I'm Fine with God...It's Christians I Can't Stand: Getting Past the Religious Garbage in the Search for Spiritual Truth

by Bruce Bickel, Stan Jantz

Many non-Christians find the behavior of some Christians off-putting rather than inviting. Many Christians do too! Now Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, authors of Knowing the Bible 101, take an unflinchingly honest and often humorous look at some believers' outlandish behavior. This candid assessment of the church will bridge the communication gap, empowering Christians to share their faith more freely and helping those who don't yet believe discover the truth about God without being distracted by... This refreshing call to authentic Christianity will help Christians and non-Christians get past the peripheral issues and communicate openly and honestly about God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Christianity, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't see this as a handbook for how to save your non-Christian friends. If you want a how-to book, this isn't it. I do see this as a book that will make you examine your heart and attitude regarding your own faith and as a result you will be more understanding of where people are coming from who can't stand Christians.

The authors have pretty hilarious comments. Want to get a belly laugh out of your teenager? I did when I read him several things out loud. The authors drive their points home with humor, and what they share is often profound. This isn't fluff reading. Like the nose on your face, the truth was always there, but you may not have noticed it before. I agreed with about 90% of their comments. The other ten percent I was more neutral on or maybe not quite as sure I felt the same way, but if you glean anything from this book that will change the way you see yourself and the world around you, then you will be glad you checked it out.

My favorite chapter was I'm Fine With God... but I can't stand Christians Who are Convinced God Wants Them Rich. I detest the "name it and claim it health and wealth false gospel" and charlatans who rob the poor and the widows through their lies and con games. So I got a real chuckle out of the witty sarcasm the authors used to drive their point home. For example:

If you give to Billy Bob's television ministry you'll receive... A swatch of fabric packaged as a Holy Spirit Prayer Cloth--actual pieces of the beach towel used by John the Baptist during his baptismal ministry on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Now that's obviously an over-exaggeration, but I found it hilarious. The other examples are even funnier. But the bottom line is the authors illustrate in every chapter why the hang-ups and weird beliefs in the modern Christian culture (often committed by people who haven't a clue) are a barriers to reaching the lost. The insight they share is amazing. And if you enjoy satire and sarcasm, you'll want to get this book.

[Books Ring Mah Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

So before you get all bent out of shape and think, "whatever!" know that the two men who wrote this book are Christian. This is one of those titles ment to grab your attention. They should have added the word "some" before Christians.

Each chapter is an "I can't stand Christians who..."
1. impose their morality on others
2. are paranoid
3. think they are correctly right and evryone else is wrongly left
4. think science is the enemy (my favorite chapter)
5. are convinced God wants them rich (yep, we are looking at you and your hair, Benny Hinn!)

and there's more...

Basically, this book breaks down the "unchristian" behavior of some "Christians". Nothing really new or surprising (like the Christian doctor that refused to provide care for a child because the mother had a tattoo.) What I did like was the loving, open, accepting manner of these authors and the humor. I'd go to their church! (that says a lot.)

[Cathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is essentially a rant against the behavior of many Christians, and I'm confused about the intended audience. It's true that many of the complaints have at least some validity, but the tone is so abrasive that certainly no one will "see the light" and change his ways because of this. The authors include some support from Bible passages about the way Christians should believe/act, but at least a few seem somewhat misapplied. Their points might open discussions with those who avoid Christianity because of similar feelings, but a shared critical spirit hardly seems rooted in the love of Christ.

Frankly, what stood out most to me was that the authors -- who are railing against Christians who are self-righteous, judgmental, and who fail to show love/compassion -- are themselves guilty of those very faults toward other believers.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of, if not the worst book, I have ever read.

First, I'm unclear as to who this book is aimed at. If it is the non-Christian the books tone is one of an incredibly self conscious teenager so desperate to fit in with "the cool kids" (non-Christians) they will disparage everyone they know in an attempt to fit in. If it is Christians who are disillusioned with the behavior of other Christians (or some of the oddities of the "Christian sub-culture") the book will do little to encourage them. Rather it will likely act as an echo-chamber. My belief is that the book was written as a rant by two people still harboring a grudge having grown up in an overly strict "Christian" home or because they were duped by an "End of the World" charlatan (both experiences they shared in the book).

Each chapter lays out a grievance they have including :

Christians who are obnoxious and tell others how they should live. Ironically, the book is filled with the authors own personal "thou shalts".
Christians who are Republicans.
Christians who want a Cadillac.
Crappy Christian movies featuring Kirk Cameron. (I'm not kidding, the chapter title is literally "I can't stand ... Christians Who Make Lousy Movies".)
Christians who are know-it-alls.

Any many other stereo-typical, but less egregious grievances. (These guys must be a blast at parties...)

I finished the book hoping for a pearl of wisdom. What I took away was a feeling the authors are the petty, arrogant, hyper-critical Christians they spend 150 pages ranting about.

[Laren · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me awhile to finish this book, but it wasn't because the book was bad or boring. Rather, it is unclear who is the audience for this book, but I don't think I was it. The subject matter deals with how Christians are getting a bad reputation through some of their actions, and what might be done about it. Although the title and summary appear geared for Christians who want to do something about this, the actual text seems more for either the people who are part of the problem (in part, they want to help you figure out if you are one of them) or it is for the people who may be searching for the faith, but are confused by the "religious garbage" strewn by the former.

The two laypeople/authors have written a number of books where they speak plainly about Christianity. This particular book has a lot of highlight boxes to summarize main ideas, presumably for the reader who has difficulty wading through non-fiction without help with this. It is written plainly, and with no judgement. There are a lot of interesting ideas in here, but the summary almost led me to believe the entire book was just a giant commercial for their website.

[Carolyn Weis muckelberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian working in a Christian school, I found the themes of this book refreshing and validating. More and more I have become frustrated with statements by other Christians that make assumptions about my beliefs. I find myself biting my tongue a lot. The sad truth is that for the many Christians that are giving Christ a bad name I don't think they have the capacity to take an objective look at their actions the way this book does. I love how the authors point to the essentials of Christianity and all the other stuff just serves to divide us. I pray that one day we as Christians will stop being our own worst enemy and start living out our faith like Christ showed us...love one another and treat others as we would like to be treated.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My bible study group finished discussing this book today. When asked what we learned; we all agreed that we had discovered that we are some of "those people" the book talks about. At one time or another, we have all thought we had a monopoly on truth and imposed our morality on others. In fact, we are often guilty of behavior and attitudes that most likely embarrass and grieve God. We had a lot of laughs with this study; but, most of the time, we were laughing at ourselves.

[Dre J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I immediately understood the kind of people this book was talking about. No matter what religion, sex, gender, race you are there are people that identify as that same thing that make us embarrassed to identify our position. This is true even with Christianity. There have been Christians who violently protest outside abortion clinics or violently protest at a political rally and turn around and claim Christ’s name. I remember going to a Christian concert featuring Lecrae, newsboys, etc (to name a few) and there were groups of Christian churches protesting a Christian concert because it featured Christian rap and Christian rock this is the kind of out of pocket Christianity this book refers too. The Christians that feel that they can’t live in the world or they are too good to live in this world when the Bible teaches that you have to
live in this world. The fallen world is where Christ needs to be seen most. Being Christian comes with this stigma that you judge or you have all the answers but really that’s not how most are but this book navigates to those who think they are. It was written by Christians so it’s people who know the culture. We all have people that claim Christian that make us scratch our head as to why they claim the title.
It speaks about televangelists that are over the top. That’s a topic that can take all day. These are definitely Some of the slime-ball Christians I can’t stand. A calling must be unique and genuine, but those who profit off of Christianity selling lies literally turn my stomach.
The book speaks about fights among Christian sects which is often a big issue as well. Christians that can’t stand with other Christians because I was born a catholic or I was born a Methodist. The takeaway I got from reading this is how Christians have kind of went away from Bible and have imposed man made standards on people to live. I see this a lot in growing up in the Baptist church I did. People focused more on what people wore or drove, etc. then really focusing on what the message was on how people can live. It became a clique style church based on people not wanting to agree on committees and things instead of attacking real issues in the Bible. Overall pretty good read.

[Marie Laidig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must preach from every pulpit and a must read for every congregant. It speaks volumes to those who call themselves "Christians" who are the furthest from imitating Christ Jesus and following his teachings. It's time we open the doors to our churches, tear down our sanctuary walls and rebuild a church from the ground up that includes everyone, every thought, every ideology. I know atheists who are more loving and accepting than "Christians". It also wants me to change my religious standing from "Christian" to "Christ believer and disciple".

[Mary Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way the authors chose to frame the writing of this book. Written in 2008, this book continues to be applicable today with all the foolishness and nonsense displayed and communicated by those who consider themselves Christian. This was a thought-provoking book for those of us believers who have participated in some of the activities the authors write about and have thought some of the same things the authors condemn. I am appreciative of their work and will recommend this book to others.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I'm the target audience for this book, though the provocative is definitely the type of thing to catch my interest. Maybe it's stage of life. Maybe not. At half way, with so many other books on deck that I would much prefer to read, I'm tabling this one.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, written by Christians with a Biblical worldview, provides a good perspective on how the world can view believers, including myself, who act as though we've never truly encountered Jesus.

[Amanda Watkins]

Very straight-forward look at how Christian church is becoming much like Pharisee church in Jesus's day pushing rules instead of love and judging instead of helping. Accurate in assessments about each situation, witty and at times, a little condescending, but overall the book is a great read. It should be read by every Christian. I learned a lot from it and I will actually be changing some things in my Christian walk because of it. Jesus would be a big fan of this book.

[Rama Rao · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do Christians need an "off switch because they are annoying?

This book is unfair and provides one-sided view about Christian values and traditions. It is described in ten chapters with titles such as; ...but I can't stand Christians who impose their morality; ...but I can't stand Christians who think science is the enemy; or ...but I can't stand Christians who think they have monopoly on truth. Chapter after chapter you read exaggerated statements about Christian behavior and Christian beliefs. The authors understand that United States is a multicultural society of many faiths (Pages 35 & 155), but takes very little notice of sociopolitical developments. We live in an era of conflict with Islamists who are trying to Islamize the globe acre by acre by mass immigration to Europe and North America, which are secular but consists of predominantly Christian population. Islamists seek a totalistic worldwide application of Islamic law, the Shari `a, while the violent arm of the Islamist movement attempts to silence free speech by burning cars when Danish cartoons of Mohammed are published, by murdering film directors such as Theo Van Gogh, and forcing Pope to apologize, when he quoted a 14th century Byzantine emperor. Muslims from Jakarta to London were chanting "Death to the Pope," and burning in effigy the spiritual leader of a billion Roman Catholics. The statue of Buddha of Banyan built in 6 century A.C., was destroyed in Afghanistan; the Afghani Christian convert, Abdul Rahman was threatened with death penalty for apostasy, and fatwa was issued on Dutch politician Geert Wilders, Rushdie, Wafa Sultan, Hirsi Ali, Gillian Gibbons, and many others. Author Melanie Philips writes about United Kingdom in her book Londonistan: "There are now two Britain's," "There is the Britain that loves and would defend to the death its own historic national identity.... and the Britain that either wants to destroy it or refuses to acknowledge that it is under such threat. "And it is the latter which currently wields the levers of power."

The author's state that the behavior of some Christians is not open or uninviting; if this is the case, then how is that the Christian culture which paved the way for western civilization, prosperity, advancement in education, science, technology, and medicine? Most Western countries are secular and permit the prosperity of other faiths. Is this is the same in an Islamic country? In chapter 7 entitled; ...but I can't stand Christians who make lousy movies, the authors list movies made about Jesus; Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ, and The Da Vinci Code. These movies show that Christians tolerate films about Jesus, but how do Islamists react if movies are made about Mohammed? The authors lament that Christians impose morality; how do authors think about Islamists imposing their morality on others in their adopted countries? The authors take cheap-shots at Christian beliefs of heaven; what do they say about Islamists beliefs that they go to heaven to spend eternity with numerous virgins! Is there anything other than sex in heaven? What do women get in heaven? The authors did not research the impact of established religions on people. Christian bashing in light of Islamic terrorism suggest that author's analysis is inadequate.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this fine book and must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. First of all though, the authors identify themselves as Christians, so don't get too worked up before you know this fact. A lot of the reviews I've read for this book state they don't know who the intended audience is. Man, that blows my mind! I am most certainly of the intended audience. For years -- for decades -- I have been saying the title to this book literally over and over again to whoever will listen. It's not about God -- it's about his idiot representatives, or at least the majority of them! Talk about driving people away from God....

The authors of this book cover Christians who
* impose their morality on others
* are paranoid
* think they are correctly right and everyone else is wrongly left
* think science is the enemy
* are convinced God wants them to be rich
* fixate on the end of the world
* make lousy movies
* don't know what they believe
* think they have a monopoly on truth
* give Christ a bad name.

Wow, that covers a whole lot of people, doesn't it? The chapters that especially spoke to me were on the getting rich quick Christians (prosperity Christians) and the anti-science Christians, because these two drive me nuts more than most of the others. I guess I could lump in the ones that believe they have a monopoly on truth too. I wish some Christians could lighten up, not be such assholes, get a clue, etc., et al. This book really spoke to me, and it spoke some real truths to me as well. (It didn't hurt to see Pat Robertson get taken down a notch. LOL!) There are so many people out there -- avowed Christians -- who I would love to give this book to, but I know deep down that if I did, I would be met with Christian hostility, and that saddens me. Cause sometimes you have to look in the mirror and even though it hurts, it's often best to do.

One passage toward the end of the book stuck out for me. It said, "If Christians are going to restore the perception of Christ as he is portrayed in the New Testament, we need to be more thoughtful about our faith. Instead if spending our time lashing out at the culture ..., we should put our time to better use by trying to conform ourselves to God." That's a powerful statement, and I think it's right on. Frankly, society as a whole could benefit from America's Christians reading this book all together, and ultimately acting on what they read. Finally, the only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that I think each chapter could have been more in depth than they were. This book was clearly intended for the TV generation of those with short attention spans. Other than that, I was happy I read it.

[Bart Breen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christians often confuse Church Culture with Relevant Christianity

This is an entertaining and humorous approach to a very serious subject.

Why exactly do some Christians give Christianity such a bad name? The reality is that different religious traditions (and this is true outside of Christianity too) develop there own emphases and values over time and through constant reinforcement and indoctrination they become mantras or controlling mindsets that are no longer questioned or challenged.

There are many elements of Christianity in which this is understandible and defensible. The love of Christ for example would fall in this category and be seen in most contexts as a positive point of view.

However, in many cases, in particular the cases dealt with in this book, these points of view can clash unnecessarily with the culture, yet rather than this being seen as undesirable, the value of seeing being at odds with the culture is seen as a validation and embraced willingly and enthusiastically. That value then becomes culturally relative rather than Scripturally based in many instances.

This book addresses these issues in a folksy, humorous way that this reviewer found quite effective. It puts the cookies on the lower shelf and invites the reader to enjoy the experience.

Probably this book will appeal more to Christians wrestling with these issues than as a apologetics read for seekers coming from the outside, but it may help to address some of the stereotypes that apply that stand in the way there as well.

4 Stars

Bart Breen

[R.J. Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an encouraging book if you are like me and wish you had something else to call yourself other than "Christian". After reading this book, I don't feel so alone in a sea of people who call themselves "Christian" but are nothing like me in their beliefs or their behaviors. This book does well to identify the "fringe" sects of Christianity that give my faith such a bad name. This book also offers hope in that it directs readers to a website started by the authors that (hopefully) offers a place for Christians to connect without all the craziness or the censorship (which is something I've had to put up with on most other Christian fellowship websites). Of course, only time will tell if this movement can stand up to the seemingly inevitable trend of corruption from within, but the authors do a good job of identifying the problem and hopefully that will help.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really wanted to like this book. But I was really unsatisfied. There was a glaring factual inaccuracy where they referred to Jonestown as an "ends time" cult which is SO not right. And from then on you just find yourself questioning everything. Not to mentioning there were already some things that just seemed, I hate to say it, but ranting. I had read the reviews, but I thought since I agreed with the problems with plaguing us as Christians that I could get caught up in the rant, but I just couldn't. And it wasn't for lack of trying, truly. I didn't like the book, and I feel bad about it.

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to help over-zealous, in your face, witnessing Christians. Two Christian writers address the obnoxious behaviour of fellow Christians. Loved the Chapter titles too, I'm Fine with God...but I can't stand Christians who:
1 - Who Impose Their morality on Others
2 - Who are paranoid
3 - Who think they are correctly right and everyone else is wrong
4 - Who think science is the enemy
5 - Who are convinced God wants them rich
6 - Who fixate on the End of the World
7 - Who Make lousy movies
8 - Who Don't know what they believe
9 - Who think they have a monopoly on truth
10 - Who Give Christ a bad name

[Rachel Weis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to the title of this book immediately because I'm a Christian. I've been progressively more and more finding myself opposed to Christian conservative pundits in the media and those who raise their banner. I'm very concerned that the original message of love for God and Others is getting lost. This book expands on this issue and each of the areas that all of us Christians need to re-examine in order to really represent Christ to a hungry culture. This is an excellent book that exposes our misguided cultural ideologies and sets us back on the path of simple Christ following. It's one I want to re-read many times.

[A.C. Bauch · Rating 2 out of 5]

i wasn't sure what to expect from this book, so i'm not even sure if it filled my expectations or not. after reading other readers' reviews, i agree that i don't know who the intended audience is for this book. this book is at its best when discussing Scriptural perspectives on how Christians should behave regarding the issues mentioned in each chapter. overall, the book made some good points, but i think people would be better off reading the Bible if they want to know what God expects from us.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many other reviews I've read say they didn't understand who the attended audience was. It's for Christians with humor and non-Christians who need validation that many Christians do odd things that have nothing to do with Christ. I wish I had a copy for every member of my church and family. Each chapter is broken down into one behavior (against science, paranoid about the end times, believes in the "money cometh" theory and so on). Think of it as an extend and pre "Stuff White People Like" book.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books of all times. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed so hard people in my airplane asked me what I was reading as we were exiting the plane. It discusses a lot of inconvenient truths for many Christians out there and validated my position regarding many points. It's fun and easy to read while discussing very serious topics.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written for Christians, about Christians, by a Christian. A much better read than I expected, and a wonderfully cautionary tome for us. It does make you examine your core beliefs, are they because of faith, or religion?
I highly recommend it.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually finished this! I've only been drifting slowly through it for months now!!! It was okay...more of a ranting and raving than I thought was really beneficial to anyone's Christian walk, but the authors made some very valid points and shed some light on things you don't always think about.

[Beth Peninger]

Originally I gave this title 5 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.

The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.

[Steve Gately · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rant that anyone in a western church culture can agree with if we are honest. We have made Christianity into a sub culture that can't seem to connect with the world anymore. In fact we are just down right annoying sometimes.

[Terri Palermo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm loving the Bickel/Jantz Christianity 101 series...I'm thinking I'm just not quite ready for this one. As I'm growing stronger in my faith, I'm just not ready to read how others abuse their faith or impose it on others. I'll attempt to re-read this in about a year or so.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the topics covered in this book. These are (mostly) the same things that drive me crazy about Christians and give us a bad name. An easy, quick read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thoughtful book was written by Christians for those of us who have been victimized by the well-intentioned proselytizing of the Evangelicals and Fundamentalist factions.