Not the Religious Type: Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist

by Dave Schmelzer

As an atheist, Dave Schmelzer never thought of himself as the religious type―and he still doesn't, even though he now believes in God and leads a large Boston church in the shadow of some of the nation's most impressive universities. Religion is usually about rules and codes, about “being good,” about what will get you embraced and what will get you shunned. But God, according to Dave, is all about how you can become a closer friend with him, with others, and with yourself.

In the tradition of C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity and G. K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy comes this illuminating collection of thoughts on faith in a postmodern world. Not the Religious Type bridges the gap between the two communities in which many of us live―the secular and the religious―and suggests a new, unexpected way of seeing the world and our place in it.

Whether we're the religious type or not, there's a certain part of each of us that invariably wonders if it's true―if there's a God we can connect with who is alive and active, with the kind of perspective on our lives and futures that we could never have on our own.

As Dave engagingly explores these most important questions, he invites his readers into “a new and warmer spring,” a way of thinking that will help both secularists who never imagined they would become people of faith and also people of faith who perhaps haven't experienced all from God that they've hoped.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Christianity, Christian, Memoir

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2008

Reviews

[Russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is quite possibly the worst work of Christian apologetics that I've read. Schmelzer's conclusions frequently don't follow from his arguments (non-sequiters), and he attacks atheists by making all sorts of outrageous claims (straw man arguments), and he never even backs up his claims with examples or references. As an atheist I found this book really offensive. Atheists have no sense of wonder and don't appreciate art? Atheists are racist and classist? Atheists look down on the people of African south of the sahara and Latin America? Where did Schmelzer get these outlandish ideas?!! He never says. He's also dead wrong. I suspect that he doesn't care. It is a rhetorical device he uses to make sure the reader mistrusts atheists.

I've read many works that criticize atheism, by Plantinga, Craig, C.S. Lewis, etc.). While I disagreed with many of their arguments, I never felt personally offended. Only Schmelzer has accomplished this, by making outrageous attacks on the character of atheists rather than making thoughtful arguments against atheist philosophies.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think my obvious bias - I attend the Greater Boston Vineyard, which is Dave's church (in fact, I bought a signed copy from their bookstore) - cuts for and against my evaluation of the book. For me, many of the stories told and the ideas expressed were not new, since I've heard so many of his sermons. But the stories are compelling (and often amusing), and his ideas about faith are pretty novel if you haven't already heard them from him, I think.

I found two take-away messages here, both of which are things you hear at the Vineyard if you're there more than a couple of months. The first is that a surprisingly fulfilling life is possible for believers who take the time and patience to listen for God's voice. I had heard this, but it hadn't struck me before how crucial he thinks this is, so that made an impression. The second is that faith (and faith in Jesus in particular) is less about having the right doctrine but about being in a relationship with God where questions are asked and understanding is sought, no matter how long you've been a believer. Unlike Dave, I am actually "the religious type": I like understanding doctrine and knowing that I understand doctrine and "get" something about God, and I kind of like rules and boundaries and the self-righteousness that comes from being on the right of side of those boundaries, or thinking that you are. So you can understand why, at the Vineyard, describing someone or something as "religious" is not a compliment. I think I've made progress in understanding this much, but I'm still working on making the transition to a state where, even if I get that self-righteousness is bad, I'm okay with not having all the answers -- and even (and this is particularly hard for me) knowing that if I think I have the answers, I'm oversimplifying things.

So I think that this book will end up being really influential for my spiritual development... at this point, I'm still digesting it, as I read it very fast. I hope Dave doesn't see this :-) but I think I still prefer Donald Miller for style and delivery (at times, I felt that the transitions between ideas were a little abrupt). But it was still great.

[JimtheDean · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did I think? Well…. I wanted to like it. And I did for the first part. I loved the author’s humor. I think it’s Ok to write a faith oriented book with a humorous spin to it. In the first part the author distinguishes between Christian faith and religion. I resonated well with that. Later in the book he tells stories of his own experiences and interprets his faith through those stories. It wasn’t that I didn’t necessarily like those…but it felt like the later part of the book had a different theme…one that I wasn’t drawn to. Ultimately, I felt that the last part of the book was a conversation about the author’s “religious” beliefs. I wasn’t drawn to that, didn’t agree with elements of it, and at points thought, “what???” I think that if I had stopped reading this book about half way through, I would have liked it better. Just my opinion!

[WH · Rating 2 out of 5]

The autobiographical sections were fun to read. The spiritual reflections were riddled with false dichotomies, strawman arguments, and ill-defined terms.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book and about mid way through started skimming it. The whole foundation of the book is the dichotomy between religion and God. That is formal religion and a more mystical relationship with God. The author, himself a pastor, holds up this idea well in light of his faith. He notes the limitations of this view when it comes to his faith in Christ and his participation in the church, but doesn't spend a ton of time on it. He has an interesting take on spiritual maturity, he is aware of atheism's new found limelight and is honest about how "mysticism" can really effect your life (i.e. God tells you to leave your six figure salary for your mission field in Africa). These issues make the book somewhat relevant to our time. What I like about the book is that it wasn't the bible-thumbing-crazy-conservative-kitsch that plagues the shelves of library across America (what the author would describe as "stage 2" literature). This is a real account of what a life of faith feels like.

What I didn't care for was the author sometimes dipped into some "What the !@#$ Do We Know" moments when there wasn't a need for it.

Why I started skimming the book was because anyone who has spent any amount of time in the faith and who hasn't blinded themselves with Joel Osteen like denial of reality or simply become God’s chipper cheerleader, they would have discovered the truths in this book by now.

I would recommend the book to recent converts or any former youth group kid who has hit the sophomore year of the college education.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was right up my alley. It was such a breath of fresh air to read a book that could cause you to look at yourself in perspective without actually having to tell you to do so.

Written by a former atheist and a current intellectual (who could write in a very comprehensible manner, I might add), this book outlines one man's journey from atheism to his current life as a pastor. The interesting thing is that, if I hadn't known already (and if he wouldn't have mentioned it), I would have never known that this was written by a pastor. There is absolutely no indication!!

Having grown up in the baptist, charismatic, and non-denominational (haha) denominations, and having gone through my own deserts and finally feeling like I've reached a level beyond all of that, it was fantastic to read a book that could speak to me on my level and help me to move even further in my spiritual quest.

Recommended for people who've never "caught" this thing about "a relationship with God," as well as people who feel that they've learned everything that there is to know.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book. Dave Schmelzer writes about his thoughts on Christianity, faith, prayer, and more, based on his unique perspective as a former atheist now minister. I liked his writing style and down-to-earth philosophical approach. As I read the book, I tried to think about who the best audience for it would be. I had started thinking it might be a good book for people who are not Christian but curious about Christianity. But as I read, it occurred to me that it might be best suited for those who have grown up in the Christian church, or had church experience, but have questions or issues with Christianity as they have known it. Personally, I found the book generally enjoyable, with a few really interesting sections I may come back to later.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It had more entertainment factor than I expected. I picked it up just to get some of Dave's perspective on how he did ministry at the Cambridge vineyard, and to learn more about how he explains "center set" and stage theory. I've heard him speak several times in the past. This started as a casual read for me, but I couldn't put it down, and finished the whole thing in a few sittings. Fairly short book, but very engaging. I would recommend it for anyone curious about how the cambridge vineyard church started and flourished, and for an alternative way of engaging our very secularist, anti-christian culture.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is really unique on its take on faith and what it means to follow Jesus and not so much to be a "Christian" and someone who has loved Jesus for years but struggled with the label of "Christian" and all that brings with it in this country. I loved his take on centered set theory (you'll have to read it, I can't explain just here)and how I or anyone can follow Jesus, get the good stuff ie relationship with him, and not have to adopt the Christian culture. I love it and I find it more true each day!

Disclaimer: I also attend the Greater Boston Vineyard and know Dave.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for everyone. Whether a person of faith, or a person who doesn't feel as if they have ever spent time thinking about faith, you will be engaged (as I was) by the insights Dave shares. His perspective of having been an atheist for the first half of his life offers a unique perspective. The faith that Dave talks about isn't about being right/wrong or good/bad, it's about a connection with a communicative Jesus that offers a life that is more "joyful, purposeful, and connected"...something that I definitely can say I'd love to sign up for and have more of.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book reads more like a series of short articles that lead us through the life of someone that really did not believe in God and didn't live a life that would make you think he needed to search for Him either. Yet, his story really shows that God is real and tangible in a life that may appear to not have needed any help on the surface. The writer, who is a pastor now, shows his creativity as someone that has been a playwright (and still is a writer now) with the life stories he shares. A good short read that invites discussion.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

About the only thing I got from this book was the author has a very high opinion of himself and his relationship to God. Perhaps that is because it is hard for me to imagine having that same open line of communication with God. I guess that is my loss. Nor can I imagine dropping everything and running off to save the world, neglecting those things God has already left me in charge of. I much prefered "Blue Like Jazz" which gave a far more practical application to our Christian faith.

[Daniel Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good book. Id recommend... however I would caution against pride. It does pit people against one another. The "truly spiritual and enlightened ones" vs. "those ignoramuses bound up in religion". I just fear that most who read it will now be blinded to their own pride and and have an air of superiority which is just as revolting and alienating to God as religious pride. I do agree that religious pride is dangerous and caustic but so are all other forms of pride.

[Bruce]

This is an unusual book. It is written by a former atheist that is now a pastor of a charismatic church (Vineyard) in one of the most secular areas of the United States (Boston around Harvard and MIT). It is especially interesting to read how Dave, having grown up in a secular culture and ministering to a secular culture, expresses his faith. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh and charismatic insight to what it means to be connected to a communicative God.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Within the first few chapters, this book had given words and explanation to my spiritual journey of the last 10 years, in a refreshing and engaging way. I think that Schmelzer is very in touch with what this generation is thinking and feeling about faith. The book was thought-provoking and challenging.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short non-fiction book about a man who was an atheist, found God, and now runs a church out of Cambridge, MA. I’m still a little fuzzy on exactly how he came back to the church and whether he was really a committed atheist to begin with, but it’s always good to read the other side even if it’s a flawed attempt.

[Stephanie]

It's so good, you guys. Kind of chatty, but it's worth it to be so approachable, especially as it doesn't sacrifice depth. All sorts of real questions, asked honestly, thought through thoroughly, and reminding that the answers our souls most deeply hope for are outrageous, baffling, simple, challenging, and lovely beyond belief.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dave Schmeltzer's book is very similar to "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It's another memoir-type book that will appeal to the postmodern "seeker" type. Short, quick to read, VERY humorous! yet very thoughtful.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the Religious Type is a funny, relaxed, eye-opening look into a way of looking a God that is more relational and experiential than rules/religion based. It was a very quick read that I would recommend to anyone.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book for an introduction to concepts about bounded set vs. centered set and spiritual stages of growth. It's often written in a humorous manner that move the book along nicely. I don't agree with everything, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was incredibly entertaining and insightful. It's the true story of an atheist who is now a pastor in Cambridge, MA. He's a great writer and it's a book that made me want to keep reading and think about it throughout the day.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but meaty read. I particularly appreciate the view that faith is about a relationship with God and not a set of rules or doctrines.

Disclaimer: I know the author.

[Hillary]

This book is still sitting on myself. I hate to say this but I moved on to bigger and better things. Maybe I'll pick it up again soon.

[Grubbgidge · Rating 4 out of 5]

reflects my own belief in God

[Ron Mackey]

Lots to think about. I really enjoyed the writer's conversational style.

[Suraj Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An atheist mind on Jesus, God and Spirituality. I loved it! I'd recommend it if you're interested in stages of spirituality.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a refreshing viewpoint. Part one almost turned me off but I am glad I continued on.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and how the author wrestles with faith. Thanks to Kate for recommending it!

[Eli Mostrales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Dave Schmelzer's bounded and centered sets is an eye-opener.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

His analysis of the four stages was very insightful--the highlight for me. Recommended.