Relearning Jesus: How Reading the Beatitudes One More Time Changed My Faith

by Matthew Paul Turner

For Matthew Paul Turner, a spiritual drought was stretching into a desert. From his upbringing in a traditional church, to his stint as the editor of CCM Magazine, to his successful career as an author, Turner had long figured God out.

Yet despite his faith-based bona fides, Turner was now facing a sobering He couldn't seem to connect with the Jesus who had always seemed so available. In his desperation, Turner revisited Christ's most provocative message, the Beatitudes.  What he discovered led him to relearn his faith, his life, and his God.

Join popular author and humorist Matthew Paul Turner on a quest to discover just who Jesus is. Here Turner applies his x-ray insights and biting wit to cut through don't-ask-questions dogma, revealing authentic, transformative truths. More than one man's spiritual manifesto, Relearning Jesus is a dialogue, a shared journey, and a reintroduction to our Savior.

Genres: Religion, Christianity, Ebooks, Nonfiction

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Matthew Paul Turner has made his mark as a force in the Christian children's book publishing market. With his unmatched gift for rhyme blended with deliberate messages of hope and empowerment, Turner's books When God Made You and When God Made Light have become bedtime favorites for families across America. His latest anticipated release is When I Pray for You, which will debut in February 2019.

Turner's storied writing career started nearly 20 years ago, and he has published a book every year. Called “one of Christianity’s fresh voices” by Publisher’s Weekly, Turner's other notable works include Our Great Big American God, Churched, Coffeehouse Gospel and The Christian Culture Survival Guide.

When God Made You was an Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Bestseller, described as “‘Oh, the Places You'll Go' meets the Divine” by recording artist Amy Grant.

Additionally, Turner is an accomplished photographer and journalist. Turner traveled all over the world documenting National Geographic’s “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman”. For the past decade, he has also traveled extensively with World Vision to places such as Tacloban, Philippines; Entebbe, Uganda; Cochabamba, Bolivia; Gyumri, Armenia; and other locations documenting the vast effects of poverty and the humanitarian efforts of the non-profit. His writing has appeared in outlets that include the Washington Post, National Geographic, USA Today and Daily Beast.

Turner lives in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Jessica and their three elementary-aged children. In his free time, he enjoys portrait photography, woodworking, and cooking for his family and friends. Connect with him at www.matthewpaulturner.com

Reviews

[Trace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could say a lot about this book, but its easy to be a critic so I'll keep it brief-ish. This author had great reviews and his writing style is easy to read. If you like story after story after story without major points ever being made then this book is for you. If you like self-deprecating authors who admit their sin and baggage in a way that is trying to sound real and honest, but really has a tone of "I've been there, still am there sometimes, and I'm still very self centered" to their words; you'll love this stuff. Matthew Turner likes to tell stories and try to not be programmed or come off legalistic in his writing. I think this book might be really encouraging for a high school student who just needs to know Jesus still loves you and shows grace even though you suck. However, this is not a challenging or thought provoking book. More truth about Jesus that we know from Scripture and less opinion based on almost 100% personal stories would have made this book a lot better. The title is misleading because it gave the impression that it was a study or at least walk through the Beatitudes.
Instead, Turner quotes some random line and then a verse from the Beatitudes and then just talks about how his life has pertained to that line. Grace, humility, love, never arriving, perfection as the enemy...this book seems like something right out of pop culture Christianity and all-in-all reminded me of the people you meet in college who really like to talk about Jesus, but don't seem to have ever laid their lives down as a sacrifice for Him.

[Ben Zajdel]

Matthew Paul Turner takes another look at the Sermon on the Mount in Relearning Jesus. As usual, it is written in the casual and thoughtful tone that Turner is known for, and the book delivers like his books usually do.

There is nothing really new about this book; there have been countless books on the Beatitudes. What's different is the personal nature of Turner's work. He doesn't try to break each beatitude into a million pieces or discuss their theological significance. He simply relates how he has tried to implement the beatitudes in his own life, and the affect is has had in his life. The result is a humbling work that makes you feel human and capable of living as a Christian. Turner relates personal stories of mercy, peace, and humility in his life, noting successes and failures. The book culminates in an interview with Unknown Preacher Guy, who is an actual pastor and respected theologian, but remains anonymous in this book. The interview gives another perspective on the Beatitudes.

This is a quick read that is refreshing. It's a great read on your lunch break, helping you realize that there are other people struggling with the same issues of Christianity that you are.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would consider Matthew Paul Turner one of my favorite authors of all time...I pretty much gobble up everything I read by him in a matter of days, while chewing on his wisdom for weeks! This book was no different! I found his words to be challenging in the sense of calling me to stop trying to get this faith thing right and instead to just be god's child! His words spoke to me once again about the concept of grace and also the understanding that life if about loving god and loving others...everything else flows out of that!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the author's writing style too prone to vagaries and that annoyed me. Still, when I could look beyond all the metaphors he was using, there was a message there that I needed to hear.

[Daniel Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant enough read. There are some nice stores that Matthew Paul Turner sprinkles throughout. I do like how each topic is explored through specific experiences of the author.