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The Pursuing God: A Reckless, Irrational, Obsessed Love That's Dying to Bring Us Home
Is God lost? Many of us feel that way. It's as if God's gone missing, out in theuniverse somewhere--and we must pick up the hunt, following anytrail of breadcrumbs to go find him. We speak of "searching for God,""exploring spirituality," and "finding faith."
But what if we have it backward and God is the one pursuing us?What if our job is not to go find God, but to stop running and hiding?Not to discover the light, but step out of the shadows? Not to earnGod's love, but simply receive it?
Jesus reveals a God who comes after us, who is on the prowl, huntingdown his world for reconciliation. And the question we're left withis not whether we've been good enough, jumped high enough, orsought hard enough...
The question is: "Do we want to be found?"
-- Along the way, the book tackles tough topics like: Reclaim a greater confidence in the unrelenting goodness of God.
But what if we have it backward and God is the one pursuing us?What if our job is not to go find God, but to stop running and hiding?Not to discover the light, but step out of the shadows? Not to earnGod's love, but simply receive it?
Jesus reveals a God who comes after us, who is on the prowl, huntingdown his world for reconciliation. And the question we're left withis not whether we've been good enough, jumped high enough, orsought hard enough...
The question is: "Do we want to be found?"
-- Along the way, the book tackles tough topics like: Reclaim a greater confidence in the unrelenting goodness of God.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 29, 2016
52 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 8, 2019
I almost feel bad giving this three stars because on so many levels it was such a great book. Joshua Ryan Butler has an excellent way of painting a unique, fresh picture on timeless truths we have all heard and know. He also has many excellent tweetable soundbites. Also, it is clear he is not just writing from an ivory tower but has boots on the ground. He is living out what he believes. Here's a few excellent quotes I have pulled from this book:
"The gospel proclaims our core problem is not that God can't stand to be in the presence of sin; it's that sin can't stand to be in the presence of God."
"Before the pursuing God the question we're faced with is not whether we've searched hard enough, or explored long enough, or jumped high enough. Our question is a much simpler one: do we want to be found?"
"The cross is not happening to Jesus; Jesus is happening to the cross."
"We tend to think of ourselves as the heroes who are going to bring God's love to others, but generally we first and foremost are obstacles that must be overcome."
"The love of God does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it."
The book is loaded with excellent quotes and word pictures like this. Joshua has a way of looking at an old truth in a new and enlightening way and so I *should* be recommending this book to anyone and everyone. The problem is that he has not dug deep enough in his theological research. There are times he is giving some biblical background that is a bit off or passing on some common misconception that does not square with what is really going on in scripture. An example of both:
When talking about Jonah and his flight, Butler says that Tarshish is like "a wealthy Times Square trade center of the ancient world." Ummmm... no. The point of what he was trying to say here was that Jonah was trying to lose himself in the crowd. While Tarshish was not a small little village, it was right on the edge of the known world of Jonah's day. It was as far as one could go before dropping off the map to where later cartographers would say "here be dragons". It was most definitely not the center of anything.
When the Israelites were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain they asked Aaron step in and do something. About the resulting golden calf that was made Butler says that Israel was returning to Egypt's gods. While this is something I hear all the time regarding this story, it is patently untrue. What did Aaron say when presenting the calf to the people? "This is the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt." This is YHWH your Elohim who rescued you. Clearly, he was not going back to the gods of Egypt as Butler says (and so many others as well). The problem wasn't Israel worshiping the wrong gods but rather they were worshiping right God the wrong way.
I could point out a few other examples but I'm starting to go long in my review. More than 90% of this book is excellent. But I would strongly caution anyone reading it to do as the Bereans did. Check what he says against scripture and determine for yourselves if what he says is true.
"The gospel proclaims our core problem is not that God can't stand to be in the presence of sin; it's that sin can't stand to be in the presence of God."
"Before the pursuing God the question we're faced with is not whether we've searched hard enough, or explored long enough, or jumped high enough. Our question is a much simpler one: do we want to be found?"
"The cross is not happening to Jesus; Jesus is happening to the cross."
"We tend to think of ourselves as the heroes who are going to bring God's love to others, but generally we first and foremost are obstacles that must be overcome."
"The love of God does not find, but creates, that which is pleasing to it."
The book is loaded with excellent quotes and word pictures like this. Joshua has a way of looking at an old truth in a new and enlightening way and so I *should* be recommending this book to anyone and everyone. The problem is that he has not dug deep enough in his theological research. There are times he is giving some biblical background that is a bit off or passing on some common misconception that does not square with what is really going on in scripture. An example of both:
When talking about Jonah and his flight, Butler says that Tarshish is like "a wealthy Times Square trade center of the ancient world." Ummmm... no. The point of what he was trying to say here was that Jonah was trying to lose himself in the crowd. While Tarshish was not a small little village, it was right on the edge of the known world of Jonah's day. It was as far as one could go before dropping off the map to where later cartographers would say "here be dragons". It was most definitely not the center of anything.
When the Israelites were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain they asked Aaron step in and do something. About the resulting golden calf that was made Butler says that Israel was returning to Egypt's gods. While this is something I hear all the time regarding this story, it is patently untrue. What did Aaron say when presenting the calf to the people? "This is the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt." This is YHWH your Elohim who rescued you. Clearly, he was not going back to the gods of Egypt as Butler says (and so many others as well). The problem wasn't Israel worshiping the wrong gods but rather they were worshiping right God the wrong way.
I could point out a few other examples but I'm starting to go long in my review. More than 90% of this book is excellent. But I would strongly caution anyone reading it to do as the Bereans did. Check what he says against scripture and determine for yourselves if what he says is true.
May 19, 2017
Joshua Ryan Butler may be one of the most important writers of our generation yet it seems that he may be criminally under read.
He writes with clarity and poetically painting such a vivid mental image it would be hard not to follow his line of thought.
While I personally enjoyed his first book "the Skeletons in God's Closet" more I find this book to be more accessible and an easy to grasp read for all people regardless of their spiritual maturity.
I honestly can't recommend his works enough and would encourage any and all to read his two books as they've both had a strong impact on my own theology and life.
He writes with clarity and poetically painting such a vivid mental image it would be hard not to follow his line of thought.
While I personally enjoyed his first book "the Skeletons in God's Closet" more I find this book to be more accessible and an easy to grasp read for all people regardless of their spiritual maturity.
I honestly can't recommend his works enough and would encourage any and all to read his two books as they've both had a strong impact on my own theology and life.
October 1, 2020
Placeholder review: The book I wish I could have sat down and read with my 15 year old self. JRB has a knack for breaking down complex Christian jargon into beautifully simple language. He takes on topics that include the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and other tough parts of the Bible. There are many simple word pictures and analogies that were helpful here. Coming from a church background where fear is the predominant way I was taught to relate to God, reading this book was a timely reminder that God's love is not just an awkward footnote but an integral part of who he is.
There were some parts that fell flat, and other parts that I felt were a bit liberal in the interpretation of certain biblical texts. For those reasons, it's not one I would hand to just anyone.
Definitely my favorite book up to this point (October) in 2020.
There were some parts that fell flat, and other parts that I felt were a bit liberal in the interpretation of certain biblical texts. For those reasons, it's not one I would hand to just anyone.
Definitely my favorite book up to this point (October) in 2020.
August 8, 2019
Long but worthwhile read -- a little surprised given his language about the centrality and reality of the Eucharist that he isn't Catholic. But there you go. The explanation of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac as God's way of leading Abraham AWAY from the kind of child sacrifice that was prevalent in the ancient Mid East, which Abraham may otherwise have embraced, is an interesting view that makes sense given the culture at the time. Finally, although this says the book is 240 pages long, it's more like 290.
December 6, 2017
This book somehow manages to uproot and turn upside down traditional church teaching while at the same affirming orthodox theology. This book is paradigm shifting in the way we talk about Christianity and I hope it becomes immensely popular for anyone trying to follow Christ in today's postmodern world.
September 18, 2016
I love the way Josh recaptures the ancient truth of the Scriptures. He frees doctrine from the bounds of modernity and invites us to look afresh at the story we find ourselves in.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
May 25, 2024
Book Review: “The Pursuing God” by Joshua Butler
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had never read Butler before this book, and I found both his style and insight thoroughly enjoyable. The Pursuing God is an exploration of divine love and pursuit. Butler presents a refreshing narrative that flips the script on the traditional concept of humanity’s search for God, suggesting instead that it is God who is relentlessly pursuing us.
Butler’s writing is both engaging and accessible, weaving theological insights with practical applications. I was challenged to look at my own spiritual journey, not as a quest to find a distant deity, but as an awakening to the presence of a God who is already close at hand.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to tackle tough topics with grace and clarity. Butler addresses questions of exclusivity, the nature of the Fall, atonement, and the role of the Church in a world where God is actively seeking reconciliation with His creation. His approach is both thought-provoking and heartwarming, as he paints a picture of a God whose love is unyielding and whose grace is boundless. It is a beautiful reminder of God’s unrelenting pursuit of His people.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had never read Butler before this book, and I found both his style and insight thoroughly enjoyable. The Pursuing God is an exploration of divine love and pursuit. Butler presents a refreshing narrative that flips the script on the traditional concept of humanity’s search for God, suggesting instead that it is God who is relentlessly pursuing us.
Butler’s writing is both engaging and accessible, weaving theological insights with practical applications. I was challenged to look at my own spiritual journey, not as a quest to find a distant deity, but as an awakening to the presence of a God who is already close at hand.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to tackle tough topics with grace and clarity. Butler addresses questions of exclusivity, the nature of the Fall, atonement, and the role of the Church in a world where God is actively seeking reconciliation with His creation. His approach is both thought-provoking and heartwarming, as he paints a picture of a God whose love is unyielding and whose grace is boundless. It is a beautiful reminder of God’s unrelenting pursuit of His people.
January 26, 2019
Butler has a distinctive and disarming style of writing. He is able to write about tough topics, challenging tough thinking in a compelling and persuasive manner. Best of all, this book is heart warming as it pushes us back to the God of the Scriptures, the one who seeks out the world and invites them to join in with his mission.
Two strengths of the book I'd like to point out are the short pithy chapters and the caricature/gospel box he puts at the end of every few chapters. The latter is pastorally sensitive and astute in reconstructing people's understanding of God and the gospel.
It doesn't quite reach five stars for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I think he stretches some of the applications at points (such as the chapter on Hosea). Secondly, the recounting of the vision he had would put off some people into whose hands I would like to put this book.
But there are others I am hoping to give this book to. I would definitely recommend it.
Two strengths of the book I'd like to point out are the short pithy chapters and the caricature/gospel box he puts at the end of every few chapters. The latter is pastorally sensitive and astute in reconstructing people's understanding of God and the gospel.
It doesn't quite reach five stars for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I think he stretches some of the applications at points (such as the chapter on Hosea). Secondly, the recounting of the vision he had would put off some people into whose hands I would like to put this book.
But there are others I am hoping to give this book to. I would definitely recommend it.
August 28, 2021
A thoughtful, accessible book. I appreciate the general theme: that we do not pursue God, God pursues us. I also appreciate Butler’s treatment of themes like incarnation, wrath, sacrifice, etc. Down to earth without surrendering theological precision.
Butler clearly relishes providing fresh takes (his personal website mentions he is known for “paradigm shifts”). Sometimes he comes off more as a contrarian. Also, there were some phrases in this book that, while the point is well taken and biblically sound, I still rolled my eyes at like, “because God love’s whores” (243). Be that as it may, anyone who has read Hosea understands that that is true! The phrasing is just funny.
This is hipster Mere Christianity, and I’m glad I read it. It is clear that it was written by a pastor with years of experience clarifying these concepts to parishioners. I will happily use this book to do the same.
Butler clearly relishes providing fresh takes (his personal website mentions he is known for “paradigm shifts”). Sometimes he comes off more as a contrarian. Also, there were some phrases in this book that, while the point is well taken and biblically sound, I still rolled my eyes at like, “because God love’s whores” (243). Be that as it may, anyone who has read Hosea understands that that is true! The phrasing is just funny.
This is hipster Mere Christianity, and I’m glad I read it. It is clear that it was written by a pastor with years of experience clarifying these concepts to parishioners. I will happily use this book to do the same.
May 22, 2017
Joshua Ryan Butler has followed up his excellent first book, THE SKELETONS IN GOD'S CLOSET, with an overview of one of the dominant themes of scripture: that of the God who pursues his beloved to the ends of the earth, even through death itself.
Like his first book, this one is incredibly accessible, even as it did into very theological topics. If anyone is hesitant to read theology because they are concerned it might be "over their head," read anything by Joshua Ryan Butler. the chapters are short, the language is real-world conversational, and it has plenty of end notes if you are indeed to read further.
Like his first book, this one is incredibly accessible, even as it did into very theological topics. If anyone is hesitant to read theology because they are concerned it might be "over their head," read anything by Joshua Ryan Butler. the chapters are short, the language is real-world conversational, and it has plenty of end notes if you are indeed to read further.
July 5, 2022
Good substance, but not the best writing. He has really good illustrations, especially the one of the artist, but it felt like this book could have been much shorter. Definitely more conversational and less academic in it's tone, but the cost is that he takes several pages to say what could have been said in one. To his credit, the author is very clearly passionate about this message and it seems like his primary audience here are discouraged, disaffected, or disillusioned Christians. I can see how this would be a helpful read for many.
July 24, 2023
Joshua Butler is a great writer, thinker, teacher, and pastor. He wrote this book while still pastoring in Portland before moving down to the valley. This book paints a beautiful and unique picture of the reckless love that God pursues us with. He finishes up each chapter with caricatures about God and follows them with what the gospel actually says (caricature: Jesus stays at a distance and tells us how to get clean. Gospel: Jesus gets dirty, in order to make us clean). So many gems in this book. Excited to start his first book that has been on my shelf for too long.
January 18, 2018
The author has an interesting way to express things. He often says things in a fresh, eye-catching manner. For instance, he says, "Jesus is a lion; the cross is his prey." Another statement that catches your attention is this: "The cross is not happening to Jesus; Jesus is happening to the cross." As the title suggests, the author emphasizes that God is seeking men and women wherever they may be.
July 24, 2018
Why have I never heard of this author before? Wow. I loved this book. It really resonated with me. He has a great way with word pictures that helps the concepts to really stick with you. As I was reading this, I had a pen to mark the passages I found helpful/profound/interesting. I marked something on almost every page.
July 28, 2018
Excellent book, thesis really, of how God pursues us instead of vice versa (hence the title THE Pursuing God.) The way Joshua Butler shines a light on what the Bible has been saying all along makes me wonder why this seems like a new message in many ways?! If we really lived knowing how much God loves and pursues us, the world would be a much better place.
July 11, 2019
I absolutely loved Joshua Butler's first book (The Skeletons in God's Closet) so I wanted to read this one, too. Joshua has such a gift for asking deep questions, mining God's word for all the complexities and paradox, and then putting it all into words that really resonate in our culture. I'll be recommending his books for a very long time.
July 7, 2020
I want to call this Theology for Dummies - but that sounds dismissive. What I mean to express is that this book somehow manages to explain complex theological concepts in very simple, understandable term.
I wasn't really in the right headspace while reading this, but I can see it could be a valuable read for someone.
I wasn't really in the right headspace while reading this, but I can see it could be a valuable read for someone.
November 30, 2020
3.5 stars.
This was a bizarre book in that it was good - as I was reading it, I thought "he is a talented writer" - but I found myself trying to just get through it. I think that it was a combination of me at this point in my life and spiritual journey and the book itself. Certainly it isn't one that I think is BAD, but just not for me!
This was a bizarre book in that it was good - as I was reading it, I thought "he is a talented writer" - but I found myself trying to just get through it. I think that it was a combination of me at this point in my life and spiritual journey and the book itself. Certainly it isn't one that I think is BAD, but just not for me!
October 4, 2021
(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
This is one of the best books I have read this year. The author does an excellent job at breaking down difficult concepts into ways that are easy to understand. The author uses great analogies. Such a good book for understanding the gospel and grasping Biblical theology. I highly recommend.
This is one of the best books I have read this year. The author does an excellent job at breaking down difficult concepts into ways that are easy to understand. The author uses great analogies. Such a good book for understanding the gospel and grasping Biblical theology. I highly recommend.
February 23, 2022
Despite the weakness in using the word "reckless" to describe God's actions, this book presents the idea of the Lord's constant desire to seek us. Much like when God approached Adam and Eve when they sinned. He was present and actively desiring reconciliation as he provided the sacrificial covering of their sin.
The book is more motivational than theological.
The book is more motivational than theological.
January 3, 2019
This book delivers! It will change your paradigm and help you truly appreciate the love our God has for His children. We are the ones running from God and He is pursuing us. We are the ones hiding but do we want to be found?
October 19, 2020
This was a bit different, and an easy read yet still thought-provoking.
Some care needed I think in a couple of places (e.g. handling of Genesis 1-3) but a helpful corrective to my (maybe our universal) tendency to invert things and consider our pursuit of God rather than vice-versa!
Some care needed I think in a couple of places (e.g. handling of Genesis 1-3) but a helpful corrective to my (maybe our universal) tendency to invert things and consider our pursuit of God rather than vice-versa!
January 6, 2023
A well written, thoughtful look at the nature of God
I really appreciate the concept that the author was trying to emphasize, that being that our search for God is not a one way effort, but that God is actively seeking us out.
I really appreciate the concept that the author was trying to emphasize, that being that our search for God is not a one way effort, but that God is actively seeking us out.
January 13, 2018
Love this book! Blown away at the way God passionately pursues us! The author did an extraordinary job at painting the picture of his love!
January 27, 2018
creative theology.
October 18, 2020
God comes after us, he seeks us and doesn’t give up. I love Mr Butlers first parts paints a picture of Gods restoration that sticks with you.
December 30, 2020
Although I find the repeated use of the word 'reckless' a less than helpful description of God's love, this book is otherwise an excellent read - delving into deep theological waters in a very accessible and engaging manner.
October 29, 2022
I appreciated many of his insights and sometimes novel perspective.
August 7, 2024
A good perspective on some hard questions. The last third was a struggle to finish, but that may have been a me thing not a book thing
June 25, 2025
Really great. Was paradigm-shifting for me when I first read it in 2018.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews