisted it into a rulebook they can pick and choose from to fit whatever narrative they want. They forget about what Jesus actually told people to do, and this book is an excellent and well-written summary. I have recommended it to friends in holy orders, to family who attend Unitarian services and are, like myself, atheists who seek teaching and inspiration from faiths. Just because you don’t believe God exists doesn’t mean you can’t learn from a book about Jesus.

[John Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rev'd RevMichael Coren has written a challenging book to all Christians, but particularly to those of us in North America and Western Europe.
Now, first things first: I do not agree with everything that Fr. Coren says; and that is a good thing. Where we disagree, he is forcing me to rethink positions, formulate better arguments for my beliefs, and if we were to speak together one-on-one, demand that I have all my points in order. That is a good thing. And that is why I say this next point.
Second: Everyone who claims the Name of Christ as a Christian, and bears it into this world, be they Anglicans or Roman Catholics, Baptists or Non-Denominationals, needs to read this book. Partly, because of what I said above, but also because I think that for the places where Fr. Coren and I disagree, it comes from a matter of desiring the same outcome, but only disagreeing about the path forward. There is much in these 150-ish pages that commends itself to all Christians, and sounds a clarion call to the Church that needs to be heard: How is the Church and how are Christians going to be faithful to Jesus? How are we going to share his Unconditional Love in a world tore apart by war, violence, racism, bigotry, etc., when much of it has been performed under the guidance and permission of the Church?
And lastly, in the brief "review", this book does something completely unexpected. Fr. Coren addresses issues and conflicts in the Church that many others shy away from. And in doing this, Michael (without coming right out and saying it) extends an olive branch to all those who have been wounded by the Church and gives some of the most heartfelt and honest responses to the wrongs that the Church has indeed committed--some in the Name of Jesus, and others because humans indeed run and manage the Church on earth. If you have been hurt, or know someone who has been injured by priests and pastors, bishops and congregants, this book might be a good place for healing to begin for some.
So, go quickly, and buy this book. It is a short read, but a challenging read, and one that I think we all need to share in. You are not going to agree with everything he says--that's a great thing! But, Fr. Coren is going to challenge you, stretch you, and invite you to follow the Rebel Christ.

[Nilum · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The rebel Christ tells us not to judge but to love, and to try to make the world better and more equitable for everybody, everywhere."

Before I continue on to my review, I should clarify a personal bias I have for this: I'm an atheist. Not a keyboard warrior type, moreso just the apathetic type; I've never met an argument for any religion that was really compelling, but nor do I view the religious as an enemy of mine. Compare it favourite foods: You have yours, I have mine, and it's as simple as that.

And, compliments to the author, Michael Coren I think is someone I'd love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with while debating biblical passages and the world we live in. Though I don't always agree with his takeaways they are at least interesting and driven by the sorts of compassion I wish was more common in people in general. It's a polite-but-firm sort of dialogue in which he explains, calmly, why he believes what he believes. He takes ownership of some of his past, darker beliefs, and shares his own personal journey into his spiritual faith. It's good.

The primary point of this novel is to challenge right-wing Christianity with his own beliefs, and thus he formulates arguments with quotes from the Bible and classic thinkers to reinforce his points. Some arguments were stronger than others--there were points where I nodded along and felt like I learned something, and other points where I feel the author stretched certain definitions to breaking point.

Overall: I liked it. It was a good read. It wasn't the most compelling thing I've seen but I'm glad I gave it a chance, and it left me with a positive impression of Michael Coren.

And that's that, really. If you want an interesting, more progressive take on Christianity and Jesus with the framing being a general challenge to Right-Wing Christianity, pick this up and give it a read. Otherwise, no, this probably won't be the book that compels you into the faith, nor is it necessarily the strongest set of arguments I've ever seen. It's simply... a neat perspective, and that is all.

[Magdelanye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why do we seem to get him and his teachings so horribly wrong? He was the rebel Christ, who offered something radical...for everybody....p12

Not everybody with a syndicated column and a solid following would have the integrity to jeopardize career and social standing by challenging everything they had once stood for. Michael Coren is exceptional. "I have evolved" he announced to a stupefied audience, whose reaction was immediate. Not only was he fired, he was shunned.He did it without losing his faith,

Because I can no longer hide behind comfortable banalaties....the word of God...mustn't be distorted in a way that hurts so many people. P5

This magnificent rebel shouldn't be reduced to a poster or a slogan...to force them into powerlessness and degradation.p123

We're made ...to be thinking individuals who want an answer and not robotic creatures who simply obey. From the intro

Coren's new following passionately agree. They can be found rolling up their sleeves to pitch in and even initiate social justice programs for those whose needs have generally been ignored.

Christians should be in a condition of permanent revolution...we can be better and do more. P60

I am not a Christian, but I'll say amen to that.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Coren's book is about how badly Christianity has been misinterpreted and misunderstood by vocal "Christians" on the Right, who have completely perverted Jesus's message of God's love for all. His deep dives into hot-button religious issues are simply amazing, because they are not based on single passages but on multiple New Testament and Old Testament readings with a thorough look at the historical context, what contemporaries would have understood about that reading, and how the vocabulary and style affects the interpretation. I held off a long time on writing a review, as I wanted to immediately re-read this book for further understanding. This slim volume is for anyone who wants to know more about what Jesus said -- and didn't say -- and for those who want to comprehend a religion that is based on helping the poor, loving others, and reaching out to the imprisoned, the orphaned, the hungry, the refugee. Similar to the writings of Jim Wallis, with themes related to the books by John Pavlovitz. Highly recommended.
I appreciate having an advance copy from the publisher and Edelweiss.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If there is a war on Christianity it’s not fought by militant secularists but by Christians who prefer Christian talk to the Christian message.”

Phew. This book is amazing. Something about it just makes me feel so seen. It’s almost healing in a way, after all the violence and anger and politics that have become so terribly out of control since COVID.

There is so much I want to reread, pray over, chew on, digest. This book is so refreshing, but also convicting and quit scary in some ways.

I can’t say whether all of the author’s thoughts are correct, but I certainly feel that one who would give up money, status, and reputation for what they feel to be truth is worth listening to.

I think I will reread this book, and very soon.

[Danielle Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how well thought out this book was, I feel like Michael took a bold step in writing it and I appreciated how many sources he cited and how much work went into it. It’s a small but dense book packed full of good info- I think his intended audience is people with a very open mind who are looking for ways to make sense of some cognitive dissonance about their faith. I fell into that category and I really appreciate this book for that, it’s not for everyone, it’s not meant to try to convince anyone who doesn’t want to be convinced- he’s not debating, and leaves room for evolution of thought. I really enjoyed it, I would recommend it to people like myself, but like I said- not for everyone

[Dianne Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Coren gets it. He clearly sees disproves all the ridiculous rhetoric used by fundamentals today and uses the Bible and various theological scholarships to prove that Jesus did not condemn homosexuality, abortion is not condemned and anti-abortionists who are pro death penalty and pro war are hypocrites. He also vedt adeptly points out that Jesus was a socialistic leaned more towards communism than capitalism.

I'm an atheist but I always like to read these types of books. If more so-called Christians acted like Rev. Coren describes they should then maybe I wouldn't have rejected God and religion.

[Mark Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read for all faiths and none.

If only Michael, or someone like him, had been a teacher in the school I attended as a youngster, I would not have been so fearful of looking at the Christ as I felt its representative organisations promoted shame and fear. This gives me more hope and faith in the pure love that does exist an transmitted negative into the positive and wise.

[Paul Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality Vs The mangled Message Today

One of the best analysis of the conservative warped message today. Its an eye opening biblical view into what Jesus and the actual bible taught. Living faith vs the current political ,isolationist ,"cult of a bunker mentality " prevalent today. Read and grow

[Nazareth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this title. Takes a look at how Christians have perverted and defiled the following of Christ.
Christ is/was a rebel! He went against the traditional, he went against the teachers, he went and shared the truth of God’s word and the meaning behind what it actually means to be a Christian.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great assessment of how the religious right has distorted the teachings of Jesus. Very important bearing in mind the influence that this group has in Christian circles. The author displays an incredible knowledge of the issues of Christianity that concern left-wing politics, abortion, and LGBT rights. If this is your area of interest, the book is a must read.

[Dna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted a great bio of the subversive Jesus Christ, the counter-cultural carpenter born a bastard to the House of David...who protested taxes and usury, and really, really loved His Mom. Instead I got this batshit dissertation comparing Trump to Cyrus the Great? Trump is a shit heel and Cyrus probably was, too. DNF @ 48%.

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt like a bit of a guilty pleasure because I agreed with so much that the author said. Which was interesting as I have felt increasingly ‘out on a limb’ in recent years. Didn’t agreee within everything but then that wasn’t the point of the book I think !

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would agree with much of what Coran has written in this book. He doesn't pull any punches and says it like it is. He talks about many hot button topics which currently divide many people over their individual perspectives. This is one point of view, but to me, makes sense.

[Hyun Kang · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A little too many quotes, but even the author is aware of that. The pastor is preaching to the choir with this book, and the people who need to hear this message will probably never read it

[forky wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insights into modern issues and Christianity.

[Karen Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for an assigned review, and it was a complicated experience. Coren is an author, columnist, television personality, and Anglican cleric whose latest work tackles timely and controversial issues and what the Bible (and its most famous subject, Jesus) says or doesn't say about them. He writes about Jesus as someone who took on the religious establishment of his day, even describing him as "provoking" the rigid leaders. Readers who lean conservatively may feel that Coren's book does the same, while those who are more liberal may have their views confirmed. He highlights the importance of reading scripture in its historical and literary context for the best understanding, and his conclusions might be seen as challenging to some. I appreciated his reasoned approach to the subject matter as well as his clear respect for Jesus and desire for modern Christians to model the compassion he embodied.
Recommended

[Arno ILIC · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative book and in line with my thoughts about Christianity.

[Bill Oates · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent exegesis of the qospels reflecting the concerns of our modern day and not ignoring the truth. That many nefarious individuals with or without their own agendas have criticized and panned it is reason enough to give it a read. There are certainly sections that you may disagree with but I urge readers to examine the ideas, using the intellect God gave you, and decide for yourself what is and what is not the truth.

[Karen Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super inspirational