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Heretic!: An LGBTQ-Affirming, Divine Violence-Denying, Christian Universalist's Responses to Some of Evangelical Christianity's Most Pressing Concerns
Contrary to what some may say, this book, rather than being the product of a demonic lie, is an open and honest set of answers to the questions wrestled with by countless Christians the world over. And while nothing in Heretic! is completely unique--that is, much of the theology contained herein goes as far back as Christianity itself--Distefano creatively puts his unique perspective and humor onto the pages with care. Refreshing and liberating, this is a must read for any who dare question their inherited doctrines.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 1, 2018
Mark 666
Ie 3.3 stars
Ok catchy hook HUH?
1: HELL : doesn’t exist , agree
2: UNIVERSALISM: all saved. I disagree obviously, I’m an atheist.
3: HOMOSEXUALITY ( lbgtiq etc) On this topic there are stunning insights. The book is worth buying for that chapter alone . For theists it is essential reading, especially for those with a fundamentalist leaning. For more liberal / modern Christians it is valuable in order to be able exposit a non bigoted view while quoting the bible more clearly. For those of other faiths - it is worth a read anyway, most especially to oppose Christian bigots from a Christian perspective ie. using a “view from within the world of the story”
There are some hidden gems in the appendix. The question of the existence of Satan is particularly interesting.
The book builds a compelling case for fundamentalists that there is no ‘literal hell’. It takes a sweeping overview ( though not exhaustive) from Genesis through to the new testament writings. Very little if any “Hell” is mentioned in the old testament for example.
Universalism which is the idea that everybody will be saved, is a point that the book puts forward. As an atheist, I agree that we are actually all in the same boat however I see dying as oblivion rather than a heaven. There is some exploration of ideas such that a good god couldn't possibly torture people forever ( if at all). If there's a good god, it presumably follows that it would save everyone. Some bad people might not have been bad if they had been given another situation.
As a straight man brought up within a fundamentalist church (SDA) I knew very little about gay people except that they were all ‘going to hell’. The author of course expands the topic to be inclusive of lbgtiq humans though does focus on the word “ homosexual” as the translation choice in bibles. From a christian ( and academic) point of view - several texts are unpacked regarding context and setting. Sometimes the word translated as “homosexuality” refers to sex with temple prostitutes, other times to pederasty (men with boys) rather than two consenting adults of the same sex. Whether the reader is Christian or not, the book explores the importance that a group should have the right to ban prostitution in their own religious buildings. In regard to pederasty (and other forms of child abuse) it is important to loudly and in one voice condemn such things. The book expands on these ideas further.
There are other topics included. These three above caught my eye as particularly relevant within ( and perhaps without?) the christian world.
Disclosure: I am an ex fundamentalist christian now agnostic atheist.
Disclaimer: I was under no obligation to write a favourable review, just an honest one.
Acknowledgement: I received an advance copy, free for review purposes.
Ie 3.3 stars
Ok catchy hook HUH?
1: HELL : doesn’t exist , agree
2: UNIVERSALISM: all saved. I disagree obviously, I’m an atheist.
3: HOMOSEXUALITY ( lbgtiq etc) On this topic there are stunning insights. The book is worth buying for that chapter alone . For theists it is essential reading, especially for those with a fundamentalist leaning. For more liberal / modern Christians it is valuable in order to be able exposit a non bigoted view while quoting the bible more clearly. For those of other faiths - it is worth a read anyway, most especially to oppose Christian bigots from a Christian perspective ie. using a “view from within the world of the story”
There are some hidden gems in the appendix. The question of the existence of Satan is particularly interesting.
The book builds a compelling case for fundamentalists that there is no ‘literal hell’. It takes a sweeping overview ( though not exhaustive) from Genesis through to the new testament writings. Very little if any “Hell” is mentioned in the old testament for example.
Universalism which is the idea that everybody will be saved, is a point that the book puts forward. As an atheist, I agree that we are actually all in the same boat however I see dying as oblivion rather than a heaven. There is some exploration of ideas such that a good god couldn't possibly torture people forever ( if at all). If there's a good god, it presumably follows that it would save everyone. Some bad people might not have been bad if they had been given another situation.
As a straight man brought up within a fundamentalist church (SDA) I knew very little about gay people except that they were all ‘going to hell’. The author of course expands the topic to be inclusive of lbgtiq humans though does focus on the word “ homosexual” as the translation choice in bibles. From a christian ( and academic) point of view - several texts are unpacked regarding context and setting. Sometimes the word translated as “homosexuality” refers to sex with temple prostitutes, other times to pederasty (men with boys) rather than two consenting adults of the same sex. Whether the reader is Christian or not, the book explores the importance that a group should have the right to ban prostitution in their own religious buildings. In regard to pederasty (and other forms of child abuse) it is important to loudly and in one voice condemn such things. The book expands on these ideas further.
There are other topics included. These three above caught my eye as particularly relevant within ( and perhaps without?) the christian world.
Disclosure: I am an ex fundamentalist christian now agnostic atheist.
Disclaimer: I was under no obligation to write a favourable review, just an honest one.
Acknowledgement: I received an advance copy, free for review purposes.
August 6, 2021
This is not a skeptic’s read. A lot of pronouncements made here are only hastily supported and readers may take it that these are the main (or only) arguments for those theologies—that would be deeply inaccurate. Furthermore, I think that the author’s tone will only appeal to readers already inclined towards his conclusions and exegetic style which will likely unnecessarily alienate more timid searchers or conservative skeptics.
There is, in fact, a great body of very careful, thoughtful, and excruciatingly thorough biblical scholarship that makes the cases for such things as affirming theology and Christian Universalism. If someone is truly looking for answers as to the scriptural defensibility of such teachings they would be better served to read one of those books.
Worst of all, the author makes no attempt to guard against antisemitism when discussing the law, Hebrew Scriptures, or first-century Judaism. Consequently, there is quite a bit of de facto antisemitism in his arguments. He attempts to highlight the supposed superiority of Jesus’s way over traditional Jewish practices and interpretation of the nature of God. And his heavy implication that the only way of dealing with Devine violence in the Hebrew Scriptures is by “solving” it with Jesus is.... really bad.
Lastly, I just don't appreciate his style. The man could have gotten more substance in his book by cutting out a bunch of unnecessary conversational commentary. Too many instances of “So, what is going on here? Well, we have to figure out...” I'm not a fan of this slightly patronizing approach. Also, “We are going to unpack...” and “Our goal...” This inclusion of the reader works only if they want to be included. As a general rule authors should own their reasoning and avoid implying that their audience will be going on the journey with them. YOU are going to be unpacking things, we are going to watch you do it, and maybe participate, but that is the audience’s prerogative.
Are my objections to this book (excepting the antisemitism) mostly style over substance? Yes.
Do I care? No.
Style is deeply important if you're at all interested in favorably presenting new information or winning someone to you're point of view. These seem to be the primary purposes of this book, therefore style is very relevant, and I thought that it was bad.
There is, in fact, a great body of very careful, thoughtful, and excruciatingly thorough biblical scholarship that makes the cases for such things as affirming theology and Christian Universalism. If someone is truly looking for answers as to the scriptural defensibility of such teachings they would be better served to read one of those books.
Worst of all, the author makes no attempt to guard against antisemitism when discussing the law, Hebrew Scriptures, or first-century Judaism. Consequently, there is quite a bit of de facto antisemitism in his arguments. He attempts to highlight the supposed superiority of Jesus’s way over traditional Jewish practices and interpretation of the nature of God. And his heavy implication that the only way of dealing with Devine violence in the Hebrew Scriptures is by “solving” it with Jesus is.... really bad.
Lastly, I just don't appreciate his style. The man could have gotten more substance in his book by cutting out a bunch of unnecessary conversational commentary. Too many instances of “So, what is going on here? Well, we have to figure out...” I'm not a fan of this slightly patronizing approach. Also, “We are going to unpack...” and “Our goal...” This inclusion of the reader works only if they want to be included. As a general rule authors should own their reasoning and avoid implying that their audience will be going on the journey with them. YOU are going to be unpacking things, we are going to watch you do it, and maybe participate, but that is the audience’s prerogative.
Are my objections to this book (excepting the antisemitism) mostly style over substance? Yes.
Do I care? No.
Style is deeply important if you're at all interested in favorably presenting new information or winning someone to you're point of view. These seem to be the primary purposes of this book, therefore style is very relevant, and I thought that it was bad.
June 28, 2019
Matthew Distefano is a great author, theologian and a friend.
Great book. Highly recommended.
Great book. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2022
If you believe that "the Bible" requires hating LGBTQ folks, worrying about whether you're going to Hell, trying to figure out the code of Revelation, believing that Jesus died because God needed us to pay off a debt (substitutionary atonement), and that Jesus wants us to kill people, this is the book for you.
If you're willing to admit that what you've been taught might be wrong.
It's engagingly written, appropriately sourced, and with cogent explanations.
If you're willing to admit that what you've been taught might be wrong.
It's engagingly written, appropriately sourced, and with cogent explanations.
December 14, 2020
an inclusive point of view
It’s good to listen to all points of view, all opinions and speculations and theories. So that we can make our own decisions, rather than being spoon fed or force fed by others whose minds are made up. Every denomination is set in its own ways and every Christian church too. So is every religion.
For some it’s the ideas of Jean Calvin. For others it’s Catholicism. For others it’s Menno Simons. For still others it’s Buddha or Allah or Bahai.
Distefano wants us to consider the redemption and restoration of all humans and the planet and the heavens, a view held by a large number of Christians in the first 500 years after Christ. It’s a POV worthy of consideration. We hear all the other teachings and theories often enough.
It’s good to listen to all points of view, all opinions and speculations and theories. So that we can make our own decisions, rather than being spoon fed or force fed by others whose minds are made up. Every denomination is set in its own ways and every Christian church too. So is every religion.
For some it’s the ideas of Jean Calvin. For others it’s Catholicism. For others it’s Menno Simons. For still others it’s Buddha or Allah or Bahai.
Distefano wants us to consider the redemption and restoration of all humans and the planet and the heavens, a view held by a large number of Christians in the first 500 years after Christ. It’s a POV worthy of consideration. We hear all the other teachings and theories often enough.
February 19, 2019
Matthew provides a fantastic list of questions and alternative Christian viewpoints pulling from ancient, orthodox views of the Gospel and the afterlife, to more modern ideas such as those put forth by Rene Girard.
All in all, an excellent book, which will leave you thinking, contemplating, and re-imagining your relationship with God.
All in all, an excellent book, which will leave you thinking, contemplating, and re-imagining your relationship with God.
April 6, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed reading the book, but I am not sure about the conclusions. I'd like universalism to be true, but there are several verses in the bible that refute it.
I enjoyed reading the book, but I am not sure about the conclusions. I'd like universalism to be true, but there are several verses in the bible that refute it.
April 17, 2019
Interesting read, belief system quite shaky, but learned quite a bit and certainly have a heightened sense of compassion and understanding from having read it.
May 2, 2021
I was watching a Youtube interview of Matthew Distefano and learned that he was an author. At that time, Heretic! Was only $.99. The price coupled with the cover art was a win-win. He has a page-turning writing style which I had a hard time putting down. In my apologetics research and studies, I try to look at various sides (not just the one I was raised in).
First, I think the word “heretic” is being thrown around to label people when someone simply believes differently than we do. I think the Apostle’s Creed should be the standard of how we measure if a teaching is heresy, not our church’s doctrinal statement.
Distefano addresses interesting topics that have been involved in the progressive or deconstruction movement that is happening. These topics included hell, how Jesus cherry-picked scriptures, divine violence, LGBTQ+, atonement theory, and others. Some of these I had already read other books on, such as Brad Jersak on hell. I did find Distefano’s chapter on how Jesus cherry-picked scripture the most interesting and the most insightful. I’m not sure how I feel about the LGBTQ+ chapter. While he brought up some interesting cultural and contextual points, he did not address the Genesis or Matthew passages that address marriage.
I do not recommend this book to those who are offended by language as there is the occasional swear word. If you are not offended by language but are studying apologetics, I recommend you read this. Whether or not you struggle with these topics, it is important what theology others are struggling with.
First, I think the word “heretic” is being thrown around to label people when someone simply believes differently than we do. I think the Apostle’s Creed should be the standard of how we measure if a teaching is heresy, not our church’s doctrinal statement.
Distefano addresses interesting topics that have been involved in the progressive or deconstruction movement that is happening. These topics included hell, how Jesus cherry-picked scriptures, divine violence, LGBTQ+, atonement theory, and others. Some of these I had already read other books on, such as Brad Jersak on hell. I did find Distefano’s chapter on how Jesus cherry-picked scripture the most interesting and the most insightful. I’m not sure how I feel about the LGBTQ+ chapter. While he brought up some interesting cultural and contextual points, he did not address the Genesis or Matthew passages that address marriage.
I do not recommend this book to those who are offended by language as there is the occasional swear word. If you are not offended by language but are studying apologetics, I recommend you read this. Whether or not you struggle with these topics, it is important what theology others are struggling with.
April 25, 2018
Voice of the early Christians
This book won't change many minds, but it's interesting. Distefano addresses a number of issues in fundamentalist Christian theology that are relatively new compared to the history of Christianity - by quoting the writings of the earliest Christians. These issues include the violence of God and Israel in the Old Testament, the current obsession with homosexuality, whether the Bible is inerrant, hellfire and damnation, substitutionary atonement, and the doctrines of free will and predestination.
He notes that early Christians - and not just heretics - had different ideas about these things, including a majority of whom believed in universal salvation. He also points out that a number of doctrines like pre-millennialism and the rapture were created over only the last 150 years or so.
These ideas are not new, but he tries to use the Bible to refute the violence, fear and hatred so dear to some so-called Christians. One thing he notes is how Jesus and Paul both "cherry picked" the Old Testament - just as we do today.
I doubt he will convince very many fundamentalists, but this book is a good resource for those who want to know what the early Christians thought of the early Christian writings that became the New Testament, and how we have distorted the Bible for our own purposes. Definitely worth a read!
This book won't change many minds, but it's interesting. Distefano addresses a number of issues in fundamentalist Christian theology that are relatively new compared to the history of Christianity - by quoting the writings of the earliest Christians. These issues include the violence of God and Israel in the Old Testament, the current obsession with homosexuality, whether the Bible is inerrant, hellfire and damnation, substitutionary atonement, and the doctrines of free will and predestination.
He notes that early Christians - and not just heretics - had different ideas about these things, including a majority of whom believed in universal salvation. He also points out that a number of doctrines like pre-millennialism and the rapture were created over only the last 150 years or so.
These ideas are not new, but he tries to use the Bible to refute the violence, fear and hatred so dear to some so-called Christians. One thing he notes is how Jesus and Paul both "cherry picked" the Old Testament - just as we do today.
I doubt he will convince very many fundamentalists, but this book is a good resource for those who want to know what the early Christians thought of the early Christian writings that became the New Testament, and how we have distorted the Bible for our own purposes. Definitely worth a read!
April 28, 2018
thought-provoking
I found this book both well-written and -reasoned. It looks deeply into religious views and offers strong counterpoints to widely accepted interpretations.
A must-read for anyone questioning.
I found this book both well-written and -reasoned. It looks deeply into religious views and offers strong counterpoints to widely accepted interpretations.
A must-read for anyone questioning.
July 17, 2021
Lies made plain!
Good book shows up the sins of the lying scribes of 3000 years of politics by puppet gods. Read and enjoy.
"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free."
Good book shows up the sins of the lying scribes of 3000 years of politics by puppet gods. Read and enjoy.
"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make thee free."
January 21, 2019
So good. Matthew is a unique voice. Love his honesty and wisdom!
Read
July 16, 2022This is my first religious book about progressive christianity. I have felt so validated and feel like my knowledge of possibilities has grown while reading this.
December 16, 2020
As someone who grew up in a conservative Evangelical church and once frowned upon “progressive Christianity,” it is a bit of a frightening moment—but also strangely satisfying— for me when I read a book by a self-proclaimed (and quite adamant) progressive Christian and realize that I have come to agree with the vast majority of that he argues. In Heretic!: An LGTBQ-Affirming, Devine Violence-Denying Christian Universalist’s Response to Some of Evangelical Christianity’s Most Pressing Concerns, Matthew J. Distefano questions Biblical inherency, penal substitution atonement, the rapture, the divine violence portrayed in the Old Testament, and even the existence of Satan as a conscious entity—at the same time as advocating for Christian support of same-sex relationships and preaching Universal Reconciliation. And I honestly found myself at least leaning toward agreeing with all of Distefano’s opinions—except for his conjecture about Satan, as I definitely still view Satan as a conscience entity. And yet that was probably the assertion that the author seemed the least certain about. (However, as time has gone on since scribing this review now almost a year and a half ago, I have come to also disagree with Distefano on the atonement, as I have returned to upholding penal substitution once more—along with Christus Victor and other atonement theories. I see all of them as being taught in scripture. I do not understand penal substitution, nor do I grasp how the death of an innocent man can constitute justice in paying for the sins of another, but I accept it nonetheless.)
Distefano has an unforgettable writing voice; it is so very refreshing to read a Christian book that is chocked full of cuss words and sass—not to mention one that is not afraid to challenge Christian cliché! Sometimes it is only by entertaining viewpoints that differ from what we have been taught that we can let the Spirit speak to us. What's more, Heretic! is (somewhat ironically) one of the most scripturally grounded books that I have ever read, as the author provides Bible citation after Bible citation to support all his claims. However, the main reason why I am giving the book a mere three stars is that it provides a broad overview on subjects that I was mostly already rather familiar with—and so I didn’t really learn all that much new. Although, this is not to say that I didn’t learn anything new, of course, as I most certainly did. Also, Distefano frequently takes his progressive stances way, way too far in my opinion—as I have become increasingly familiar with during the time that has passed since first writing and reviewing Heretic!—but, luckily, such trends of his are not fully captured in this book.
At the end of the day, I would recommend Heretic!: An LGTBQ-Affirming, Devine Violence-Denying Christian Universalist’s Response to Some of Evangelical Christianity’s Most Pressing Concerns to anyone who is just starting to question traditional Christian doctrine. It would make for an optimal starting place for anyone beginning such a deconstruction process! But, for anyone like me who is already quite familiar with these progressive-leaning viewpoints, this work would likely not prove quite as helpful.
Distefano has an unforgettable writing voice; it is so very refreshing to read a Christian book that is chocked full of cuss words and sass—not to mention one that is not afraid to challenge Christian cliché! Sometimes it is only by entertaining viewpoints that differ from what we have been taught that we can let the Spirit speak to us. What's more, Heretic! is (somewhat ironically) one of the most scripturally grounded books that I have ever read, as the author provides Bible citation after Bible citation to support all his claims. However, the main reason why I am giving the book a mere three stars is that it provides a broad overview on subjects that I was mostly already rather familiar with—and so I didn’t really learn all that much new. Although, this is not to say that I didn’t learn anything new, of course, as I most certainly did. Also, Distefano frequently takes his progressive stances way, way too far in my opinion—as I have become increasingly familiar with during the time that has passed since first writing and reviewing Heretic!—but, luckily, such trends of his are not fully captured in this book.
At the end of the day, I would recommend Heretic!: An LGTBQ-Affirming, Devine Violence-Denying Christian Universalist’s Response to Some of Evangelical Christianity’s Most Pressing Concerns to anyone who is just starting to question traditional Christian doctrine. It would make for an optimal starting place for anyone beginning such a deconstruction process! But, for anyone like me who is already quite familiar with these progressive-leaning viewpoints, this work would likely not prove quite as helpful.
August 9, 2018
A really good read! Distefano builds his arguments with logic, humor, and an arsenal of scripture. He appraises common (and perhaps poor) theological arguments, takes them apart, and shoots them from a cannon. His chapters are well thought out and enjoyable to read. I must say, I'd be about as nervous as a chicken on a beachball if I felt the need to counter any of them! A thoroughly enjoyable read from a real gunner of hopeful and Christ-centered theology. Can't wait for more!
August 11, 2018
Not for the faint of heart, or for those who already have their minds made up about some of the most troubling questions Christians should be facing today. Matt isn't scared of controversy - he jumps right in knowing that he has probably already done more research than his naysayers. Don't be scared of being considered a heretic by some folks, wear that badge with honour!
April 15, 2021
Good stuff
I guess I judged a book by it's cover. For whatever reason I was expecting something lighter. But when you start quoting Girard it gets deep quick... but that's good. I had to look up a few words and check out a few sources. I can't say I agree with everything Distefano says, but he made me think and that is why I picked up the book in the first place.
I guess I judged a book by it's cover. For whatever reason I was expecting something lighter. But when you start quoting Girard it gets deep quick... but that's good. I had to look up a few words and check out a few sources. I can't say I agree with everything Distefano says, but he made me think and that is why I picked up the book in the first place.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews