Christians differ in their beliefs. And that sometimes makes Christianity seem confusing to those outside the faith. It isn't. This book offers a simple, conversational explanation about its main concepts--the ones that support everything else. It is written in plain, everyday language for those with little or only a superficial exposure to Christianity that are exploring it for a better understanding of its basic belief system.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer.
As an author he's published four non-fiction, Christian books, two Christian detective novels and a small group Bible Study on Philippians.
As a blogger, he writes on a variety of topics related to the Christian faith addressed from a Biblical perspective.
As a professional writer, he's represented corporations like Wendy's, LexisNexis, Iams and NCR. And faith-based organizations like John Maxwell's Injoy, Gospel Light Publishing and Strang Communications.
He also served 30 years as a church pastor in adult ministry. Visit his website: www.chiptudor.com.
A wonderful book that helps to clear up much of the confusion brought about by all the different teachings in Christianity. In plain vocabulary Mr Tudor aims (quite successfully) to answer some of the questions which vex us about our faith. During the reading of the book the author omits passages and quotes from the bible which at times can be confusing to those who don't fully understand the faith, inserting said quotes at the end of the book as a reference source. I found the reading easy going and quite informative. Helping to make the reading quick and enjoyable. Once I hit chapter 2 "Beliefs Frame the Big Picture" I found myself going back to the start this time with a highlighter so I could mark key points that I wanted to remember. The chapters are short having the effect of making for fast reading. I can easily see myself going back to this book over and over again. This is one that should be on your shelf whether you are looking for understanding or clarification "Christianity for the Average Joe" is a solid read.
I received this book as an ARC and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rather than reading it from cover to cover, I used it as a mini bible study for myself. I love how the chapters were designed with Bible verses at the end of each chapter to research and study. I savored this book rather than racing to completion. Very good insight to definitely inspire yourself to think and act. Thank you for allowing me to be an advanced reader of this book.
I received a KINDLE copy of this book from the author through a giveaway he had on GoodReads, and the following is my honest opinion.
Those of you who know me know that in 2019 I began getting engrossed in reading/reviewing nonfiction Christian books, which got me inspired to write my two debut Christian books that I wound up self-publishing on January 11, 2020. This, in turn, got me inspired to start writing my Christian blog, "Trying to Be a Good Christian Woman," first on BlogSpot.com and now on WordPress.com.
As you see, the above has been a journey of discovery for me, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed reading this book. In this book, author Chip Tudor, a pastor, takes his readers and treats them as if they were his children. And in doing so, he fulfills the scripture that tells parents what they should diligently do regarding Christianity:
"Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." DEUTERONOMY 11:19 [NIV]
And in PROVERBS 22:6 [NKJV] that parents need to:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
Through the pages of his book, Pastor Tudor avoids using scripture since it might confuse and not aid the reader in understanding Christianity as a religion. Instead, the book cuts to the chase, bypassing its various denominations to concentrate on Christianity's basic foundations. Adding to the ease in comprehending the book's intention, Pastor Tudor uses simple, easy-to-understand everyday language that will ultimately lead to comprehending Christianity's basic belief structure.
Given the author's intention in writing this book for all novice Christians, being a rather voracious reviewer of nonfiction Christian books, I'm to give Pastor Tudor 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
The author explains in plain English what it means to be a Christian and how to become one. His common sense approach explains such things as sin and repentance in a way anyone can understand. While based on Biblical teaching, he does not quote the Bible. Biblical references are provided for those who wish to explore farther. A good read.
This is the sort of book that has me reviewing much of what I have learned about my Christian faith over the years. It makes me stop and reconsider whether this gels with my beliefs and whether I have been living them. The two chapters that especially interested me were chapter 3 (regarding ultimate truth) and chapter 7 (the discussion of sin). I suspect that I will be rereading them occasionally. A good book with a powerful message that can change one's life. I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.