Separation of Church and Hate

by John Fugelsang

A deeply irreverent and Biblically correct takedown of the far-right and their co-opting of religion, and guide to engaging them in effective conversational combat

For more than two centuries the United States constitution has given Americans the right to live in a society where church and state exist independently and without conflict. So why is Christianity suddenly being co-opted by far-right groups, politicians, friends, and family members to justify oppressive and unequal policies? And how do we fight back against those acting—literally—in bad faith?

Separation of Church and Hate, by comedian and TV and radio host John Fugelsang—himself the child of a former Catholic nun and Franciscan brother—finally offers the answers. In this informative, perspective-shifting guide, Fugelsang takes readers through common talking points and arguments—God condemns abortion, gay marriage is a sin, guns are an ordained right, and more—and exposes their hypocrisy and inaccuracy through scripture, philosophy, and plain old common sense.

Told with Fugelsang’s trademark blend of radical honesty, relevant humor, and deep political and religious knowledge, Separation of Church and Hate is the book every American today needs. It's a return to civility, a rallying cry for compassion and clarity, and a reclamation of the values and truths Americans hold dear. It's for anyone raised Christian but now disillusioned by organized religion; for Democrats, progressives, liberals, and moderates fed up with the right wing pretending to own Christianity; for atheists, agnostics, and any one of any faith who's sick of fundamentalists cloaking hatred in religion. It's for everyone who's realized that one doesn't have to subscribe to a religion to be a good person.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Politics, Audiobook, History, Humor, Faith

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2025

About the author

John Joseph Fugelsang is an American actor, comedian, writer, television host, political commentator and television personality.

In addition to his appearances on the late-night political talk show Politically Incorrect (1993–2002), Fugelsang has been a contributor to HuffPost weblog.

He is a regular commentator and guest on nationally syndicated progressive radio program The Stephanie Miller Show, and has served as guest host on occasion. His usual guest spot on the show is called "Fridays with Fugelsang." He also tours alongside Miller and comedian/musician Hal Sparks as part of the Sexy Liberal Comedy Show. For 2017, the tour is now called "Sexy Liberal Resistance Tour" along with Frangela (Frances Callier and Angela Shelton). The first show for the new tour was at the Barrymore, April 22, 2017, Madison, WI.

He's been featured on CNN, Fox News, Dennis Miller, The Young Turks, Air America, CNBC, and MSNBC. He served as the host on the Current TV political talk show, So That Happened. Additionally, he has contributed to Current TV's coverage of the 2012 presidential campaign. In an appearance on CNN in 2012, a question of his prompted the Romney campaign's Etch-a-sketch gaffe. On January 6, 2013, he replaced Eliot Spitzer as host of Viewpoint on Current TV; however, Current TV was bought by Al Jazeera America later in 2013. Since January 12, 2015, Fugelsang has been hosting Tell Me Everything, a talk show on Sirius XM Insight.

Reviews

[Richard Propes · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know John Fugelsang, either as a podcast host, actor, comedian or otherwise, then you likely have a good idea of what to expect from Fugelsang's "Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds."

"Separation of Church and Hate" likely qualifies as a no-holds barred approach toward taking the Bible back from the Christian nationalism that currently permeates throughout American politics and from a far-right Christianity that often weaponizes what it means to be Christian.

I suppose "Separation of Church and Hate" is, in fact, no-holds barred. However, Fugelsang infuses these brief yet pointed essays with such humor and humanity that it lacks the often tit-for-tat approach of many who've written on these subjects in written years.

While one may quickly dismiss such a book written by, gasp, a comedian, Fugelsang is the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother who's well-informed, intelligent, and insightful while also being absolutely relentless in a way that brings to mind the likes of George Carlin and Christopher Hitchens among others.

"Separation of Church and Hate" is funny. However, you absolutely won't miss Fugelsang's point that Christianity has been hijacked by far-right groups and politicians bent on imposing their narrow views on government and society to justify their oppressive and bad faith.

There's really not a fundamentalist argument not addressed here - abortion, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and others. Fugelsang digs through scripture and biblical history to right wrongs, expose hypocrisy, and outright call-out those who would misuse scripture for their own agendas.

Along the way, the Fugelsang that we know and love rises to the surface. This isn't written from a political agenda, per se. This isn't necessarily written from a point of actual argument. Fugelsang is fighting, however, he's fighting to reclaim a Christianity embodied by love, mercy, and service. It would be easy for "Separation of Church and Hate" to spiral into a different kind of hate, however, what excites me most within the pages of "Separation of Church and Hate" is that Fugelsang radiates love and compassion throughout while still relentlessly making point after point.

You can likely imagine that "Separation of Church and Hate" won't be embraced by everyone, however, for those who long to restore sanity to the public and private expression of what it means to be a Christian this is a vital, necessary, funny, and well-informed exploration and, yes, "calling" to make that happen.

[Rhonda Rubalcaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was really unexpected 😮 5 STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for sure!!! I was not familiar with this author/comedian so I had not anticipated this book to be so hilarious.

Coming into this book I'd expected a really aggressive argument especially given the title and cover......and it was a very thorough argument 🤔 but not really aggressive. The book had lots of humor which I think really helped digest such a difficult subject matter.

Another thing I really enjoyed about this book was how it was organized. So often I'll pick up a book wanting to feel empowered when all I end up feeling is stressed out, tired and hopeless. That's definitely NOT this book. I really appreciated how it was laid out like a guide book, going section by section with different arguments one may have with people pushing Christian hate. (I mean it LITERALLY says 'guide' on the front 😅 but come on we've all picked up books that are supposed to be helpful but they really aren't, so kudos to this author for writing an ACTUALLY helpful book 😊)

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reader copy of this book. This review was written voluntarily.

I think you may enjoy this book if like me, you are confused on why a religion preaching love and acceptance is now seen as hateful and hostile.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote this book because I was tired of fundamentalists distorting the Bible, tired of watching the faith of my parents used as cover for meanness. Everyone reading this probably knows someone who's a captive of toxic Christianity. For many of us, these aren't crazed zealots and nationalists; they're our neighbors, coworkers, old friends, family members. We can't despise them back. We just can't.

Before reading this wonderfully informative and refreshingly hilarious book, I was only slightly aware of John Fugelsang as a comedian. (I haven't really followed a comedian since Margaret Cho in her earlier days.) 

It's likely I'll be following Fugelsang more closely in the days ahead. It wasn't just that I was greatly impressed by this book (though I was), I felt like I was waiting for a book like this for most of my life. ~ and I didn't know it. 

The quote above elucidates the author's mission. Unlike the lip service provided by The Blues Brothers, Fugelsang really *is* on a mission from God. Maybe directly, maybe not, it doesn't matter; the result comes to the same thing: clarity on what is written in the Bible and on what Jesus is still saying. 

I would venture so far as to say that - even if you're not sold on the whole 'Jesus thing' - if you're just not inclined to be a believer or if you have been so turned off by how Christianity 'presents itself' that you turn a deaf ear when the subject comes up - there's a very solid likelihood that you'll be won over by Fugelsang's very engaging approach. 

Come for the jokes; stay for the pragmatism.

There's an argument for thinking Fugelsang may have just been luckier in life:

I've been blessed with relations who've been White, Black, and Latino; gay and transgender; cops and convicts; military members, teachers, chefs, immigrants, DREAMers and firefighters; hardcore right-wingers, reasonable Libertarians, compassionate lefties, and the happily politically apathetic. I've had Muslim cousins, Jewish in-laws, an atheist brother, and an ex-nun mother. I don't get to hate *anybody*.

To have reached the wisdom of his conclusion, his life may certainly have benefitted from leaning more DEI. But, more than that, Fugelsang will lay out why *nobody* gets to hate anybody. 

People can make uninformed choices regardless of what surrounds and / or tries to influence them. That's because, unlike being born Black, or gay - or basically anything that can face bigotry - love is a choice. It's the only choice that really matters. As Fugelsang's book deduces time and again (and then again), being inextricably hooked into the concept of love is what's being asked of anyone following Jesus. 

All the other stuff - i.e., the hate stuff - doesn't apply. Neither is there a way to justify (esp. things like cherry-picking for 'comfort verses') without corrupting what Jesus commands.

When I say that Fugelsang handles all of this with humor, I don't mean that his delivery comes at you with the stand-up comic's steady flow of verbal jabs and punches (complete with cymbal clashes). What's front and center is his careful, seemingly exhaustive research - balanced by deliciously dry wit. 

It's not only a fun / informative read, but it also makes for ready ammunition when you might find yourself up against someone eager to put you in your place re: what the Bible actually says.

Over the years, I've read the Bible three times, cover to cover. It's even more complex and richly textured than it's given credit for being. And, as Fugelsang shows at length, it's wildly open to interpretation and misinterpretation. One of my favorites among the author's examples of demystification is his section on the 'shadowy' Onan:

Back in the day, old Judah had two grown sons--Onan and his older brother Er. And Er was an evil man, "wicked in the eyes of the Lord," possibly with unresolved anger over being named Er.

I haven't really read the Bible lately but this book suggests to the reader that daily Bible reading isn't nearly as important as getting the Bible basics down... accurately... so that you're equipped with more than just The Bullet Points.

This isn't a book that's preaching to the choir; instead it wants to help choir members remember exactly why they're *in* the choir in the first place. As for those not already in the choir - you're still going to meet one very funny guy by way of this book. To paraphrase the song... 'Let him entertain you...' (maybe after seeing him interviewed anywhere on YouTube; he's delightful).

[Erin]

ARC for review. To be published August 25, 2025.

DNF at 20%

This book would be great for the right person, but that person isn’t me. It basically shows you how to use the very words of the Bible to fight back against horrible people, so you can use chapter and verse to counteract their hate. I would never manage to remember any of it and would just look like a fool. I love to see people do it, though, so I’m glad this book is out there!

[Pseudonymous d'Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

__________________________
You may hate this book, or you may have a relative like my cousin Eponymous. (I’m not sure that is his real name, he always was a secretive SOG). Anyway, for many years Epo, kept sending me religious tracts authored by himself about the imminent coming of doomsday and jeremiads on illegal immigrants, socialistic government programs like Obamacare, and the evils of gun control. Recently, however, he has given up on the doomsday thing. It has disappointed him. This surprised me since current events have convinced me that the Doom has finally come to the USA.

Separation of Church and Hate is a disputation of some of the most radical beliefs of the fundamentalist far-right Christian Nationalist movement that the author believes is not truly Christian. As he says, “This book is not an attack on God, Jesus, or Christianity. It’s not designed to ridicule people of faith or mock belief. It’s not another atheist manifesto, and it won’t try to convince you that religious people are superstitious or dumb.”

Now, I’m not a religious guy. Oh, when I was in middle school I had enough Sunday School medals pinned to my suit coat to make a Russian general green with envy. I also attended a church-related college where I had to attend chapel every Wednesday at 10 and was required to take at least 2 courses in Judeo-Christian Tradition in order to graduate. And when my Judeo-Christian prof, Doctor Ahlers, was working on his PhD at the University of Chicago, he studied under the tutelage of the renowned and highly respected highbrow theologian Paul Tillich, so virtually everything Professor Ahlers said went so far over my head that I almost drowned. As a result, except for weddings, funerals, and other traditional rites, I haven’t been to church since—well, except to take the following photo.




I didn’t decide to read Separation of Church and Hate because I have renewed my interest in religion, but because I’m liberal-centrist Buffy the Vampire Slayer wannabe spoiling for a fight.

Here are some examples of Fugelsang's arguments from the book.

__________________________
On Women
Many of the extremists in the Christian Nationalist movement quote the Old Testament to prove that women are inferior to men, that they shouldn’t be educated, and that God has proclaimed that they should obey their husbands as if their husbands were their god. The infamous evangelical Pat Robertson famously warned that feminism encourages women to “leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians.” As the author says, “ Oh, God. Imagine how bad these men must’ve been at basic foreplay.”

In the reply to this modern He-Man, Woman-Haters Club, Fuselsang, quotes verses from Jesus and his philosophy which show that Jesus treated women as equals to men and included them in his ministry and considered one woman to be one of his best scholars among his disciples.

__________________________
On The Poor
“Jerry Falwell and his allies vilified poverty itself as a result of personal failings—and the intoxicating allure of welfare dependency. Believing that economically struggling people are lazy enough to deserve their suffering permits us to internally justify policies that reduce support for those in need. . . .

John Fugelsang argues that “Christianity is under attack—but by divisive right-wing fundamentalists who publicly worship Jesus while fighting against, voting against, and legislating against his actual commandments. Help the poor? No.” Jesus preached against who make a show out of being openly religious but are indifferent to the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the immigrants, and the incarcerated, the lowest of the low. He said that how his followers treat disadvantaged people is a true reflection on their understanding of Christian philosophy. Jesus said his followers must help the poor—I’m not sure if this commandment also applies to megachurch pastors who are so poor they want their flock to pay for their private jets.

__________________________
On Illegal Immigrants
Many extreme fundamentalists claim to be Christians express hate immigrants and approve of having them arrested, separating them from their children, and sending them to foreign torture prisons. However, the author shows that this is against biblical commandments.

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself. Leviticus 19:34.
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner. Exodus 22:21
__________________________

John Fugelsang recommends that the best way to argue with such “misinformed” extremists, is simply to ask them questions about what Jesus and the Bible say about topics like the one’s listed above. They won’t accept your argument, and they will probably punch you in the cheek, and then smite you in the other cheek when your head is turned,

🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars. Fugelsang’s book reminds us that Christianity’s core message is compassion, not exclusion. In a time when faith is often weaponized, Separation of Church and Hate is a sharp, witty, and important rebuttal.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Jesus in Luke 6:46

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who's now agnostic with religious trauma, I found Separation of Church and Hate surprisingly engaging. The author presents thoughtful questions and strong rebuttals to fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible, without being preachy. It offers a refreshing, sane voice in conversations that are often hijacked by extremism. Even if you don’t share the faith, it’s a fascinating read on how religion can be reclaimed from those who twist it for power or profit.

[Irla Atanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review and rant time! I didn't realize how much I needed this book as someone who is still trying to hold onto a faith that feels fleeting. After listening to Fugelson's thoughtful - and often times hilarious - book, I find myself more equip to rebuke the right-wing, super masculine, warrior Jesus Christian nationalists have created to serve an ungodly, unscriptural purpose. This book was a good reminder that organized religion and individual spirituality/ faith are not the same. Like the author, I too am tired of fundamentalists distorting the Bible and Christians weaponizing the name of Jesus for the sake of what they call "truth". And this book was a good reminder that a combination of empathy, love and critical thinking are necessary to thoughtfully engage especially when fatigue and disillusionment are overwhelming. This quote at the end really left me thinking: "changing your mind about religion is the most spiritual thing you can do." As I look back on my own faith journey, I find hope in a lot of the spiritual changes that have brought me closer to Christ.

[Brooke (~!Books are my Favorite!!~) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus was a feminist who took care of the sick and welcomed the stranger.

[Aric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty rebuke of those who deliberately cherry-pick and misinterpret the Bible to justify their philosophies—delivered with sharp biblical insight and humor that progressive readers will value. Perhaps it will even reach some who need it most.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an advanced copy that I won in a Goodreads contest.
The author starts off by saying there will be redundant parts as he goes through each issue. Its true.
I’ve heard of Fugelsang but didn’t know his background or upbringing. His introduction gives credibility to his knowledge and the book. This isn’t about pointing out inconsistencies or fantastical parts of the Bible nor does he mock religious believers. He does take issue with people that call themselves religious that may not have read the actual Bible.
I was glued to the first 100 pages and like he said, it did get slow and at times redundant. He goes through Deuteronomy and the laws issued there.
He also explains a phrase we heard a million times. “Blood of the new and everlasting covenant.” Yeah, Jesus put in new rules. Not with violence. Not with hate. Not with mocking. Jesus actually points out inconsistencies in belief in practice of the time. It still applies to today.
Fugelsang gets into slavery, women’s rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ rights. Each time the Bible was used to maintain the worst side when Jesus either had no saying or was against holding people down.
There is a little humor mixed in so this isn’t preachy.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically, just love others :)

As someone who was raised Christian in a community that didn’t welcome difference and provided no education on anything outside of the churches demographic, this book was great. As I got older I constantly rejected “Christian” ideals because I couldn’t understand how good people would go to Hell- If in fact God was good.

This book has corrected many of my previous thoughts about Jesus and Christianity, it has given me the tools to question why I was taught things inherently different from the word of God, and has helped me feel comfortable in my religion again (because love is the only religion that matters)

[Jeannie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was both unsettling and enlightening. If you are struggling to reconcile the insanity that is our world, this may help you. I have learned a lot and also taking the steps to unlearn some things. Personal spiritual evolution is a powerful thing.

[Bailey Toms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate is not a Christian value 😍

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have been struggling lately with the duality of growing up being taught to love Jesus and then looking around today and being so confused about who these people think Jesus was. This book put so much of what I feel into words. Although Fugelsang has a few viewpoints I’m still definitely farther left on, I found a lot of what he said was so validating. Still not sure what I think about all the Christianity stuff, but I could definitely get on board with red letter Christianity a lot quicker than I can with mainstream American Christianity. I also think it’s very logical to approach political debates with Christians using the Bible as a basis for truth since that’s where those people are coming from. Super logical and also like so funny bc the Jesus vibes vs the Paul vibes/fundamentalist vibes are so not the same thing. We love socialist minority Jesus. Also loved the humor. Great book.

[Micah McCarty · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I agreed with nearly all of this guys interpretation of Scripture I don't really know who this book is for. It's too snarky to be read by the people who need to hear it. And if it's just to prepare people who believe this way to talk to those who are still fundamentalists there is too little compassion or empathy towards their position. He's funny and this is a well researched book. I just don't see it bridging any gaps between the camps.

[༺ Jason ༻ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book finds you at the right place and right time. I never heard of the author but the topic is so fascinating. Questions I always wondered but no one never gave me an answer I felt right about or conflicted with other teachings….until now. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A book I will definitely return to again and again.

[Abby Berchtold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned some shit and I plan to use it

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a terrific book. Who would expect to laugh out loud frequently while reading a book about Christian theology? I want to buy copies of this book and thrust it into the hands of my my relatives! I enjoy listening to the author's comments on his podcast and when he's a guest every Friday on one of my favorite podcasts, "Daily Beans." Well done, John Fugelsang. At the core of this book, the message of love and humility present in the words of Jesus is in contrast with the messages of hate spewing from the mouths and laptops of Christian Nationalists. The book is an excellent expose' of false Christianity in our current politics and policies.

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed reading this. At first I was a little nervous as it’s too easy to twist things to fit whatever narrative you are looking for these days. As someone who believes in Jesus and tries to live my life following His words, I was leery that this was going to be against everything I believe in. It was refreshing to see the author quote scripture, and I could pull it up in my bible to see the context that both Jesus and the author were communicating. There are very good questions inside the book to help in dialog with others if you need them. I recommend the book if you were ever on the fence about it.

[Abby Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

As anyone with my upbringing could attest, there was nothing really new in this book, other than how truthfully it was presented when the norm amongst church leaders was to mislead as much as possible. I found it to be a fast and interesting read. Some days, I really think I’m losing my mind with everything, so it is grounding to read something like this to remember that I’m not the crazy one, to remember how things are getting so twisted to justify horrific things. John Fugelsang is utterly engaging and genuinely cares about a faith that has meant so much to him. He provides talking points for debating, but I pretty much skimmed through those parts since I’ve made the choice to stop arguing with people who don’t actually care what you have to say. Regardless of where you fall on the journey, this is a must read.

[Emma Boggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, will read again to prep for Thanksgiving dinner convo

[Candace Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate that scripture was used to give counter arguments to the current Christian nationalist interpretations of the Bible. I feel like the only way to fight this movement is for Christians to use the Bible to highlight what Jesus was trying to show us was the way. I probably enjoyed this book more because it aligned with my own views. Unfortunately, I don't think people that would benefit most from this book will stick with it or be receptive to the message. I did like that it encourages people to continue to respond in loving ways to those that have opposing views.

[Timothy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some good points made in this book… and a ton of biased statements. I cannot possibly break down all of it that stood out to me (positive or negative) but I’ll hit a few key points:

First, the positive. John Fugelsang is spot-on in his assessment of conservative extremists who attempt to use the Bible to justify their hatred! On every talking point focused herein, he points out very real statements made by the domestic terrorists in the book’s crosshairs. I appreciate that he focuses on the ways these people misuse Scripture, pointing a very clear picture of the multitude of failures that group has in speaking/acting out what they claim to believe. At the same time, he illustrates for the non-believers that Jesus’ teachings aren’t in the slightest bit evil — the evil seen from these people is a corruption and misapplication of Jesus’ teachings, not in any way an accurate representation of the way of life He taught in His Earthly ministry.

Now… the negative. This outweighs the positive, unfortunately: this book is full of so many biased statements and completely inaccurate assessments of the Bible; sometimes, Fugelsang even does this while sounding (in the audiobook especially) as though his misconceptions are obviously true. I can understand, however, how this could happen: accurate discernment of Scripture relies on the Holy Spirit, as it’s beyond the capabilities of any human.

The author also admits to being raised Catholic, which further explains his misconceptions and biases of Christianity — and in fact, many of his critiques both show this bias and highlight the unique ways Catholicism misses the mark (and doesn’t even hit the broad side of the barn). Also true to a Catholic upbringing, he labels Catholicism as a part of Christianity; he does the same, at one point, with Mormonism. For someone who spent so much time picking apart hypocrisy in the alt-right fascist movement, it’s interesting how Fugelsang can miss this in that regard.

Ultimately, I did learn from this book and definitely added talking points to my repertoire — but I cannot endorse it in any way, nor can I even recommend it to anyone. Read at your own risk, as the bias herein could affect someone without a well-studied understanding of the subject matter and strong, unwavering faith. I’m on board with the author’s interpretation of the false teachers on the extreme right of the political spectrum (who have taken, and attempted to redefine, Christian belief structure much like the Roman Catholic movement did so many hundreds of years ago), but tragically the book also contains a plethora of blasphemies and irreverence atop a collection of biased misconceptions. (The removal of which would seriously shorten this read, but that version may actually be worthy of endorsement)

To end on a positive note: the ending of this book contained some great points on rising above conservative bigots by striving to actually follow Jesus — being not just a Christian, but a Christ Follower — and present them with an example of what it can actually look like to practice what you preach and leave the Holy Scriptures in their original context where they belong. (I may have paraphrased that a bit)

I listened to the audiobook of this title on Audible at 1.1x speed. Around 60% through, I very nearly sped it up to 1.2x to get through it quicker — but I struggled through at a consistent speed anyway.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read. Great info and actually enjoyable.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who lament the way biblical teachings have been co-opted by Christian’s Nationalism, this book is a superb antidote with practical, bible-centered responses to the misinterpretations and selective choosing of bible verses by those who malign the LGBTQI+ community, women, and poc. Fugelsang offers a clear eyed, cogent analysis of both Jesus’s and Paul’s teachings. I learned in college about how we arrived at the bible text we have now but understand few know the history. It’s here, too. By presenting the far right’s arguments on a variety of issues, including guns and abortion, and following with counter arguments. the reader is able to internalize succinct, practical ways to talk to family and friends whose worldview and understanding of the bible and Jesus’s teachings have been influenced by right-wing charlatans such as Jerry Falwell, et al.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely write a review, and this won’t be one; for a good review read Richard Propes’ review. This book used humor and compassion to remind the reader that the whole point of “Christianity” is to follow Christ and his teachings. I have recommended this book to friends and to those I believe will be able to “hear” what the author is saying. As I rarely recommend a book that is not fantasy or some sub-genre of fiction, that is for me high praise.

[Blake Behrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irreverent in all the best ways. I don’t think I’ve laughed from joy this much from a book since ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY by David Sedaris.

This romp takes you through all the conversations you’ve had that have probably turned on you off to the body of the church, or the toxic theologians, or the backbone of the MAGA movement (Christians worshipping Alpha Jesus or whatever it is they’re doing), and points out the flaws and rebuttals.

I will likely mention this book in conversation dozens of times in the next week. And dozens upon dozens after.

[Brooke Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe we need to acknowledge, as a culture, that there are ‘Christians’ and then there are ‘Christ followers,’ and that these two groups are not necessarily the same.”

“Christian nationalists have always wielded faith as a tool of control and exclusion, prioritizing power and cultural preference over the words of Jesus. But Christ followers have always resisted these abuses and aligned themselves with the call to justice, mercy, and love. Christian nationalists have always sought cultural dominance through legislation and suppression of dissent. But the Christ followers have always stood against oppression, embodying Jesus’s teachings of justice and compassion.”

“Some of the best humans I’ve known have been Christ followers, but they weren’t Christians.”

[Kelsie Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of the snarky delivery with Fugelsang claiming his own interpretation of the Bible is absolutely correct. If it were that simple we wouldn't have so many denoms who debate it to this day. But with that being said, the core message still rings true.

Christianity in the US has widely been corrupted by hateful, self-serving, manipulative politics that don't align with Jesus' teachings. Many Christians don't realize how much they've been radicalized by propaganda that has weaponized their faith for decades. We can disagree on economic policy all day, but the demonization and dehumanization of other members of society must be called out. Especially in a country that allows for freedom of speech and religion, we need to learn to be tolerant and loving to those you disagree with instead of feeling threatened.

The book also covers the hypocrisy of typical right-wing values conflicting with other Christian values; like being pro-life while simultaneously being pro death penalty, or not wanting all families to have affirdable healthcare regardless of income, which is something that has always bothered me (I heard the "no such thing as a free lunch" spiel many times from my libertarian mom who was very into the tea party movement and conservative talk radio). Like, believe what you want, but be consistent.

And I don't want to hear "they demonize Christians too, they did X,Y,Z", yes, I see hate being tossed both ways, but as someone who claims to follow Jesus' teachings, you should know that Jesus calls us to love thy neighbor, pray for our enemies, care for the poor, and welcome the stranger, and NOT to only do those things when they agree with everything we believe.

We won't ever move forward as a country until we can all learn to love, accept, and understand each other. Maybe a big reason why a lot of people are leaving the church is because of the people in it. It's time to practice the love we preach and be a better representation of Christ and example for society.

[Chuck Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is little question that many claiming to be Christians are not. That reality creates a target rich environment for accusations of hypocritical behavior. That criticism needs to be heard by the Christian faithful and acted upon. But Fugelsang’s claims begin with his underlying assertion that evangelical Christianity is not true Christianity. He assets these believers are wrong on faith positions which they reach by “cherry-picking” Biblical passages but he does his own excision of the canon to reach his conclusions. For example, he rejects scriptures written by Paul because he wasn’t really an apostle and never met Jesus. As a result his book is little help to faithful Christians who need to demonstrate the true efficacy of the faith by conduct consistent with the teachings of the entire Bible and to call out those claiming to be Christian but demonstrating behaviors inconsistent with that claim. Fuselgang clearly doesn’t believe in a God who sent his Son to die to save sinners or in a righteous God who cannot accept sinners without that perfect sacrifice. He is a universalist, not a Christian. His worldly view of what Christianity ought to be, rather than what the Bible teaches it is, renders his book unhelpful to those who want demonstrate true Christianity and expose those who claim the faith but show hate rather than love.