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ReGrace: What the Shocking Beliefs of the Great Christians Can Teach Us Today
The church is tired of seeing Christians act ungraciously toward one another when they disagree. Social media has added to the carnage. Christians routinely block each other on Facebook because of doctrinal disagreements. The world watches the blood-letting, and the Christian witness is tarnished.
But what if every Christian discovered that their favorite teacher in church history had blind spots and held to some false--and even shocking--views?
Bestselling author Frank Viola argues that this simple awareness will soften Christians when they interact with each other in the face of theological disagreements. In ReGrace , he uncovers some of the shocking beliefs held by faith giants like C.S. Lewis, Luther, Calvin, Moody, Spurgeon, Wesley, Graham, and Augustine--not to downgrade or dismiss them, but to show that even "the greats" in church history didn't get everything right. Knowing that the heroes of our faith sometimes got it wrong will empower us to treat our fellow Christians with grace rather than disdain whenever we disagree over theology.
But what if every Christian discovered that their favorite teacher in church history had blind spots and held to some false--and even shocking--views?
Bestselling author Frank Viola argues that this simple awareness will soften Christians when they interact with each other in the face of theological disagreements. In ReGrace , he uncovers some of the shocking beliefs held by faith giants like C.S. Lewis, Luther, Calvin, Moody, Spurgeon, Wesley, Graham, and Augustine--not to downgrade or dismiss them, but to show that even "the greats" in church history didn't get everything right. Knowing that the heroes of our faith sometimes got it wrong will empower us to treat our fellow Christians with grace rather than disdain whenever we disagree over theology.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
50 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Frank Viola
65 books204 followersFrank is a bestselling author and in-demand conference speaker. You can find his books, podcasts, articles, messages, and courses at http://frankviola.org.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
Viola doesn't interact on GoodReads. If you want to contact him, you can write him directly with a question or comment at frank@frankviola.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 26, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed Frank's latest work. Elements of biography and history combine (without having to do a biographical deep dive) with grace and wit to produce a work that calls each of us to calm down and focus on the main things. Highly recommended.
March 13, 2019
Think the most important thing about Christians is that we all agree theologically? Think again.
In this quick and accessible book, Viola gives us something noteworthy and needed—a moment to pause and consider that we might be wrong, and what that means for how we treat other people, based on their beliefs.
As long as there have been Christian writers expressing theological ideas, there have been theological disagreements and controversies. In certain places and times these disagreements have resulted in violence. It’s easy to think that we today are far too civilized for all of that. Think again.
The internet has opened the door for noisy theological factions to engage in all new kinds of condemnation, censure and character assassination. The attacks and e-Excommunications roll down in crushing waves—with the sole effect of demonstrating to the watching world that Christians are mostly concerned with being right, and are incapable of treating each other (let alone outsiders) with grace and kindness.
The main portion of the book is a survey of a number of significant “heroes of the faith,” people who were influential in their time, and who have left an indelible mark on Christianity. Many of these people are “patron saints” of a one particular theological group or other. For each one, Viola recounts a number of beliefs these luminaries held that would be considered peculiar, perhaps unorthodox, or even “shocking.”
Many, if not most Christians today are unfortunately very poorly educated on theological history, and assume (with the help of their local church pastors) that the theology taught in their local congregation is note-for-note the same as held by the apostles in 1st century Palestine. So, it will come as a surprise for many to learn that these theologians—every one considered an orthodox defenders of the faith—held beliefs that might get them kicked out of their local church.
Why take the time to point out that these great influencers held to beliefs that are unorthodox?
In order to make this important point: If we are capable of honoring and listening to the theological contribution of these leaders whose beliefs had blind spots, inaccuracies, or perhaps were just plain wrong, then maybe we can relate respectfully to others we disagree with.
The small remainder of the book includes several short chapters addressing related topics like how we speak to one another, the nature of heresy, the true purpose of the creed, and how church unity is not primarily built on doctrinal uniformity.
In an age where anyone can leave an excoriating public comment on Facebook or as a review, or can write a vicious condemnatory blog post, we need Viola’s reminder. Read this little book to learn something new about a handful of the most influential Christian thinkers in history, but also (and more importantly) to catch a vision of a different kind of church unity.
What unifies us is not perfect doctrinal agreement. Our calling is not forcing others to agree with us. The standard we are ultimately measured by is not our perfect agreement with the creed. It was Jesus himself who said that the particular quality that we would be known by was our love. And how else is love seen, if not in the charitable way we treat people—especially people we disagree with?
In this quick and accessible book, Viola gives us something noteworthy and needed—a moment to pause and consider that we might be wrong, and what that means for how we treat other people, based on their beliefs.
As long as there have been Christian writers expressing theological ideas, there have been theological disagreements and controversies. In certain places and times these disagreements have resulted in violence. It’s easy to think that we today are far too civilized for all of that. Think again.
The internet has opened the door for noisy theological factions to engage in all new kinds of condemnation, censure and character assassination. The attacks and e-Excommunications roll down in crushing waves—with the sole effect of demonstrating to the watching world that Christians are mostly concerned with being right, and are incapable of treating each other (let alone outsiders) with grace and kindness.
The main portion of the book is a survey of a number of significant “heroes of the faith,” people who were influential in their time, and who have left an indelible mark on Christianity. Many of these people are “patron saints” of a one particular theological group or other. For each one, Viola recounts a number of beliefs these luminaries held that would be considered peculiar, perhaps unorthodox, or even “shocking.”
Many, if not most Christians today are unfortunately very poorly educated on theological history, and assume (with the help of their local church pastors) that the theology taught in their local congregation is note-for-note the same as held by the apostles in 1st century Palestine. So, it will come as a surprise for many to learn that these theologians—every one considered an orthodox defenders of the faith—held beliefs that might get them kicked out of their local church.
Why take the time to point out that these great influencers held to beliefs that are unorthodox?
In order to make this important point: If we are capable of honoring and listening to the theological contribution of these leaders whose beliefs had blind spots, inaccuracies, or perhaps were just plain wrong, then maybe we can relate respectfully to others we disagree with.
The small remainder of the book includes several short chapters addressing related topics like how we speak to one another, the nature of heresy, the true purpose of the creed, and how church unity is not primarily built on doctrinal uniformity.
In an age where anyone can leave an excoriating public comment on Facebook or as a review, or can write a vicious condemnatory blog post, we need Viola’s reminder. Read this little book to learn something new about a handful of the most influential Christian thinkers in history, but also (and more importantly) to catch a vision of a different kind of church unity.
What unifies us is not perfect doctrinal agreement. Our calling is not forcing others to agree with us. The standard we are ultimately measured by is not our perfect agreement with the creed. It was Jesus himself who said that the particular quality that we would be known by was our love. And how else is love seen, if not in the charitable way we treat people—especially people we disagree with?
April 27, 2019
This is a good and useful book to be read by anyone, myself included. While I don’t particularly like the authors blog style of writing, it was done on purpose perhaps to reach a larger selection of people. For this reason, I can be supportive. The book is in two sections. The first section is a list of famous Christians and some of their beliefs that would not necessarily be embraced by most Christians today. The second section was a series of short articles to encourage Christians to actually pay attention to what Jesus taught and said – especially those many statements about loving each other. This part of the book is largely a repeat of what this author writes elsewhere, but I would agree with him that it needs to be repeated, again and again. I know that I repeat these same things when I speak. This is the type of book that I do wish every Christian would read. If they did, the world may well be in a better place.
July 11, 2025
Excellent! A must-read for anyone who has ever been grieved by differences with another child of God. The first half of the book is a most interesting study in the wild beliefs and practices of spiritual giants who have paved the way for us today: C.S. Lewis, D.L. Moody, Martin Luther to name a few. The rest of the book consists of helpful guidance to keep us Christians from fighting with one another rather than pursuing unity when at all possible.
April 14, 2021
I may have decided to pick this one up just because I wanted to read up on the subversive views of Lewis but this book offers much more than the simple satisfaction of my curiosity. This book is a book of common sense. The common sense among Christians to be gracious towards one another despite theological disagreements. You wonder why someone would have to write a book on a message so obvious but living in the age of the internet, you only need to look as far as your facebook page to see that we find ourselves to be severely lacking in that regard (look even further back and you'll be greeted by stakes and guillotines- depressingly gory stuff.)
I find that I really liked the way Viola went about with his argument- I mean who doesn't like getting some dirt on the Christian greats, just kidding, 'twas a very humbling read. It's also interesting seeing him go off on his perspective as a prolific blogger and author of a book with a rather controversial sounding title Pagan Christianity. He really does write from experience and has the mindset and heart of wanting to sow a Christ-like change in this age.
To lightly rip off Lewis' metaphor and putting it into another context-
When coming across those who may disagree, let's not make a spectacle of them but as a pair of spectacles by which you try to understand their point of view by. Even if you come out of it shaking your head and declare those spectacles to be faulty and cracked, you would have learned far more than the bully who simply crushes it underfoot.
I find that I really liked the way Viola went about with his argument- I mean who doesn't like getting some dirt on the Christian greats, just kidding, 'twas a very humbling read. It's also interesting seeing him go off on his perspective as a prolific blogger and author of a book with a rather controversial sounding title Pagan Christianity. He really does write from experience and has the mindset and heart of wanting to sow a Christ-like change in this age.
To lightly rip off Lewis' metaphor and putting it into another context-
When coming across those who may disagree, let's not make a spectacle of them but as a pair of spectacles by which you try to understand their point of view by. Even if you come out of it shaking your head and declare those spectacles to be faulty and cracked, you would have learned far more than the bully who simply crushes it underfoot.
February 28, 2024
****Disclosure: I won this book in a goodreads giveaway; this did not impact the rating*******
ReGrace is broken off into 2 sections. Section 1 features well-known Christians and some of the surprising and even unbiblical beliefs they held. Section 2 focuses on maintaining unity in the church and avoiding division.
This is a quick read, and chapters are very short. The author’s stance on facing hard subjects with love and kindness is a great lesson and is appreciated.
In all, there were some things to come away with. I felt that with the short chapters, this wasn't as deep as it could've been. If anyone would like to read something about a similar topic, basically keeping peace with other believers and nonbelievers, I highly recommend The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.
ReGrace is broken off into 2 sections. Section 1 features well-known Christians and some of the surprising and even unbiblical beliefs they held. Section 2 focuses on maintaining unity in the church and avoiding division.
This is a quick read, and chapters are very short. The author’s stance on facing hard subjects with love and kindness is a great lesson and is appreciated.
In all, there were some things to come away with. I felt that with the short chapters, this wasn't as deep as it could've been. If anyone would like to read something about a similar topic, basically keeping peace with other believers and nonbelievers, I highly recommend The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.
May 13, 2019
I appreciated Frank Viola's compilation of Christian leaders that might shock some of their followers.
His purpose was to point out some main Christian voices that have influenced Christianity for centuries, yet have some off the path beliefs or views: Lewis, Wesley, Graham, Calvin, Luther, Moody, etc.
The interesting thing is that many Christians who often view some of these voices as influential in their own belief while calling others heretics would be shocked and hopefully humbled by the views of some of their Christian mentors. That was Viola's point. REGRACE - the idea of using grace on them... and others... and ourselves.
The book was a compilation of several blog posts. The second half includes short chapters on how to treat other Christians, how to avoid unnecessary conflict, the core of Christian orthodoxy - and one of the better chapters - a balanced understanding of 'heretic' from the New Testament.
I'd encourage any serious minded Christian to read or least skim this book, especially if they want to 1. grow in humility of their own convictions, 2. get a glimpse (small) of historic Christianity, and 3. grow in their posture towards other Christians/Leaders in their church (or the larger church) who have different views.
Quicker read, easy to get through.
Grateful for the opportunity to review this book from GrafMartin Communications.
His purpose was to point out some main Christian voices that have influenced Christianity for centuries, yet have some off the path beliefs or views: Lewis, Wesley, Graham, Calvin, Luther, Moody, etc.
The interesting thing is that many Christians who often view some of these voices as influential in their own belief while calling others heretics would be shocked and hopefully humbled by the views of some of their Christian mentors. That was Viola's point. REGRACE - the idea of using grace on them... and others... and ourselves.
The book was a compilation of several blog posts. The second half includes short chapters on how to treat other Christians, how to avoid unnecessary conflict, the core of Christian orthodoxy - and one of the better chapters - a balanced understanding of 'heretic' from the New Testament.
I'd encourage any serious minded Christian to read or least skim this book, especially if they want to 1. grow in humility of their own convictions, 2. get a glimpse (small) of historic Christianity, and 3. grow in their posture towards other Christians/Leaders in their church (or the larger church) who have different views.
Quicker read, easy to get through.
Grateful for the opportunity to review this book from GrafMartin Communications.
December 16, 2021
I found the book interesting and learned things about celebrated Christian historical figures that I didn't know before reading it. The author has guts for writing this as he shows some serious faults in the actions, thinking and theology of people held in very high regard, but does so to prove a very important point - no one, not even icons of the Faith - is perfect and, sadly, many today are swift to assign saint-like status to people who were really no more righteous than anyone else. Critics will decry the author's criticisms as another of his written wrecking balls swinging within the walls of Christendom on the heels of his controversial "Pagan Christianity", but all the author is doing here is to point out how flawed people were clearly used by God to advance the cause of Christ, which means anyone can be.
January 24, 2023
I enjoyed reading Frank Viola's synopsis on what each Great Christian believed.
Shocking though? Perhaps to some.
Enlightening? Yes.
Overall deduction by Viola to offer more grace to believers within the constraints of faith's essentials? Of course.
This book might be a good reference for those curious about the basic doctrines of historic church leaders. An additional application might not only be to regrace the historic leader for the past they lived in (as Viola emphasizes in his book), but to remember that God calls each of us to serve where and when He has placed us. "For such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)--to make an impression and be a light for Christ in the generation in which we presently live.
Shocking though? Perhaps to some.
Enlightening? Yes.
Overall deduction by Viola to offer more grace to believers within the constraints of faith's essentials? Of course.
This book might be a good reference for those curious about the basic doctrines of historic church leaders. An additional application might not only be to regrace the historic leader for the past they lived in (as Viola emphasizes in his book), but to remember that God calls each of us to serve where and when He has placed us. "For such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)--to make an impression and be a light for Christ in the generation in which we presently live.
June 12, 2019
"Frank exposes the toxic behavior that Christians are caught up in today. We are verbally violent to each other when someone believes differently. ReGrace exposes us to the peculiar beliefs of our Church heroes and shows us the diversity of their doctrinal opinions. It’s fascinating. There have always been theological disagreements and controversies but our current vitriol is nuclear. Frank uses this history to guide us into a posture of grace and love rather than hate and hostility. We need this book right now. It’s is written with accessibility, so that those without seminary degrees would enjoy. ReGrace is a wake up call!"
June 22, 2025
I have read several books on the need for civility in our society. We all can see this if we choose to watch almost any newscast or get on social media. This one was different in that it pointed out that Christians should practice civility toward other Christians who may have doctrinal differences with them. He uses some famous Christians of the past to illustrate that they all had some rather odd takes on various subjects but we still benefit from their writings. We should extend grace to one another even if we hold different views. This in fact was a biblical mandate of Christ. Love one another as I have loved you. His love for us was unconditional.
November 19, 2025
This was a book that I read for class all about the “shocking beliefs” of great Christians from the past. I was super excited by the title but found many of the beliefs to be not all that shocking. I liked the chapters on Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and and Wesley as I did not know their beliefs. As a whole, I found the analysis to be very shallow and the book to book to be preachy. The main point of the book is that theological agreement in everything is not the most important thing which I heartily agree with. Viola’s random use of cultural lingo and overall tone just felt preachy and not super helpful.
March 8, 2019
An absolutely great read 4for committed Christians
With a knife sharpened by the Spirit of CHRIST, Frank Viola cuts through so much of the distasteful discourse that takes place in Christian circles today. I cannot find fault with any of his observations or conclusions and I'm going to do my best to think more objectively before ever criticizing others. I am also going to pass along hearty recommendations for this book to many of my Christian brothers. Thank you, Frank, for a much-needed book in today's world.
With a knife sharpened by the Spirit of CHRIST, Frank Viola cuts through so much of the distasteful discourse that takes place in Christian circles today. I cannot find fault with any of his observations or conclusions and I'm going to do my best to think more objectively before ever criticizing others. I am also going to pass along hearty recommendations for this book to many of my Christian brothers. Thank you, Frank, for a much-needed book in today's world.
May 18, 2021
Very interesting book. I found many of his statements to be thought provoking. I liked his definition of "jerk" as it motivated me to pull down a Facebook post I had written.
I understood many of his points due to his excellent writing. I agreed with very few of them because of his stated theology. I also doubt that two of his bastions of Christianity were Christian at all because of their theology.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a comfortable read and very insightful. You don't have to agree with everything he writes to give him credit for a well written thesis.
I understood many of his points due to his excellent writing. I agreed with very few of them because of his stated theology. I also doubt that two of his bastions of Christianity were Christian at all because of their theology.
I would definitely recommend this book. It is a comfortable read and very insightful. You don't have to agree with everything he writes to give him credit for a well written thesis.
August 7, 2019
Such a timely book in an age where it’s easy to take sound bites and excerpts from preachers and label them false, wolf, heretical, etc.
If you consider yourself a defender of the faith. If orthodoxy and correct doctrine is critical to you, this is a very important book for you to read!
To think critically is critical. It’s even more critical that we guard our heart from having a critical spirit.
If you consider yourself a defender of the faith. If orthodoxy and correct doctrine is critical to you, this is a very important book for you to read!
To think critically is critical. It’s even more critical that we guard our heart from having a critical spirit.
March 12, 2023
Some helpful and challenging insights about famous Christian leaders. However, ecumenical movements ultimately fail because although differing Christian groups have much in common, the differences do matter. The book is a reminder that 1 Timothy 1:15 is true of all of us "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."
April 20, 2019
Superb
It is always so refreshing to read something so clear and on point. I am reminded of my own biases and unkindness that has resulted. I hope my journey in Christ leaves more love and encouragement along the way. This book has been humbling and enlightening. Chapter 15 is a must if nothing else, it's all good.
It is always so refreshing to read something so clear and on point. I am reminded of my own biases and unkindness that has resulted. I hope my journey in Christ leaves more love and encouragement along the way. This book has been humbling and enlightening. Chapter 15 is a must if nothing else, it's all good.
April 21, 2019
Shocking beliefs, yep almost as bad as your own! The real kicker here is what do we do with the disjointed affair we all are having within Christendom tearing each other apart over far lesser indulgences. How many heretics do you know? Or do you really know what it means to be a heretic? You may be surprised at who qualifies, and don't rule your self out.
June 12, 2019
Just Okay
There were no real surprises. Perhaps some of what is here is shocking to extreme right fundamentalists, but probably not very shocking to even middle of the road evangelicals. There is a lot of repetition. His intent is noble in trying to help us appreciate one another across our differences
There were no real surprises. Perhaps some of what is here is shocking to extreme right fundamentalists, but probably not very shocking to even middle of the road evangelicals. There is a lot of repetition. His intent is noble in trying to help us appreciate one another across our differences
April 27, 2020
Brilliant and witty. I laughed out loud as I felt the sting. This is a great book for our day where Christian people slaughter each other online over disagreements, theological and even political. It will change your perspective.
June 15, 2020
Viola has a message we need to hear in this age of ‘agree with me or you’re a heretic’ or ‘agree with me or you’re a bigot’. From the book, its possible ‘to walk hand in hand without seeing eye to eye’. Relationship doesn’t require complete agreement, but love.
December 7, 2021
Viola started with an interesting premise and makes some excellent points, but the book is clearly a series of blog posts in book format. It got repetitive pretty quickly, and some of the "chapters" felt unnecessary. I might read his blog, but I won't be picking up any of his books in the future.
January 14, 2024
very much enjoyed this book
Learned a few things along the way in reading. Most notably, extend grace to others. We are all navigating some murky theological waters. Love God, love others.
Learned a few things along the way in reading. Most notably, extend grace to others. We are all navigating some murky theological waters. Love God, love others.
August 28, 2024
This book shows us that even the best theologians of Christendom had major flaws in the theology. Yet many people think their theology is perfect. The last chapter on the steps on how to challenge or talk to a pastor/preacher about their potential false theology was both convicting for me and very helpful.
March 24, 2019
A joy to read, fascinating history and super funny. This is a great book.
July 9, 2019
An interesting look at Christian criticism and how it can be much more harm than good. Enjoyed the unique look at the "secret beliefs" of the protestant giants.
October 13, 2022
Great book on why Christian’s need to be more tolerant of other believers in matters not essential. And the discussion on heresy alone is worth the book purchase.
May 23, 2023
A fantastic super funny and fascinating history-filled book. It's perfect for the times we are in where Christians break fellowship over disagreements. 5 stars easily.
April 30, 2019
I hope this book becomes a best seller as its message is desperately needed in this day and age. Here Frank Viola addresses the "friendly fire" that is so ubiquitous among Christians today, especially online.
Jesus told His disciples that they would be known for their love for one another, (John 13:35), but today the message is different. We are told that Christians should be known for having the "right doctrine" and by "rightly dividing the word of God." While we need to seek accuracy in the doctrines we hold dear we are also called to love each other. For many, the idea of loving someone who claims to follow Christ but disagrees with them or holds to a different doctrinal position is seen and treated as the enemy worthy of scorn and shunning. Sadly, we have inadvertently found ourselves following after the pattern of the Pharisees of Jesus' day who believed in loving one's neighbor but defined "neighbor" as being only those who shared their beliefs. All others were to be treated as unclean.
A significant portion of the book focuses on recounting many of the controversial beliefs and statements from various beloved giants of the faith, from Augustine and Edwards to Luther and Spurgeon and others, including C.S. Lewis. This isn't to criticize or to condemn these men but to remind us of the fact that we are all human and prone to embrace less than accurate ideas about our faith and our fellow believers. If they stumbled and we give them some slack, maybe we could extend the same grace to each other. What a novel idea!
Jesus told His disciples that they would be known for their love for one another, (John 13:35), but today the message is different. We are told that Christians should be known for having the "right doctrine" and by "rightly dividing the word of God." While we need to seek accuracy in the doctrines we hold dear we are also called to love each other. For many, the idea of loving someone who claims to follow Christ but disagrees with them or holds to a different doctrinal position is seen and treated as the enemy worthy of scorn and shunning. Sadly, we have inadvertently found ourselves following after the pattern of the Pharisees of Jesus' day who believed in loving one's neighbor but defined "neighbor" as being only those who shared their beliefs. All others were to be treated as unclean.
A significant portion of the book focuses on recounting many of the controversial beliefs and statements from various beloved giants of the faith, from Augustine and Edwards to Luther and Spurgeon and others, including C.S. Lewis. This isn't to criticize or to condemn these men but to remind us of the fact that we are all human and prone to embrace less than accurate ideas about our faith and our fellow believers. If they stumbled and we give them some slack, maybe we could extend the same grace to each other. What a novel idea!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews