Remedial Christianity: What Every Believer Should Know About the Faith, but Probably Doesn't

by Paul Alan Laughlin, Glenna S. Jackson

Remedial Christianity places Christianity among the world's major religions and contrasts and compares its doctrine and practice with those of other great religions. It further examines not only the distinctively Christian beliefs, but the breadth of Christianities within Christianity. Written clearly and with humor, Remedial Christianity provides a valuable tool for everyone seeking to understand the Christian tradition.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction

279 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[D Steven Ledingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Very open minded commentary on biblical concepts in a wonderfully easy to understand and non-judge mental (if that's possible with the bible) manner. Recommended reading as alternative interpretations of the bible.

[Milton Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent explanation of the development of the Christian Faith and tradition. A "must read" for any who want to understand their faith tradition.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book by a professor of comparative religion as part of a group discussion by an interfaith theology club in Florida. The book was warmly endorsed by our group leader, but others of us, even the progressives, had mixed reactions. Laughlin states that his intention is to give lay Christians a peek inside the seminaries so they can learn about the great diversity in past and current Christian thinking. As an introductory survey, the book succeeds in at least listing many theologians and summarizing their thinking in a few sentences. The problem for me was that he took sides, praising some ideas but dismissing others as antiquated or farfetched. I think he should have stated his own biases at the outset. Even with Google, I find no information that links him to any particular denomination or whether he even considers himself a Christian. The title word "Remedial" is the only clue that we have that Laughlin is decidedly unorthodox, perhaps even semi-agnostic. Of course, he is entitled to his personal views, but the reader is entitled to know at the outset what his filters may be. This is not a book for anyone who might want a full and fair discussion of fundamentalism or evangelicalism instead of snide jokes about "being washed in the blood."
His choice of topics was for me problematic. For example, he goes on and on about the doctrines of original sin, repentance and salvation -- mostly mocking them -- but says almost nothing about resurrection. The Orthodox branch of Christianity and its theological nuances are barely mentioned. Coptic Christianity also is give short shrift. Later chapters delve into Eastern religions and mysticism and he suggests those paths can help revive and modernize Christianity without spelling out how that can happen.
The book includes several charts that try to show how various concepts are derived from larger categories, such as deism, theism and immanence. His pigeonholing efforts seemed strained, but his 18-page glossary does help those who get tripped by obscure terms like panentheism. The book does have value but take its statements with more than a pinch of salt.

[Jim Lavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be a life changing experience:

It’s always amazed me how ill-informed the general public is when it comes to world religions. It is also surprising that so many people who fill our church pews on Sundays, refer to themselves as Christians, but have very little knowledge of the faith they embrace. It seems they adopt their faiths by birth and just go along with the status quo and never really question the legitimacy of their beliefs.

I just finished reading “Remedial Christianity,” by Paul Laughlin for the second time and once again, I’m thrilled with the simplicity of his writing and rich content. When I think about religion and how it’s played such a major role in our history and politics, it baffles me that more don’t study and examine the roots of religion in order to cope with and influence changes in global conflicts and cultural differences.

This book examines the strengths and weaknesses of the development of Christianity and how eastern religions compare and possibly has synergistic connections that could strengthen the Christian faith.

This book is a must read for anyone who claims to be a Christian.

[Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Religion professor and theologian Paul Alan Laughlin takes the reader on a methodical journey through Christian scholarship primarily from a historical-critical perspective. The information is clearly presented and much of it will undoubtedly be a shock to many Christian readers who, as the book's subtitle suggests, will largely be unfamiliar with many of the facts of Christianity's history.

When I read a book of this nature I prefer to just get the facts with no alternative agenda. Laughlin fails me a bit on this point because he clearly has an agenda to get Christians thinking about, learning from, and appreciating Eastern religious perspectives. Fortunately, he confines most of this agenda to the end of the book. However, it was because of this content that I only gave the book four stars rather than five. Ultimately, this is an excellent read and I would encourage all Christians and non-Christians to consider its contents.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book...well, it's actually a textbook, but I read it cover to cover. The information contained is straightforward and actually struck me as very unbiased in its presentation. Many of the questions that are raised for me, and many of the issues that cause me to doubt some integral Christian beliefs are directly and openly addressed. I definitely think that everyone who claims to be Christian should read this book and get to know the religion inside and out, instead of blindly accepting what they are told by the church. Some may be very surprised at what they will learn.

[Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a good overview on many of teachings taught in mainstream Christianity, and you wish to use your new found understanding to berate your fellow Christian friends or improve and better define your own Christian faith this is the book. It’s easy to read and easy to use for devils, angels and people who don’t believe in either.

[Dustin Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! I have spoke with the author of this book who is a professor at a liberal arts school, Otterbein University. This is a great book to re-examine christianity and its validity. It is clearly written and an easy read. It makes you think and ponder reality. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Doug Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all -- to paraphrase: "What (Everyone) Should Know about the Faith, but Probably Doesn't."