WHAT DOES THE CHURCH GET WRONG ABOUT VULNERABILITY?
It's not just for those who have hit rock bottom. It's not just for special occasions. It's not just for someone else who is worse off than you.
Vulnerability is for all of us. We ALL need to be open and vulnerable with people whom we can trust about what's going on in our lives.
This new book from comedian Taylor Johnson is a hilarious and honest exploration of why vulnerability is essential in the everyday life of Christ's followers. Johnson helps us examine why we need to open up, why we're afraid of it, and why we don't have to be.
“When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we are saved from having to pretend.”
This is one of the many lines that stood out to me in Taylor Johnson’s “In the Altogether.” It feels like society (and much of Christian church culture) swings back and forth on that word “pretend.” We either do all we can to hide who we are (we’re scared people will find out we’re a fraud) or embrace our desires, thoughts, and personalities wholesale .
Taylor balances both of these errors by detailing the importance of personal vulnerability, as well as the growth we should pursue as we open up to those around us. I was just blown away by this book—truly. From its conception to the way Taylor pulls from pop culture, the Bible, and research to make his points—it’s just an incredible work. Taylor’s writing is clear, winsome, and very funny. I hope “In the Altogether” is read by as many church leaders as possible.
Note: I received and read an advance copy of “In the Altogether.”
I got this book back in September when it came out and I had every intention of finishing it right away. Well, life had other plans and I put it off for a while. But thank goodness I finally decided to pick it back up and finish it because it was such a timely word. This book spoke directly too my life situation multiple times, like it went inside of my head and ransacked my vault of deep personal thoughts. This message of vulnerability that this book has is so important for both Christian and non-Christian alike. Give it a read. You won’t be disappointed.
I liked how the author uses humor in his writing, and it helped make the book a pretty easy read. I wish he had used more Bible verses to explain what he was saying. Some parts felt like the book was for a newer Christian. I appreciated his own vulnerability in the book, and the advice he gave on being vulnerable, because that’s something I’m not good at.
I received an advanced copy and loved this book! This book reads like an open and honest conversation with the author. And like any conversation, I hope to laugh and hear funny stories which thankfully this book delivered. Before reading this book, the word vulnerable barely registered on my radar. I thought I was good at being open but I learned there’s more to vulnerability than simply being open. As a former small group leader, I think this book would be perfect for small groups and Bible studies.
I received an advanced copy of this book, which is why I got it so early. I have to say I was amazed by this book, and to be honest it felt more like an experience. One I didn’t want to end, the author really hit home on a lot of chapters for me. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who maybe is struggling with issues that have been weighing you down. This book truly lifted me up, and I believe it can do the same for you!
Great book encouraging us to engage in community in an open and vulnerable manner. Though sometimes uncomfortable, this vulnerability in the altogether truly leads to life change.