Unbalanced: Searching for Truth Between Religion and Culture

by Jonathan Tony

We live in a world of extreme polarization. We are constantly bombarded with opinions and arguments. As a result, church culture can become segregated from the rest of the world. But Jesus walked on both sides of the dividing line. He spoke with religious people, and he ate with town rejects. What if God's truth is somewhere between the division? Unbalanced takes a close look at what we've separated over, what the church has gotten right and wrong, and where Jesus stands in the middle of it all.

266 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2016

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony does a good job and tells a good story. The best parts are near the end though. It starts off a little slow. I thought it was funny that he sounds like Kyle Mooney from SNL to me. But I did listen at 2x speed. He explores having faith and living in culture and all the disruptions and distortions that happen to faith both inside and out. His basic close is live your best Christian life and don't worry about what others think or say. This sounds good at face value but also leads to many of the distortions addressed earlier. Overall it was worth a read.

[James Frederick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a hugely difficult book to review. There are parts of this book that were extremely thought-provoking and insightful. There were some quotes that would make an outstanding tweet or motivational poster.

On the other hand, it was VERY difficult at times to figure out what was the point. It was difficult to understand how chapters fit together, what was supposed to be where, or why. Ultimately, I am not sure what the point of the book was.

The title suggests somewhat what the writer was going for. But it was not clear to me what he believed or why. I am left with the feeling that this could have been so much more than it ended up being, to me.

James Frederick

[Brittany Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny look into what life was like growing up "in the church." The author does a great job of balancing religious ideology with humorous pop culture references.

There was definitely a lot of commentary about Mexican food, which I found entertaining. Each chapter worked as a standalone story, but the overarching theme of the book was evident throughout.

I'll probably reread this book a few times just like you'd re-watch a favorite movie or stand up comedy routine.

[Brittany Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious! Wasn’t expecting to laugh out loud as much, but the author’s jokes peppered throughout the book were so witty! I definitely enjoyed the book’s theme and main points. The word “church” can have such a stigma to both outside its walls and in them. I loved that the author shed light on things we’ve all thought before but have felt too hesitant to voice aloud.

[Jane Marina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure what the point of the book was. It was all over the place.

[Carlene Garboden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Tony does an incredible job of keeping you laughing while packing a powerful punch. This is definitely a book worth reading and rereading.

[Brad H · Rating 3 out of 5]

States a lot of problems with church and certainly funny in places. More of a look back on the author's own life and journey.