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Goodbye Jesus: An Evangelical Preacher's Journey Beyond Faith
Second Edition Goodbye Jesus is the step-by-step account of a former minister’s journey into and out of faith—the story of a long pendulum swing from the deep commitment of a devout believer to the firm conviction that no personal God exists and that all religions are man-made. Tim Sledge was a Southern Baptist preacher and writer for 35 years. His pioneering work in faith-based recovery ministries in the 80s and 90s ultimately guided participants in 20,000 Christian support groups across the U.S. The driving force behind Sledge’s ultimate rejection of Christianity was his long-term, up-close observations of church life. “After living and leading in the church for decades, I saw no consistent evidence of an ongoing supernatural presence—and I wanted to see that evidence with all that was in me.” Part memoir, part exposé, part polemic, Goodbye Jesus is an honest, highly personal, and frequently provocative spiritual autobiography that concludes with an insider’s takedown of religious faith. This is a relatable and thoughtful read for those seeking to better understand the evangelical mindset, for Christians who are questioning their faith, for ministers trying to decide whether to stay or go, and for those who have left their faith and are dealing with its loss.
- GenresReligion
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2018
116 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 5, 2020
good, if lengthy description of a so-called evangelical's eventual chucking of his religious nonsense.
March 16, 2021
Like most preachers, Tim went on too long and included more detail than I needed. I will not speak for others, because each nuanced thought may help someone. I felt like I was reading my own life story. The primary difference being that I saw the light and bailed out much, much sooner. At one point, I wanted to call Tim and shout, "when you keep diving into the septic tank, do not be surprised that you come out smelling awful".
Possibly the most disappointing element in all of his thoughts was that near the end, he was making up things we need to do or that we need to join in order to be fully comfortable with "who we are". No Tim, we need to accept who we are while also accepting that we may not fit into someone else's niche. We must become most comfortable with just being ourselves. Try hiking alone and learn that what is in your being, your mind, your inner soul, is that which you were born with. Get comfortable with "you" and don't worry who loves you and who does not. Just "you" is a wonderful thing, embrace "you" and make "you" happy. I promise, others around you will be drawn to you, they will be friends with you, help you, look to you for support and in general, you will gain all that you suggest you might by joining something. Being you is the only right kind of selfish. Try it!
Possibly the most disappointing element in all of his thoughts was that near the end, he was making up things we need to do or that we need to join in order to be fully comfortable with "who we are". No Tim, we need to accept who we are while also accepting that we may not fit into someone else's niche. We must become most comfortable with just being ourselves. Try hiking alone and learn that what is in your being, your mind, your inner soul, is that which you were born with. Get comfortable with "you" and don't worry who loves you and who does not. Just "you" is a wonderful thing, embrace "you" and make "you" happy. I promise, others around you will be drawn to you, they will be friends with you, help you, look to you for support and in general, you will gain all that you suggest you might by joining something. Being you is the only right kind of selfish. Try it!
November 5, 2023
Interesting and at times thought provoking, but it could have been more concise…
The story began slowly, and I almost gave up in the first 100 pages. I’m glad I persevered as the second half of the book is definitely more interesting than the first half. Ironically the author himself indicates that the book may be overly long when he explains in the introduction which chapters can be omitted for readers in a hurry. If there are chapters which aren’t ‘necessary’ to the story, then perhaps the book could be written more concisely, to remove them?
As well as the length, I found the tone of the book a little difficult. In places it seems a little too self-justifying. For example, when the author leaves a post and there is a question about whether the church was growing fast enough, he compares the data for the period of his tenure, with the data for the next decade, to prove that he was in fact doing a good job. That kind of self-lauding does the story no favors.
However, the main part of the book tells an interesting story which will undoubtedly resonate with readers who have had similar experiences. At times the story becomes so engrossing that it is difficult to put it down.
The last fifth of the book provides the authors ‘reasons’ for his decision to leave Christianity. I found this section a little disappointing, as some of the reasoning seemed rushed and incomplete. For example, the author says at one point that his final position seemed closer to Reform Judaism’s Humanism. But there are also equivalent ‘Atheist’ versions of Christianity which he doesn’t acknowledge, or discuss. Was he singling out Reform Judaism consciously rejecting those alternatives, or was he unaware of them? It wasn’t clear.
The arguments against Christianity had a clarity and logic to them, but they are presented in a one-sided way. For example, the author states that if Jesus was God then he could have provided information about Germs, and that would have saved thousands of lives. Yes, that is one model of the Incarnation. But there are contrary Kenosis models which argue that a divine Jesus must necessarily have had limitations. Again, it isn’t clear from the text whether the author knows those arguments and has consciously rejected them, or is he just unaware of them.
The theology section of the book raised a lot of questions which it didn’t seem to have the space to resolve. I wondered whether that part of the book wouldn’t have worked better as a separate book, providing a part 2 of the story with more explanation of the theological reasoning involved (?).
Another issue which seemed to arise throughout the story was the role of emotion in spirituality. The signs of God’s presence were often related to emotional feelings (like revival events). What seems to begin the author's journey from faith to non-faith is his difficulty finding a church where he ‘feels’ comfortable. And in a telling comment at the end of the book the author says that he is not comfortable with Atheism because its focus on logic involves a lack of feelings. Underneath those comments is an intriguing set of issues about the author’s understanding of what emotional feelings are, and what they are for. It would have been interesting to see him explore those issues more.
Overall, the language and content make this book accessible to readers from any background, from late teens upwards. I think the style of the writing makes it harder to enjoy the book, unless readers are specifically interested in the issues which it raises. So, it may not be a good choice for a general readership, such as a book club.
These are comments on the 2nd Edition, 2018 version of the book, read in October 2023.
The story began slowly, and I almost gave up in the first 100 pages. I’m glad I persevered as the second half of the book is definitely more interesting than the first half. Ironically the author himself indicates that the book may be overly long when he explains in the introduction which chapters can be omitted for readers in a hurry. If there are chapters which aren’t ‘necessary’ to the story, then perhaps the book could be written more concisely, to remove them?
As well as the length, I found the tone of the book a little difficult. In places it seems a little too self-justifying. For example, when the author leaves a post and there is a question about whether the church was growing fast enough, he compares the data for the period of his tenure, with the data for the next decade, to prove that he was in fact doing a good job. That kind of self-lauding does the story no favors.
However, the main part of the book tells an interesting story which will undoubtedly resonate with readers who have had similar experiences. At times the story becomes so engrossing that it is difficult to put it down.
The last fifth of the book provides the authors ‘reasons’ for his decision to leave Christianity. I found this section a little disappointing, as some of the reasoning seemed rushed and incomplete. For example, the author says at one point that his final position seemed closer to Reform Judaism’s Humanism. But there are also equivalent ‘Atheist’ versions of Christianity which he doesn’t acknowledge, or discuss. Was he singling out Reform Judaism consciously rejecting those alternatives, or was he unaware of them? It wasn’t clear.
The arguments against Christianity had a clarity and logic to them, but they are presented in a one-sided way. For example, the author states that if Jesus was God then he could have provided information about Germs, and that would have saved thousands of lives. Yes, that is one model of the Incarnation. But there are contrary Kenosis models which argue that a divine Jesus must necessarily have had limitations. Again, it isn’t clear from the text whether the author knows those arguments and has consciously rejected them, or is he just unaware of them.
The theology section of the book raised a lot of questions which it didn’t seem to have the space to resolve. I wondered whether that part of the book wouldn’t have worked better as a separate book, providing a part 2 of the story with more explanation of the theological reasoning involved (?).
Another issue which seemed to arise throughout the story was the role of emotion in spirituality. The signs of God’s presence were often related to emotional feelings (like revival events). What seems to begin the author's journey from faith to non-faith is his difficulty finding a church where he ‘feels’ comfortable. And in a telling comment at the end of the book the author says that he is not comfortable with Atheism because its focus on logic involves a lack of feelings. Underneath those comments is an intriguing set of issues about the author’s understanding of what emotional feelings are, and what they are for. It would have been interesting to see him explore those issues more.
Overall, the language and content make this book accessible to readers from any background, from late teens upwards. I think the style of the writing makes it harder to enjoy the book, unless readers are specifically interested in the issues which it raises. So, it may not be a good choice for a general readership, such as a book club.
These are comments on the 2nd Edition, 2018 version of the book, read in October 2023.
April 19, 2020
In the same boat (happily)
After ten years of Bible study I reached the same conclusions as Tim Sledge. The historical Jesus was not divine and he is not sitting at the right hand in his (nonexistent) father in heaven. There is no heaven. But I'm still the same person I was before I gave up trying to believe in a book that doesn't make sense, or make people any better than they already are. Life to me is very precious because I know this is the only one I'll ever have. I will always be kind to believers of all faiths; I just won't be invested in telling them what they should believe or do as a result of their beliefs. I feel free to love, live and experience life as the unrepeatable, singular experience it is. I'm still a fan of the Jesus story but no longer a believer in his divinity or in the stories written about him so far after the fact by the gospel writers. And in my opinion, Saul\Paul did massive damage screwing up Jesus's messages ...
After ten years of Bible study I reached the same conclusions as Tim Sledge. The historical Jesus was not divine and he is not sitting at the right hand in his (nonexistent) father in heaven. There is no heaven. But I'm still the same person I was before I gave up trying to believe in a book that doesn't make sense, or make people any better than they already are. Life to me is very precious because I know this is the only one I'll ever have. I will always be kind to believers of all faiths; I just won't be invested in telling them what they should believe or do as a result of their beliefs. I feel free to love, live and experience life as the unrepeatable, singular experience it is. I'm still a fan of the Jesus story but no longer a believer in his divinity or in the stories written about him so far after the fact by the gospel writers. And in my opinion, Saul\Paul did massive damage screwing up Jesus's messages ...
April 14, 2023
Fantastic! Real! Brilliant!
I've read a lot of books from a lot of authors as I've gone through my deconstruction journey. I found this book to be very engaging, honest, and extremely thorough. He related so much of the behind the scenes of being in ministry accurately which I can attest to be true as a PK and in various ministry positions myself when I was a Xtian. He spent so much time on his ministry life that I was wondering when the deconversion was gonna happen. When he got there it was a really good synopsis of why he walked away and the research and facts he truly searched for. He really made the point that he wanted to keep his faith but he just couldnt,just like many of us have experienced. Highly recommend!
I've read a lot of books from a lot of authors as I've gone through my deconstruction journey. I found this book to be very engaging, honest, and extremely thorough. He related so much of the behind the scenes of being in ministry accurately which I can attest to be true as a PK and in various ministry positions myself when I was a Xtian. He spent so much time on his ministry life that I was wondering when the deconversion was gonna happen. When he got there it was a really good synopsis of why he walked away and the research and facts he truly searched for. He really made the point that he wanted to keep his faith but he just couldnt,just like many of us have experienced. Highly recommend!
June 12, 2023
If you have any doubts about how the church is conducted, even right now in the 21st century, this book explains how things of religion are held, and what's behind it all. If you wish to know about how the idea of God came about...read this book. It is a long read but I couldn't stop reading. I've witnessed similar events in my church life (and left the church after many years), plus how all the beliefs we take for granted because others said it was fact and that is just the way it is came into existence. I came back from Vietnam in December 1970 with this on my mind "There is something wrong with this picture" but now thanks to people like Tim Sledge I am FREE!
April 14, 2019
Emotional, insightful and brilliantly written book
The vulnerability in your writing made me feel the sorrow and loneliness of your experiences and failures. It really takes courage to share such a story. the arguments against religion that you provided are new to me and very insightful. And yes I changed my mind. I'm no longer religious. Its really hard saying goodbye to Jesus, but I guess the truth is what really matters, and I decided to go wherever truth leads me.
Thank you Tim Sledge.
Respect from Lebanon
The vulnerability in your writing made me feel the sorrow and loneliness of your experiences and failures. It really takes courage to share such a story. the arguments against religion that you provided are new to me and very insightful. And yes I changed my mind. I'm no longer religious. Its really hard saying goodbye to Jesus, but I guess the truth is what really matters, and I decided to go wherever truth leads me.
Thank you Tim Sledge.
Respect from Lebanon
May 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book, it took me a while but I’m glad I finished it. I think the last several chapters, after he left Christianity were the best. Early on it seemed like he was trying to show what a great pastor he was, and some of it was a little triggering but he did redeem himself. Sometimes I wondered why he put so much detail in the book but it all seemed to come together so the reader can understand where he was coming from.
November 20, 2024
mostly biography
This was a good read but I do wish the author had shortened the biographic section substantially. The substance of the book begins in chapter 83. The after-faith section is the part I was most interested in. I do think the book is worth a read but you will probably end up skimming through parts of the beginning of the book because the biographical part goes into way too much detail.
This was a good read but I do wish the author had shortened the biographic section substantially. The substance of the book begins in chapter 83. The after-faith section is the part I was most interested in. I do think the book is worth a read but you will probably end up skimming through parts of the beginning of the book because the biographical part goes into way too much detail.
January 19, 2025
Much too long for me— could have cut it in half and still conveyed what was important in his spiritual journey.
I especially liked his discussion on how Christians don’t really become ‘new creatures’ with a supernatural change in their moral lives once they believe. He also had insightful thoughts on the manipulative nature of the doctrine of Hell, and a powerful analogy on the efficacy of prayer— the ‘Amazing Disk.’
I especially liked his discussion on how Christians don’t really become ‘new creatures’ with a supernatural change in their moral lives once they believe. He also had insightful thoughts on the manipulative nature of the doctrine of Hell, and a powerful analogy on the efficacy of prayer— the ‘Amazing Disk.’
January 26, 2023
This book is hard to read. While his journey to seeing the light (of atheism) is interesting, do we really need to know how his group decided to upgrade their parking lot? It sounds like an auto-hagiography.
Where he discusses the defects of religion, it is much better. Skip the first 80% and enjoy the rest.
Where he discusses the defects of religion, it is much better. Skip the first 80% and enjoy the rest.
June 22, 2023
I grew up Southern Baptist and could relate to basically everything described in this book. I was never a pastor, but I was intimately involved in music ministry as a musician. As I read this book, I had flashbacks to experiences like the author described. This book was hard to read at times. I've ultimately landed in the same place the author has.
October 12, 2019
Very moving book
I wasn't a pastor but I was a born again Christian for over 40yrs and a lot of what was in this book hit home! Highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with leaving their faith
I wasn't a pastor but I was a born again Christian for over 40yrs and a lot of what was in this book hit home! Highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with leaving their faith
March 11, 2021
Hits me right there
While I don’t have the same experiences as the author, it felt at least emotionally like my life was explored in the book. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
While I don’t have the same experiences as the author, it felt at least emotionally like my life was explored in the book. Thanks for giving me something to think about.
May 29, 2021
Kind, Sensitive, Insightful; Powerfully Written.
Thank Tim for your searingly insightful look at evangelical Christianity and your journey away from it. You write with honesty and clarity.
Thank Tim for your searingly insightful look at evangelical Christianity and your journey away from it. You write with honesty and clarity.
March 4, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot, but it was SUPER long. I think parts could have been condensed and carried the same weight.
June 7, 2023
I spent hours reading a book that comes to the same conclusion that young Sheldon Cooper spouts off every few episodes.
May 27, 2024
Sad story of a man who ultimately falls into sin, his mind darkens, his heart hardens, until unbelief takes over his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
A good read!
A very good book to read for spiritual thinking. Good stories! Very humane! I wish my Christian friends would read this book as well.
A very good book to read for spiritual thinking. Good stories! Very humane! I wish my Christian friends would read this book as well.
November 15, 2023
Welcome to the echo chamber. If you made it to the reviews, you'll read as many opinions here as you will in this book.
This book has some great points, but was too focused on the author's personal feelings for this to be used as a source of information. If you come here looking for what hard facts can make this man lose his faith, you'll find nothing but bias.
Of course, I have my own biases. The difference being, I am not trying to sell you mine.
This book has some great points, but was too focused on the author's personal feelings for this to be used as a source of information. If you come here looking for what hard facts can make this man lose his faith, you'll find nothing but bias.
Of course, I have my own biases. The difference being, I am not trying to sell you mine.
May 22, 2020
Pastor Tim Sledge notices discrepancies early on in his life but tucked them away since his job as preacher was to prove wrong all criticisms of Christianity and the Bible. He was a Christian for 50 years. Later in life he acknowledged it was a house of cards but was never willing to poke around. Family, friends, his whole support community was within church so why entertain doubt? Finally, later in life, he allowed himself to think critically.
"Now, as my skeptical review of faith proceeded, the old hypnotic trance was gone. I no longer felt compelled to ignore discrepancies, inconsistencies, and oddities of biblical texts. On the contrary, I was ready for a completely rational, objective, and unflinching look at Bible passages that I had long viewed with deferential reverence. "
An extensive autobiography of a man who persued the Christian faith as a pastor, studied at seminary after seminary, spent all his life and then finally admit there are no credible proofs for Christianity, only wishful thinking (faith).
Writing was repetitive and long-winded making it hard to get through, admit I skimmed some.
"Now, as my skeptical review of faith proceeded, the old hypnotic trance was gone. I no longer felt compelled to ignore discrepancies, inconsistencies, and oddities of biblical texts. On the contrary, I was ready for a completely rational, objective, and unflinching look at Bible passages that I had long viewed with deferential reverence. "
An extensive autobiography of a man who persued the Christian faith as a pastor, studied at seminary after seminary, spent all his life and then finally admit there are no credible proofs for Christianity, only wishful thinking (faith).
Writing was repetitive and long-winded making it hard to get through, admit I skimmed some.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews