The Dishonest Church

by Jack Good

Two distinct styles of faith characterize the mainline Protestant churches in the U.S. One is the faith of the academy, theologically informed but arid and intellectual. The other is popular Christianity, an energetic mixture of tradition and superstition that provides fellowship and comfort but cannot answer the challenges posed by historical and scientific knowledge. Mainline pastors tend to hold an academic faith, but, lest they scandalize the laity, they preach a popular one. Meanwhile, those who seek a faith adequate to the modern world are silently disappearing from the pews. The Dishonest Church is an unblinking look at the reasons behind the decline of the mainline churches, and a prescription for a long overdue honesty! It is also a celebration of a faith tradition that continues to evolve as it confronts the Ultimate Mystery. The book insists that the only way to preserve this tradition is to allow it to do what it has always adjust to new realities. Readers of this book will be affirmed in their desire to stand at the intersection of a dynamic tradition and an open future.

Genres: Amazon, Religion, Nonfiction

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jeremy Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. It's intended for clergy, which I am not, but I think it's helpful for anyone who finds it hard to balance faith with science, biblical inconsistencies, and dogma.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

helped me reconcile some of my own recovering-christianity.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judgmental and at times harsh but true.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some great information about Bible scholarship, a subject that I am quite interested in. However, it was a little harsh towards churches and clergy. If you can get past the judgmental stuff it has some great information and was a great read.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be mandatory reading for ALL who claim to be Christian. Good takes a hard look at the reasons for the decline of the churches today. It is time for churches today to face the challenges brought up by scientific and historical knowledge. It is past time to adjust to new realities.