So You Thought You Knew: Letting Go of Religion

by Joshua Tongol

Tired of religion?What if almost everything you were taught about Christianity is wrong?Would you give up on faith altogether? Or is it possible to rediscover--with fresh eyes--a richer and more satisfying understanding of God and spirituality?So You Thought You Knew is a refreshing journey written straight from the heart. It's about thinking outside the "institutional walls" of Christianity and asking the hard questions. It boldly says in public what many people are thinking in private. And its hilarious stories and life-changing insights will inspire those who are dissatisfied with fear-driven religion but believe--deep down--there's a better message out there for the world to hear. 100+ five-star reviews. Find out why countless readers have been impacted by Amazon bestselling author Joshua Tongol's life-changing book!

Genres: Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality, Christian Living, Christianity, Christian, Religion

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2014

Reviews

[Prakash Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Joshua shared very practical experiences. I don't think that the truth is easy to digest but I would definitely recommend this book to everyone out there, to read it with open mind and heart. Stay unbiased and think seriously about God and Scriptures. This book is equally important to the people of every faith and religion.

[Rich Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a quick and fun read! It was honest. It was raw. This book says a lot of things that many people are probably also feeling but don't think they are allowed to say.

In the beginning of his book, Joshua asks a key question, "Or is it possible to rediscover—with fresh eyes—a richer and more satisfying understanding of God and spirituality?" Joshua continues to ask key questions throughout his book. Joshua reminds us, "You see, I don’t think God is afraid of people asking questions."

Let me highlight a few key points that I particularly enjoyed.

"I don’t think God is some distant creator who happens to intervene in human affairs whenever he feels like it. No, I believe God is found in the very depths of humanity—the very core of all that is." Yes, we should be challenged to think about where God is. Is God at our core? Is God at the core of all that is?

Many people stay away from religion. Why? Joshua says it is because, "I seriously believe religion has screwed up a lot of people by using fear." I too believe that this is true. I don't want a religion of fear. I also don't think God wants us to fear Him (Her). Religion of fear is created by humans, not God.

"You see, God is present in every moment of our lives … when we’re playing with kids, making love, watching T.V., walking the dog, or even mowing the lawn. The question is: Are we aware?" This is so true. God is always present. It is us who forget this. Life is much fuller when we live aware that God is ever present.

"So why would God expect us to love others unconditionally, yet with God, there are conditions?" Great point. This just makes sense. God loves all of us unconditionally. Many people don't believe this. Many people have a difficult time accepting God's love. "Jesus came to reveal the heart of God." Jesus loved everyone! We all have a seat at his table.

"For many Christians, salvation is about “dying and going to heaven.” But what if salvation is much deeper than that?" A little bit later, Joshua goes on to ask, "If so, let me push it even further. What if God is already in everyone?" I will admit, this resonates with me. I too believe that God is in me. This is a life changer. Once you know that God is in you, you begin living your life as an expression of this inner God.

Toward the end of the book, Joshua makes a key point. "Give up the desire to know it all. Be willing to embrace mystery." We don't need to have all the answers. I don't want to have all the answers. I simply want to enjoy the ride.

Read his. book. Keep questioning. You are unconditionally loved by God. God is within you. And most of all embrace God's mystery.

[Trevor Lloyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting from the point of view of an insight into a representative of the so-called 'extreme grace' teachers and an overview of some of the kind of 'new' thinking going on. Even more progressive theology than I expected, affected by McClaren and Bell etc. He is right about the shifts that are happening in the Christian world today, much of it fueled by greater use of the internet and social media. But it is very basic and introductory and subjective, given that he is suggesting a total rethink of Christianity. I guess he is just making his contribution to the worldwide conversation. And that's fair enough!

[Rudy Trussler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This is an absolutely brilliant book that boldly explores ideas about God, the bible and life connected to love outside of status quo religious thought. It is a must read for anyone who has had that feeling way deep inside that there more to God than you were taught in Sunday school.

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to really hit the nail on the head in regard to the way I've been feeling and the questions I've been having over the past few years. I grew up as a 'church-going christian' who didn't question anything. The last few years I've been very dissatisfied with organized religion and I began wondering about some of the basics I had been taught over the years. I really began questioning myself for having these thoughts and feelings. It's books like this one that really encourages me and helps me realize nothing is wrong with me, but maybe something is wrong with the things we are told in the system of organized church. In this book, questions are asked and ideas are suggested that really make you think. I am so thankful for Joshua being so open and honest and for bringing things up that make me want to question more and search deeper into what I truly believe. I found this book to be informative, interesting and easy to read. I highly recommend it, but be ready to be rocked (in a good way) on some of the traditional doctrines and beliefs you have been taught.

[Betty G. Bourquein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Honest With God and Oneself

A "true" believer has to answer many questions for himself/herself. Does one's religion get in the way of his/her spirituality? Is one's god too small to be God? Do we allow others define God for us? Isn't the real believer a seeker rather than one with all of the defined answers he/she has been taught. Written in a very simplistic style, Tongol asks some complex questions.

[jeff beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questions

Joshua does a great job explaining the mysteries of the Bible. He takes a long look at problems that many Christians do not want to deal with. He allows the reader to question what he is saying. Not just an opinion, he gives credible references to support his theme. He also encourages the reader to struggle with these references as well as the mysteries the Bible has.
Thought provoking and an easy read.

[Brendan Christopher Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Josh will clear up some questions you have had in the back of your head. God loves you, and everyone else. If it doesn't end in a love for God, yourself, and others all at the same time you have something greater to see!

[Valerie Aliu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An authentic and honest story

Very authentic, down to earth honest story. I am very inspired by this book. Most of all I find the author very warm and funny, I laughed a lot especially the chapters about the satan and the Bible.....because I related to everything he said

[Andy]

A simple read but with challenging points and reflections by someone who was a pastor fully in the evangelical/charismatic world. Whether you agree or not with his thoughts, what is written demands a response.

[Christina Wooff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book.

I've read several of the books he mentioned in his. Josh's book helped me even me with my journey on my own path to God. This book, along with others l, have helped me to know God's love no matter if I go to a building or not.

[DaCosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not alone

I too have many questions about Christianity. Josh's book is the proverbial "fresh air". An easy, yet thoughtful read.
I do recommend it.

[Megan Larkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really appreciate his perspective.

[Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read for both believers and unbelievers alike. I'm so grateful to Joshua for putting a voice to struggles and thoughts that many people have wrestled with, but may not have had the opportunity to express in public.

His writing style is honest, conversational and free from rigid scriptural arguments presented as facts. The book serves instead, as a window into a different way of understanding the love of God towards all humanity. Joshua invites the reader on his personal journey of discovery, that continues to this day.

From his school days, to his missionary work, right up to today, Joshua is candid about the progression of his faith and what that has meant for him personally. In a similar way, he presents the questions he struggled with, in hopes that it might connect with readers who have had similar issues. He advocates that people think for themselves, and above all, to have the courage to study things, no matter how taboo the topic, rather than take anyone's word for what is and is not true.

It was a the great honour of my life to meet this man and his wife in person, in the Summer of 2013. And it gives me great pleasure now, to recommend this book for those who are not afraid to explore something a little different.

Enjoy the Journey my friends.

[Joseph Radosti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Title tells a lot about the content of this book. Tongol takes an honest approach to try and reckon with his understanding of the infinite and ever present God. Written for those who are asking questions about their Christian faith – rethinking what they believe, what they have been taught to be “orthodox” and have decided to be honest with themselves and God. Tongol wrestles with questions that many Christians probably have considered; such as how to reconcile the passages in the Bible that tell us about a God who sends plagues or the flood – the angry and blood-thirsty God who unleashes his wrath on his only Son. As you read this book, you just may find yourself crying and laughing as you come to experience the unconditional love of God. You’ll get much more from it, if you read it in conjunction with the Joshua Tongol video series on You Tube. This is not an academic book. Tongol encourages readers not to accept the status quo, but to study for themselves and draw their own conclusions. After you finish reading this book, you might have a strong desire to deprogram from religion in favor of authentic relationships. Just maybe, if God is love and love never fails then there is hope for everyone.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The big problem I found with this book was its overtly American style and approach. Much of what Joshua Tongol shares is very similar to my own faith history and conclusions, but the way that it is explored and explained required much perseverance mostly because I simply do not connect to the 'American Evangelical Right' with its extroversion and upfront character. There is a passion and excitement, undoubtedly, but little of the pain that must have been a big part of Joshua's move from Southern Baptist Pastor to 'unmapped journey'. There is a lot of 'go away and think about this' instruction with very little guidance and even less reasoned theology. It is a good starting point for those struggling to let go of 'what they thought they knew', and the suggestion to follow up with Brian McLaren and Rob Bell is good, but this path still needs something calmer, something slower, something more thoughtful if it is to seriously challenge and question the 'knowledge' held so dearly and so tightly by so many. Letting Go is not wholly the freedom and community party suggested here, there is loss, pain and the unknown too.

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to really hit the nail on the head in regard to the way I've been feeling and the questions I've been having over the past few years. I grew up as a 'church-going christian' who didn't question anything. The last few years I've been very dissatisfied with organized religion and I began wondering about some of the basics I had been taught over the years. I really began questioning myself for having these thoughts and feelings. It's books like this one that really encourages me and helps me realize nothing is wrong with me, but maybe something is wrong with the things we are told in the system of organized church. In this book, questions are asked and ideas are suggested that really make you think. I am so thankful for Joshua being so open and honest and for bringing things up that make me want to question more and search deeper into what I truly believe. I found this book to be informative, interesting and easy to read. I highly recommend it, but be ready to be rocked (in a good way) on some of the traditional doctrines and beliefs you have been taught.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much in the style of Rob Bell, this is not a theological treatise. It's more like a somewhat poetic memoir/reflection on serious issues within Evangelical culture. It's well-written in the sense that it is gripping, easy to read, and makes you pause and think frequently (I have not been about to get the chapter on Satan out of my head for about a week). This is one of those strange books that I really enjoyed, but will be careful who I recommend it to. If you know of someone struggling with Evangelical baggage (like me), then it's a no-brainer. Someone who isn't willing to question some of their "sacred cows" will simply find it irritating and uncomfortable. For what it is, it certainly ministered to my heart. Thank you, Josh.

[Joshua Baru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving voice to the questions some are struggling with and connecting dots for those who learns from it. I am thankful that i have read it and a comfort to know that there are others out there and i am not alone.

I still struggle as to how i am going to share this with my family and friends but i am happy as to where i am now and the way o think..

Thanks Josh, God bless..

[Wendy Leonard-Richardson]

This is a thought provoking yet easy and fun read. I doubt many evangelical Christians will read this but think maybe they should give it at least some consideration. The sentiments shared make you question what you "know." Depending on your views this may be good or bad but I am a strong believer in constantly reaffirming one's beliefs through serious reflection.

[Lana Superchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that I read this but as another reviewer stated, I don't think that everyone could handle all he has to say. Many of us are struggling with some of these issues and he raises some very good points.

[Sandra A · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another book written for evangelical Christians that live I. Fear of God and the devil. If you're not a member of that group then it's unlikely that you'll find anything insightful in this - other than feign very very badly for evangelical Christians that is.

[Zaida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haha just what I needed for this season of my life.
It didn't bring me to another level,it brought me to a completely different place.
I recommend EVERYONE to read this. Religious, non religious spiritual and non spiritual.
Truly will shake up anything you've ever heard or believed.

[Cristy Perdue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, but I don't recommend it to everyone.

[Elizabeth Ponds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome. But how can the message of the inclusion of all humanity in God ever not be awesome? :D

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book affirmed what I already knew in my heart.

[Laura Herndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is misleading. (I won't spoil the book for you, but that needs to be said.) That said, I enjoyed this book.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very liberating. I loved reading this book but I wish it was 5 times as long and he really went into the nitty gritty of some of his beliefs.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

That crazy, unexplainable feeling you get when you finish a book that completely changes the way you see the world. This book was so incredibly well written and thought provoking that I read it in about 4 hours (broken into two mornings). I went into it with no real exception, I wasn't looking for answers nor did I even have questions. I have been so impacted by this book and I have been so encouraged by the authors perspective. I was quite surprised by the unbiased way the author was able to bring up multiple different points but always encouraging the reader to learn for themselves and study for themselves. Never presenting either perspective to be superior to the others. I would ask that anyone who reads this book goes into it not with an open mind but with an open heart.