Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God

by Tony Campolo

With candor and insight, Tony Campolo passionately hits on hot button issues that impact the Christian life, including how to: protect yourself from technology without becoming Amish; have a devotional life without becoming a monk, and figure out the will of God without hearing voices from Heaven.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Spirituality

276 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

About the author

Anthony Campolo was an American sociologist, Baptist pastor, author, public speaker, and spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Campolo was known as one of the most influential leaders in the evangelical left and was a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He also became a leader of the Red-Letter Christian movement, which aims to put emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Campolo was a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and had been a guest on programs such as The Colbert Report, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect and The Hour.

Reviews

[Jaakko Ahola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It tells how to find a balance in life. Very good examples from real life.

[Ben Jeapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book isn't quite as light-hearted as the title might suggest but its purpose is just as sincere. Campolo carefully draws a distinction between Christians whose methods we ourselves might be uncomfortable with, but who can be effective (it's not given to us to judge another person's ministry), and those who just get it wrong. So: how to be positive about women without being negative about men; how to care for people without being exploited; how to be sexually attractive without being obscene; how to figure out the will of God without hearing voices from Heaven; how to be involved with church without letting it eat you up. Those are just some examples picked from randomly flicking back through the pages. Some of these are mistakes because they damage you, the Christian trying to do it right; some are mistakes because of their knock-on effect on the church and the public perception of Christians. The author's tone is warm and encouraging, never hectoring, and he is always ready to hold up his own shortcomings as an example. Some of his scenarios seem more attuned to the specifically American way of life but the principles are universal.

[JAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Campolo’s style, wit, and humility. He handles the tension of the Christian walk well in this work while also offering a unique perspective as a sociologist. In 2025, this work is prophetic in some ways.

[JENNIFER COOK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me about a year to slowly read through this one. But it was insightful. Well written and life applications.

[Patti Trekofski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who is calls themselves a Christian needs to read this book.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is divided into five sections: everyday life, spiritual growth, what you believe, social action and family life. Each section has a few chapters, each focussing on different ways in which followers of Jesus can follow his principles without going overboard or putting people off.

So, for instance, the author talks about wise use of resources and technology; raising healthy children without guilt; understanding basic theology without being an intellectual snob, and much more. The book was written twenty years ago so is inevitably a bit dated, but in my view the principles are still relevant.

I liked the structure of the book, including both teaching and anecdotes from the author's experience. My only slight problem is that every Bible quotation is from the King James version, which I find somewhat stilted, despite being familiar with the passages concerned. This could be confusing to a young or new believer, and feels out of place in such a clearly written book.

Overall, though, I thought it a sound and positive read. Tony Campolo was a voice of common sense in the Christian world at the end of the 20th century, and I would recommend this book, in a low-key way, to anyone interested in the 'ordinary' Christian lifestyle.

Four-and-a-half stars would be fairer.

[Chas Bayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

How good is this title?! Hopefully I am now no longer an embarrassment to the Almighty. I also liked this: "How many times have you heard someone say, after having gone through a time of tragedy and loss, ‘I don’t think I would have been able to make it without prayer.’ And when we ask, ‘What did prayer actually change?’ we are told that it didn’t really change anything, but rather provided a strengthening of the spirit that made it possible to endure the storm."

[Erin]

Only read a few chapters, but then I had to give it back to the library. I'm getting it for my brother, and i'll read it then! The chapters I read were really interesting and helpful. Good guidelines to how to live your life!

[Jarkko Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was an interesting mix: a totally conservative Christian book (too conservative for my taste) but at the same time very open about the things that we as christians do that "embarrass God" and drive people away from Christianity.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you are a conservative christian please read this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have actually read this more than once. It helps separate out cultural assumptions and promotes examination of Truth.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this book so far. Campolo offers some very practical and biblical answers to good questions.

[Pete Bartel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed bag of quick tips about all sorts of aspects of being a Christian. Often a fairly shallow treatment. Some good stuff on families, but I disagree with his treatment of some topics.

[John Victory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't always agree with Campolo but he never fails to inspire me to think and examine why I believe what I believe. This is one his best books and a great read.

[Kelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book! Really liked all of the points!

[Leomar Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to Christians