What do you think?
Rate this book
Gospel of Lies
Learn how to defend yourself against Christian evangelicalism
A psychological civil war is brewing, tearing through families and friendships as belief clashes with non-belief. In today's hyper-polarized climate, evangelicalism and right-wing extremism are often seen as one and the same, intensifying the divide. Believers perceive any departure from religious tradition as a personal affront, while non-believers fear their fundamental human rights are at the mercy of the religious majority. How do you navigate such a taboo topic when the stakes feel impossibly high?
Gospel of Lies fearlessly confronts these critical issues head-on. This book offers a direct, no-nonsense guide to responding to the full spectrum of Christian rhetoric, from the seemingly innocent "How can you not believe in a god when you see the world around you?" to the fiery condemnation of "You'll regret this when you're burning in hell."
Beyond the debates, Gospel of Lies compassionately addresses the profound trauma that religion and early indoctrination can inflict. It acknowledges the lingering fears and anxieties that often persist long after faith has faded. Through eight incisive chapters, this book delves into specific doctrines, religious practices, and the author's personal experiences, providing practical responses and empowering insights.
Arm yourself with the knowledge to confidently answer apologetics-based questions, navigate challenging family conversations about non-belief, and find validation in your courageous pursuit of truth and skepticism over blind faith.
A psychological civil war is brewing, tearing through families and friendships as belief clashes with non-belief. In today's hyper-polarized climate, evangelicalism and right-wing extremism are often seen as one and the same, intensifying the divide. Believers perceive any departure from religious tradition as a personal affront, while non-believers fear their fundamental human rights are at the mercy of the religious majority. How do you navigate such a taboo topic when the stakes feel impossibly high?
Gospel of Lies fearlessly confronts these critical issues head-on. This book offers a direct, no-nonsense guide to responding to the full spectrum of Christian rhetoric, from the seemingly innocent "How can you not believe in a god when you see the world around you?" to the fiery condemnation of "You'll regret this when you're burning in hell."
Beyond the debates, Gospel of Lies compassionately addresses the profound trauma that religion and early indoctrination can inflict. It acknowledges the lingering fears and anxieties that often persist long after faith has faded. Through eight incisive chapters, this book delves into specific doctrines, religious practices, and the author's personal experiences, providing practical responses and empowering insights.
Arm yourself with the knowledge to confidently answer apologetics-based questions, navigate challenging family conversations about non-belief, and find validation in your courageous pursuit of truth and skepticism over blind faith.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 3, 2026
The author describes her challenging philosophical journey from rigid evangelical Christianity to atheism.
Interesting to read, compare and contrast the experiences of those who find fulfillment and nourishment in religion, vs. those who leave feeling dissatisfied.
Interesting to read, compare and contrast the experiences of those who find fulfillment and nourishment in religion, vs. those who leave feeling dissatisfied.
June 5, 2026
As someone who grew up immersed in this same dogma, it’s good to see that others who grew up similarly are seeing the problems with the teachings of our childhoods and doing the work to figure things out for themselves.
June 4, 2026
This is a great book for people who are recovering from religion, people deconstructing, and/or people who just want to know more about life without god/religion. Having listened to Promise for a few years now on The Line and her social media, parts of it were engaging and informative, but much of the content reiterated concepts that were already familiar to me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gospel of Lies by Promise Backlund addresses many of the popular and extremely harmful mindsets in evangelicalism and provides thoughtful counterarguments that readers can use both when conversing with other people and when doing the work of deprogramming themselves from religious indoctrination. The author includes plenty of personal anecdotes about her Christian upbringing that let readers see that yes, many families really do live like this and believe these things, but obtaining mental freedom is possible.
In reading this book, I found many parallels between my own home life and upbringing under evangelicalism. The persistent fear of hell at a very young age is one of them. I remember the dread I felt about turning thirteen because it meant I would no longer be a child; I would begin the life of a teenager. One belief I was raised with is that all children automatically get into heaven, while everyone else is a sinner whose final destination is judged by their earthly actions. As a child, I’d often wished that I would die before I turned thirteen so I’d have a guaranteed spot in heaven and wouldn’t have the potential of hell hanging over my head for the rest of my life. Super fun things for a kid to be worried about.
It’s hard to tell people about the beliefs and behaviors prevalent in this religion when they haven’t lived that reality, because so much of it is completely absurd. To other people, it all just becomes a joke. Something not real and not worth listening to. Like we’re the insane ones for giving any weight to it, as if we had any control over the way we were raised or the brainwashing we’ve endured.
In each chapter, the arguments that Backlund presents against popular ideas in Christianity are helpful and enlightening for alleviating personal fear and beginning the process of peeling back layers to find the truth. I likely won’t be engaging in any debates any time soon because they’re not worth my sanity, but there are plenty of effective talking points to share with people who are actually willing to listen and consider. The inclusion of Bible verses throughout also makes it easier to connect evangelical beliefs with the source and see for yourself the points that Backlund makes in the text.
Ultimately, the message to walk away with is that it’s up to us to save ourselves in this world. It’s better to spend time honoring yourself, doing things you love, and helping other people in whatever ways you can than waiting on a deity to come in and fix everything for you. So many people waste their whole lives on fear and misplaced belief when there are simpler answers that don’t require you to undergo lasting trauma.
review cross-posted on my blog
In reading this book, I found many parallels between my own home life and upbringing under evangelicalism. The persistent fear of hell at a very young age is one of them. I remember the dread I felt about turning thirteen because it meant I would no longer be a child; I would begin the life of a teenager. One belief I was raised with is that all children automatically get into heaven, while everyone else is a sinner whose final destination is judged by their earthly actions. As a child, I’d often wished that I would die before I turned thirteen so I’d have a guaranteed spot in heaven and wouldn’t have the potential of hell hanging over my head for the rest of my life. Super fun things for a kid to be worried about.
It’s hard to tell people about the beliefs and behaviors prevalent in this religion when they haven’t lived that reality, because so much of it is completely absurd. To other people, it all just becomes a joke. Something not real and not worth listening to. Like we’re the insane ones for giving any weight to it, as if we had any control over the way we were raised or the brainwashing we’ve endured.
In each chapter, the arguments that Backlund presents against popular ideas in Christianity are helpful and enlightening for alleviating personal fear and beginning the process of peeling back layers to find the truth. I likely won’t be engaging in any debates any time soon because they’re not worth my sanity, but there are plenty of effective talking points to share with people who are actually willing to listen and consider. The inclusion of Bible verses throughout also makes it easier to connect evangelical beliefs with the source and see for yourself the points that Backlund makes in the text.
Ultimately, the message to walk away with is that it’s up to us to save ourselves in this world. It’s better to spend time honoring yourself, doing things you love, and helping other people in whatever ways you can than waiting on a deity to come in and fix everything for you. So many people waste their whole lives on fear and misplaced belief when there are simpler answers that don’t require you to undergo lasting trauma.
review cross-posted on my blog
June 11, 2026
A Thought Provoking and Courageous Read
Gospel of Lies by Promise Backlund is a bold, insightful, and deeply personal exploration of the impact of evangelical extremism on individuals, families, and communities. Backlund combines personal experience, psychological analysis, and cultural commentary to examine how rigid belief systems can shape identity, relationships, and worldviews.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its willingness to tackle difficult and often uncomfortable subjects with clarity and conviction. Rather than simply criticizing religion, the author focuses on the emotional and psychological effects of dogmatic thinking, offering readers valuable insight into why belief systems can become so influential and divisive.
The writing is engaging, accessible, and thought provoking. Whether you agree with every argument or not, the book encourages critical thinking and self reflection. Backlund presents complex issues in a way that is both informative and relatable, making the book appealing to readers interested in psychology, religion, social dynamics, and personal growth.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on understanding and healing. It speaks directly to those who have struggled with religious trauma, questioned long held beliefs, or sought to rebuild their identity outside of restrictive environments.
Gospel of Lies is a courageous and timely work that sparks meaningful conversation about faith, freedom of thought, and personal autonomy. It is a powerful read for anyone interested in examining the intersection of belief, culture, and human psychology.
A compelling, honest, and intellectually engaging book that challenges readers to think deeply about the beliefs that shape their lives.
Gospel of Lies by Promise Backlund is a bold, insightful, and deeply personal exploration of the impact of evangelical extremism on individuals, families, and communities. Backlund combines personal experience, psychological analysis, and cultural commentary to examine how rigid belief systems can shape identity, relationships, and worldviews.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its willingness to tackle difficult and often uncomfortable subjects with clarity and conviction. Rather than simply criticizing religion, the author focuses on the emotional and psychological effects of dogmatic thinking, offering readers valuable insight into why belief systems can become so influential and divisive.
The writing is engaging, accessible, and thought provoking. Whether you agree with every argument or not, the book encourages critical thinking and self reflection. Backlund presents complex issues in a way that is both informative and relatable, making the book appealing to readers interested in psychology, religion, social dynamics, and personal growth.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its emphasis on understanding and healing. It speaks directly to those who have struggled with religious trauma, questioned long held beliefs, or sought to rebuild their identity outside of restrictive environments.
Gospel of Lies is a courageous and timely work that sparks meaningful conversation about faith, freedom of thought, and personal autonomy. It is a powerful read for anyone interested in examining the intersection of belief, culture, and human psychology.
A compelling, honest, and intellectually engaging book that challenges readers to think deeply about the beliefs that shape their lives.
June 26, 2026
Few books have resonated with me as deeply as Gospel of Lies by Promise Backlund. What makes this work so remarkable is not only its subject matter, but the care, intelligence, and nuance with which it is written. Backlund tackles difficult questions about faith, truth, identity, and belief with a voice that is both compassionate and unflinchingly honest.
The writing is thoughtful, engaging, and meticulously crafted. Rather than relying on caricatures or simplistic arguments, Backlund presents a deeply human story that invites readers to think critically.
Reading Gospel of Lies felt, at times, like reading parts of my own story. Backlund captures the emotional complexity of reevaluating faith: the fear of questioning, the guilt that can accompany doubt, the tension between loyalty to loved ones and loyalty to truth, and finally the sense of liberation that comes from following evidence and reason wherever they lead.
Gospel of Lies is an exceptionally well-written and thought-provoking work. Whether readers ultimately agree with its conclusions or not, they will find themselves challenged to think more carefully about faith, truth, and the stories we inherit. For anyone who has ever questioned what they were taught to believe—or who values critical thinking and intellectual honesty—this book is well worth reading.
The writing is thoughtful, engaging, and meticulously crafted. Rather than relying on caricatures or simplistic arguments, Backlund presents a deeply human story that invites readers to think critically.
Reading Gospel of Lies felt, at times, like reading parts of my own story. Backlund captures the emotional complexity of reevaluating faith: the fear of questioning, the guilt that can accompany doubt, the tension between loyalty to loved ones and loyalty to truth, and finally the sense of liberation that comes from following evidence and reason wherever they lead.
Gospel of Lies is an exceptionally well-written and thought-provoking work. Whether readers ultimately agree with its conclusions or not, they will find themselves challenged to think more carefully about faith, truth, and the stories we inherit. For anyone who has ever questioned what they were taught to believe—or who values critical thinking and intellectual honesty—this book is well worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
I am an evangelical Christian. I expected this book to be hard for me to read, and it was. I have tried very hard to base my rating on the quality of the writing in this book and not on worldview. With that said, my only real critique is that for most of the book, I didn't have a clear understanding of what the author's goal was. The first half seemed to be something between a memoir and apologetics, and I was finding the apologetics lacking a bit. However, once the author made clear that she simply wanted to share her experiences and encourage people to think about what they have been told about God, considering whether it makes sense to them, the book came into focus for me. I received an arc of this book from Publisher's Weekly, and while I can't say it was an enjoyable read for me, I can say that I believe there is value in listening to the views of people who believe differently than I do.
June 19, 2026
I left Mormonism nearly 20 years ago, and leaving a high-demand religion is never easy and can be quite lonely. I was frequently surprised as I read *Gospel of Lies* just how much I related to Promise and her experience. As she discussed topics like purity culture, black-and-white thinking, and problematic scripture, I was struck by how similar her journey was to my own.
I only wish I had a book like this years ago to help me understand the questions I should have been asking and how to respond to the criticism I faced for leaving. Back then, there was no social media or easily accessible ex-religious community to lean on. I highly recommend *Gospel of Lies* to anyone struggling with doubts or questions about their faith; it provides essential tools for thinking critically when everything you thought you knew about reality is shifting.
I only wish I had a book like this years ago to help me understand the questions I should have been asking and how to respond to the criticism I faced for leaving. Back then, there was no social media or easily accessible ex-religious community to lean on. I highly recommend *Gospel of Lies* to anyone struggling with doubts or questions about their faith; it provides essential tools for thinking critically when everything you thought you knew about reality is shifting.
June 16, 2026
What a great book this is! It's an excellent primer on the process of deconstruction, deconversion, atheism, critical thinking about religion, and so much more. Backlund is very good writer, and tackles difficult, abstract concepts in a way that is both understandable and relatable. Just her chapters on grief and morality alone ("Tiny Little Funerals" and "Good and Godless") are worth the cover price. And the lists of "Common Arguments You'll Hear" in each chapter help to bring the concepts she discusses into focus and into our practical experience.
This book is a great achievement and a valuable read for anyone who is either within religion, thinking of leaving religion, or who has already exited religion, especially if it's the American brand of evangelical Christianity.
This book is a great achievement and a valuable read for anyone who is either within religion, thinking of leaving religion, or who has already exited religion, especially if it's the American brand of evangelical Christianity.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gospel of Lies gives a clear and personal view of what it’s like to grow up in evangelical Christianity and what happens when you start to question those beliefs.
Promise Backlund uses her own story to show how fear, especially fear of hell, Satan, and control, can shape how people think and live. The book is most powerful when it links belief to fear and shows the lasting mental and emotional effects.
The book’s structure keeps the pace lively. Each section covers a new topic and questions common arguments, so it feels more like a conversation than a lecture.
This book takes a clear stance against certain beliefs, so it will not resonate with everyone.
Promise Backlund uses her own story to show how fear, especially fear of hell, Satan, and control, can shape how people think and live. The book is most powerful when it links belief to fear and shows the lasting mental and emotional effects.
The book’s structure keeps the pace lively. Each section covers a new topic and questions common arguments, so it feels more like a conversation than a lecture.
This book takes a clear stance against certain beliefs, so it will not resonate with everyone.
June 16, 2026
As an ex Christian this book helped me put words to all the feelings I've dealt with since deconstructing. Its written so intelligently and is very easy to read. If you've left religion behind, this book is a must read. If you currently are a part of religion, it's a must read to understand why people leave so often.
June 6, 2026
The book’s structure keeps the pace lively. Each section covers a new topic and questions common arguments, so it feels more like a conversation than a lecture.
This book takes a clear stance against certain beliefs, so it will not resonate with everyone
This book takes a clear stance against certain beliefs, so it will not resonate with everyone
June 22, 2026
4.5 stars
So real, so raw, literally almost cried near the end. I didn't grow up evangelical, but there was a lot more overlap between evangelical and fundie teachings than my parents would like to admit that I didn't really realize until this book.
So real, so raw, literally almost cried near the end. I didn't grow up evangelical, but there was a lot more overlap between evangelical and fundie teachings than my parents would like to admit that I didn't really realize until this book.
June 23, 2026
“Evangelicalism cost me my identity…Leaving religion gave me the gift of ME.” 😭😭😭
Thank you Promise for putting all of this into a book! Wish I could give it to some of my friends and family to read with an open mind. 🫶
Thank you Promise for putting all of this into a book! Wish I could give it to some of my friends and family to read with an open mind. 🫶
June 26, 2026
I think this is a thought-provoking and personal book that challenges religious beliefs while exploring the emotional impact of growing up in evangelical Christianity. Backlund writes with honesty and passion, making the book feel both reflective and engaging. Even when it tackles heavy topics, it encourages readers to think deeply and question long-held ideas.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews