What do you think?
Rate this book
Junk Drawer Jesus: Discarding Your Spiritual Clutter and Rediscovering the Supremacy of Grace
Each of us is the owner of a random collection of theologies, doctrines, and superstitions. It's a junk drawer of religious ideas and influences. It's the witticisms your grandmother tossed around with ease that sounded like they came from a religious text. It's an insight gleaned about God from a half-heard sermon at a friend's church. It's the mental screenshot of a meme shared on social media. It's the empowering idea you underlined in a book and wrote on a Post-it Note now forever affixed to your laptop.
These are the things stuffed in our spiritual junk drawers. And as with that stash of old phone chargers, empty pens, and half-used batteries sitting in your kitchen drawer, something in us says, “I might need this.” And so we hold on. But should we? For many this junk drawer spirituality has become burdensome. We are worn down by the religious experience it creates and frustrated by a collection of traditions and “truths” that fail to deliver on their many promises.
In Junk Drawer Jesus the spiritually exhausted are invited to examine our religious clutter and compare it to the person and the promises of Jesus Christ. We'll discover what, if anything, of our spiritual collection should be kept. And in the process, rediscover the soul-satisfying simplicity of a God who refuses to fill our lives with junk, but instead offers grace upon grace.
These are the things stuffed in our spiritual junk drawers. And as with that stash of old phone chargers, empty pens, and half-used batteries sitting in your kitchen drawer, something in us says, “I might need this.” And so we hold on. But should we? For many this junk drawer spirituality has become burdensome. We are worn down by the religious experience it creates and frustrated by a collection of traditions and “truths” that fail to deliver on their many promises.
In Junk Drawer Jesus the spiritually exhausted are invited to examine our religious clutter and compare it to the person and the promises of Jesus Christ. We'll discover what, if anything, of our spiritual collection should be kept. And in the process, rediscover the soul-satisfying simplicity of a God who refuses to fill our lives with junk, but instead offers grace upon grace.
212 pages, Hardcover
Published October 15, 2024
9 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 13, 2024
I know a book is a keeper when the author comes alongside me to point to our shared weaknesses, our silly and self-chosen religious masquerades, and to usher me, with wit and humor and truth, into a life where Jesus is the all-in-all. Matt pulled open my own junk drawer and pointed out all the useless stuff that clutters my soul and centers me on me, then pointed, over and over, to Jesus and his finished work of salvation as God’s gift. Not only was the book a sheer joy to read; it centered me on who and what truly matters.
By the last page, I loved Jesus more and knew, with profound gratitude, that I am one whom Jesus loves.
By the last page, I loved Jesus more and knew, with profound gratitude, that I am one whom Jesus loves.
November 20, 2024
Solid reminder of what the gospel is and what things we unintentionally and subconsciously add to it. The whole premise is that there are ideas, beliefs, and habits that we keep around that have no place in a right understanding of the gospel, so they end up in the “junk drawer”.
The book is an invitation to a constructive deconstruction of our faith. And as the author says, “deconstruction isn’t necessarily bad as long as you replace it with something truer and better.”
A read that calls us back to a simple faith, love, and dependence on Jesus, and away from everything that we let get in the way of that. Refreshing read.
The book is an invitation to a constructive deconstruction of our faith. And as the author says, “deconstruction isn’t necessarily bad as long as you replace it with something truer and better.”
A read that calls us back to a simple faith, love, and dependence on Jesus, and away from everything that we let get in the way of that. Refreshing read.
October 24, 2024
Popovits urges readers to consider and discard the spiritual "junk" that may be clouding their Christian beliefs. These burdens, blind spots, and bigotries can "rob us of joy" and drive us "further from the peace and hope we're so desperate to find" (pg. 9). I think of this "junk" as a set of common mantras, moralisms, and misconceptions, usually inherited from past encounters and experiences, which people mistakenly equate with Christian doctrine. Everything gets mixed up together and needs sorting out.
The author is a pastor trained in the LCMS, and he approaches these issues with strong Lutheran doctrine---some details from the Lutheran Catechisms, the Heidelberg Disputation, Luther's doctrine of vocation, a proper law and gospel distinction, two kinds of righteousness, and other ideas. But his explanations are simple and easy-to-understand, avoiding most of the theological jargon. You wouldn't spot the Lutheran background in the ideas at first glance, unless you were looking for it. He always keeps the voice perceptive, engaging, and approachable.
This would be a helpful book for Christians to discuss in a local church group. But it's also written directly to agnostics and skeptics, so it would be a good recommendation to non-Christians who get stuck in misconceptions.
Grateful to have been given an early peak at this book. Five stars for the algorithm. Glad Matt finally wrote another book! (Am I biased? Why yes, I'm in the acknowledgments.)
See also from Popovits: Tough Call: A Little Book on Making Big Decisions.
Quotes:
"…just because some of the things in your spiritual junk drawer might bear his name or were handed to you by someone who claimed to be a part of his church doesn’t mean they’re worth placing in the 'keep' pile of our junk drawer deconstruction effort. Much of what is labeled a biblical truth or passed along as Christian teaching, even among people of faith, is the opposite. Under even the tiniest bit of scrutiny, most of it is revealed to be nothing more than basic advice on how to improve our lives or shallow, spiritual-ish notions meant to puff up our egos and make us feel better about ourselves. These quasi-Christian truths are not inherently bad per se, but they're most certainly not of Jesus. In that sense, while not inherently bad, they are—if we don't deal with them—legitimately dangerous as distractions. Everyday advice and shallow sayings are impotent on their own, but wrapped in Christian clothing, they become tempting tenets of faith and objects of trust. And for such usage, they will fail you—and fast. You'll learn the hard way that they cannot deliver you peace for your guilt-ridden conscience, joy for your anxious existence, or life in the face of your death."
The author is a pastor trained in the LCMS, and he approaches these issues with strong Lutheran doctrine---some details from the Lutheran Catechisms, the Heidelberg Disputation, Luther's doctrine of vocation, a proper law and gospel distinction, two kinds of righteousness, and other ideas. But his explanations are simple and easy-to-understand, avoiding most of the theological jargon. You wouldn't spot the Lutheran background in the ideas at first glance, unless you were looking for it. He always keeps the voice perceptive, engaging, and approachable.
This would be a helpful book for Christians to discuss in a local church group. But it's also written directly to agnostics and skeptics, so it would be a good recommendation to non-Christians who get stuck in misconceptions.
Grateful to have been given an early peak at this book. Five stars for the algorithm. Glad Matt finally wrote another book! (Am I biased? Why yes, I'm in the acknowledgments.)
See also from Popovits: Tough Call: A Little Book on Making Big Decisions.
Quotes:
"…just because some of the things in your spiritual junk drawer might bear his name or were handed to you by someone who claimed to be a part of his church doesn’t mean they’re worth placing in the 'keep' pile of our junk drawer deconstruction effort. Much of what is labeled a biblical truth or passed along as Christian teaching, even among people of faith, is the opposite. Under even the tiniest bit of scrutiny, most of it is revealed to be nothing more than basic advice on how to improve our lives or shallow, spiritual-ish notions meant to puff up our egos and make us feel better about ourselves. These quasi-Christian truths are not inherently bad per se, but they're most certainly not of Jesus. In that sense, while not inherently bad, they are—if we don't deal with them—legitimately dangerous as distractions. Everyday advice and shallow sayings are impotent on their own, but wrapped in Christian clothing, they become tempting tenets of faith and objects of trust. And for such usage, they will fail you—and fast. You'll learn the hard way that they cannot deliver you peace for your guilt-ridden conscience, joy for your anxious existence, or life in the face of your death."
November 17, 2024
A reminder of what the Gospel is and what it is not. Often, for me anyway, it’s easy to weave in my thought-rhythms distortions of truth and those invaders have real life implications. Junk Drawer Jesus exposes the false tendencies of religiosity and our soul’s vulnerability to drift towards lies. Popovitz dives into hard and difficult truths, and while at times these realities are disheartening, heavy, and frightening, he points us to the free simplicity and beauty of Jesus and His love for us - making all things new. And in this, there is good hope.
August 5, 2024
Matt takes complex topics and teachings - especially about Jesus - and relates them simply. His use of story telling is especially useful as well as the pictures he "paints" in understanding the concepts of sin, God's justice, and God's love, mercy, and grace.
(This review is based on an advanced copy forwarded to me by the author).
(This review is based on an advanced copy forwarded to me by the author).
January 11, 2025
Great devotional book that has its focus on Jesus and not what we do.
I really like controling image of a "spiritual junk drawer"...so many different angles of junk in our spiritual lives...
I really like controling image of a "spiritual junk drawer"...so many different angles of junk in our spiritual lives...
August 6, 2024
"The instinct of many is not to examine our hearts but to protect them; you could even say avoid them" (p. 11). In Junk Drawer Jesus, Matt Popovits has put together a modern-day catechism for all people to rediscover the simple yet profound Christian message. Matt is calling all of us out on our love for collecting new ideas and experiences while calling us to a deeper understanding of our own hearts and beliefs. Ultimately, Matt is inviting us to have a personal experience with the grace, goodness, truth, and love of Jesus.
Matt's authentic and easy to read style makes some difficult truths easy to understand and apply to our own lives. With questions to consider at the end of every chapter, Matt seeks to help readers not just fill themselves with "more junk" but to process these new ideas along with the beliefs they hold.
People all along the faith spectrum will benefit from picking up this book, even those who want nothing to do with religion or Jesus. But no matter where you are, be ready to examine your own heart and clean out some of the spiritual clutter you've picked up along the way.
Matt's authentic and easy to read style makes some difficult truths easy to understand and apply to our own lives. With questions to consider at the end of every chapter, Matt seeks to help readers not just fill themselves with "more junk" but to process these new ideas along with the beliefs they hold.
People all along the faith spectrum will benefit from picking up this book, even those who want nothing to do with religion or Jesus. But no matter where you are, be ready to examine your own heart and clean out some of the spiritual clutter you've picked up along the way.
October 11, 2025
LOVED THIS BOOK. It was like the author had been in my own head/heart (and saw all the junk there bc it was EXACTLY on-point). I laughed. I cried. I can’t wait to read this again and just really go slow and repent of all this junk…probably need to do with a friend or my husband.
Note: I was a little bothered by it using one cuss word in a quote and also giving an example of the author and his wife watching a show with a cuss word and their son calling it out and them being defensive. I definitely fall on the legalism ditch side🤪, but also, while it didn’t have a major impact on the book overall, it bothered me and I wanted to be honest about that. And sometime he spoke of our baptisms as if they are almost “magical” and that bothered me a little too - I have Presbyterian view of baptism rather than Lutheran, but still appreciate a more Reformed theological approach that was super helpful.
Note: I was a little bothered by it using one cuss word in a quote and also giving an example of the author and his wife watching a show with a cuss word and their son calling it out and them being defensive. I definitely fall on the legalism ditch side🤪, but also, while it didn’t have a major impact on the book overall, it bothered me and I wanted to be honest about that. And sometime he spoke of our baptisms as if they are almost “magical” and that bothered me a little too - I have Presbyterian view of baptism rather than Lutheran, but still appreciate a more Reformed theological approach that was super helpful.
August 6, 2024
In Junk Drawer Jesus, Matt creatively and intelligently compels us to address the “junk drawer” that is our faith life, to really examine and discard the “junk” we’ve accumulated that does us no good, inviting clarity to the beliefs and ideas that lead to false notions, empty pursuits and every lesser thing…all the while compelling us to the discover the true character of God...This book successfully makes the case that the only true treasure in that mess worth clinging to is…Jesus. I appreciate the questions posed at the end of chapters as well, which invite us to take time for personal application.
November 20, 2024
“We should regularly assess the ideas we accumulate, take a critical eye to the assumptions we carry, and compare it all to the message of unmerited mercy won for you in Jesus Christ.”
I, like many other Christians, have accumulated a lot of “junk” over the years, and I love the ways this book promotes healthy dismantling of that junk by pointing you away from yourself and back to what truly matters — the life, death and resurrection of Jesus for you. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter were helpful, too, and this is definitely one I’ll reread several times.
I, like many other Christians, have accumulated a lot of “junk” over the years, and I love the ways this book promotes healthy dismantling of that junk by pointing you away from yourself and back to what truly matters — the life, death and resurrection of Jesus for you. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter were helpful, too, and this is definitely one I’ll reread several times.
February 8, 2025
This book was brilliant in so many ways! Honest. Pastoral. Incisive. Funny. Relevant. Deeply-biblical. Each chapter was a feast for the soul, and I found myself needing to pause frequently to digest. Matt authentically wrestles with the big questions of the faith in a way that is engaging and bold, yet without any of the angst and despair that so commonly typify writings on deconstruction. Above all, this book is profoundly hopeful. It distills Christianity down to its essence, getting rid of the junk while refusing to let go of Jesus. So good! This one’s going to stick with me for a while.
August 6, 2024
I’m a few chapters into this book currently and I really appreciate its simplicity and honesty. As a Christian, I struggle with making my relationship with Jesus more complicated than it needs to be. This book asks us to reflect on the idea that we bring nothing except our need and brokenness and receive everything in return. If you’ve ever longed to simplify your relationship with God, this might be the book to help you do a bit of decluttering.
January 1, 2025
The perfect book to finish or start the year. Pastor Matt leads the reader through the distracting, and non-beneficial thoughts/myths that most of us have floating in our heads. He addresses them head on in an easy to read 187 pages. I appreciated the wisdom, candor, and simplicity that the author shared and for me this book is a way to think through my spiritual junk drawer, evaluating what I keep and what I let go as I move forward in walking with Jesus
September 6, 2024
I started the summer being so overwhelmed with all the stuff I have accumulated in my spiritual drawer. I read a portion of this book and I just can’t wait to get the full book!!! Just this small excerpt has confirmed that what I have been feeling is ok.
February 8, 2025
Fantastic book! A joyful, honest, and humor-filled reminder that Jesus and his love and forgiveness are better than any of the idols, false beliefs, cultural assumptions, and religious baggage that hearts want to cling to.
September 4, 2024
Just the 1st 2 chapters, and I’m hooked! Who knew decluttering that drawer would bring me closer to Christ? Thanks, Matt!
November 22, 2024
3.5 stars
January 21, 2025
A good and interesting metaphor used to address how all of us have spiritual ideas that have no foundation in Scripture or Christ. This is a good book for all those in the faith to read and process.
March 22, 2025
I would round this up to 3.5 stars. The premise is solid and the book is full of thoughtful ways to interrogate spiritual misconceptions. It does feel repetitive in spots and a little padded.
December 23, 2025
Matt Popovits helps us dig out all of our false thoughts and beliefs and helps us to see the true love that Jesus has for us.
February 28, 2025
I thought this book was really a great practical way to bring everyday things into our lives translating through the Gospel. If I’m honest, I picked up the book because I noticed the forward was by Jared C Wilson and I’m glad I did. Great read for any Christian new or old! I did not like the material of the book and how it was made.
December 29, 2024
Matt Popovits has a knack for turning complex theological concepts into relatable, everyday language. Junk Drawer Jesus is a refreshing and honest look at the cluttered spiritual lives many of us lead. In a world where "deconstruction" can be a loaded word, Popovits instead invites readers to examine the "junk" we've accumulated over the years - those well-intentioned but ultimately unhelpful religious beliefs and practices. The writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, while also being relatable and witty.
This book is a must for anyone burdened by religious baggage or seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
This book is a must for anyone burdened by religious baggage or seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
November 27, 2024
This book will make you think, will convict you to examine your beliefs, and will first and foremost remind you that you are an imperfect being who is perfectly loved. In a world that encourages us to love all and be all, Matt brings us back to what truly matters- the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Matt sets out to show us how to deconstruct what we think we know in order to fully own the hope that is ours through the amazing gift of our Heavenly Father. Take a look at the pages and discover the love and hope that waits for you.
*This review is based on an advanced copy forwarded to me by the author.*
*This review is based on an advanced copy forwarded to me by the author.*
February 9, 2025
In author Matt Popovits' signature style, #junkdrawerjesus leads readers on a thoughtful, engaging journey. As we move through life, we invariably pick up “junk drawer” beliefs that beg for examination and a spiritual sifting, bits and baubles that distract from and may even be contrary to the Gospel.
Matt’s insightful writing made me think, reflect, declutter and rejoice, refreshed by the beautiful and unearned gift of God’s amazing grace! A must read!
Matt’s insightful writing made me think, reflect, declutter and rejoice, refreshed by the beautiful and unearned gift of God’s amazing grace! A must read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews