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Exactly as You Are: The Life and Faith of Mister Rogers
Welcome to the spiritual neighborhood of Fred Rogers
“I like you as you are
Exactly and precisely
I think you turned out nicely
And I like you as you are.”
Fred Rogers fiercely believed that all people deserve love. This conviction wasn’t simply sentimental: it came directly from his Christian faith. God, he insisted, loves us just the way we are.
In Exactly as You Are, Shea Tuttle looks at Fred Rogers’s life, the people and places that made him who he was, and his work through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. She pays particular attention to his faith—because Fred Rogers was a deeply spiritual person, ordained by his church with a one-of-a-kind charge: to minister to children and families through television.
Tuttle explores this kind, influential, sometimes surprising man: the neighborhood he came from, the neighborhood he built, and the kind of neighbor he, by his example, calls all of us to be. Throughout, Tuttle shows how he was guided by his core belief: that God loves children, and everyone else, exactly as they are.
“I like you as you are
Exactly and precisely
I think you turned out nicely
And I like you as you are.”
Fred Rogers fiercely believed that all people deserve love. This conviction wasn’t simply sentimental: it came directly from his Christian faith. God, he insisted, loves us just the way we are.
In Exactly as You Are, Shea Tuttle looks at Fred Rogers’s life, the people and places that made him who he was, and his work through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. She pays particular attention to his faith—because Fred Rogers was a deeply spiritual person, ordained by his church with a one-of-a-kind charge: to minister to children and families through television.
Tuttle explores this kind, influential, sometimes surprising man: the neighborhood he came from, the neighborhood he built, and the kind of neighbor he, by his example, calls all of us to be. Throughout, Tuttle shows how he was guided by his core belief: that God loves children, and everyone else, exactly as they are.
211 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 16, 2020
'When Mister Rogers called his viewers "neighbors," when he hosted us in his neighborhood for over thirty years, he was playing out his own greatest parable: calling us, gently but firmly, into lives of mercy and care for one another. He knew we wouldn't always get it right . . . but maybe he believed that if he got to us while we were young, if he told us that we are good, that we are lovable, and that we can build bridges of mercy, maybe we could grow into real neighbors to one another.' -- page 110
Although it can't compete with Maxwell King's outstandingly thorough The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers (and it's certainly not meant to) from early last year, I instead prefer to think of Shea Tuttle's Exactly As You're Are as a high quality companion piece to said biography. Tuttle's work does include basic biographic elements, but the underlying focus is more of an examination on Rogers' long-held Christian beliefs and spirituality - how it affected his overall life, provided guidance / direction throughout his career, and was gently used as a ministry of sorts on his TV series. Other GR reviewers have called this book 'heartwarming' and I completely agree with that adjective. Tuttle writes in a pleasingly concise manner and presents some interesting theological ideas and theories in the eighteen chapters. In closing, I'll go ahead and state the obvious - right now, and probably more than ever in our history, troubled America could again really use a 'good neighbor' like Mr. Rogers as a calming influence, and to kindly remind us of the virtues of tolerance and acceptance.
Although it can't compete with Maxwell King's outstandingly thorough The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers (and it's certainly not meant to) from early last year, I instead prefer to think of Shea Tuttle's Exactly As You're Are as a high quality companion piece to said biography. Tuttle's work does include basic biographic elements, but the underlying focus is more of an examination on Rogers' long-held Christian beliefs and spirituality - how it affected his overall life, provided guidance / direction throughout his career, and was gently used as a ministry of sorts on his TV series. Other GR reviewers have called this book 'heartwarming' and I completely agree with that adjective. Tuttle writes in a pleasingly concise manner and presents some interesting theological ideas and theories in the eighteen chapters. In closing, I'll go ahead and state the obvious - right now, and probably more than ever in our history, troubled America could again really use a 'good neighbor' like Mr. Rogers as a calming influence, and to kindly remind us of the virtues of tolerance and acceptance.
July 5, 2021
Summary: A religious biography of Mister Rogers.
It has been two months since I have posted a review on my blog. I have been on a vacation but mostly working on finishing up my certificate program in Spiritual Direction with six units of classes. I have read many books for class, but little for fun.
In the midst of books for class, I squeezed in the short audiobook of Exactly As You Are: The Life and Faith of Mister Rogers. I am very familiar with Mister Rogers. In addition to the recent documentary and biopic, I have read Kindness and Wonder, The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers, and the full biography The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. None of these books are perfect, but each has value in rounding out a human Fred Rogers.
I have been drawn to biography and memoir lately. Maybe it is a recent class on the spirituality of aging, but I am looking for examples of how people attempt to follow God honestly over a lifetime. I think hagiography was originally designed to inspire people to live their lives devoted to God. Ignatius was converted to a life of devotion to God by reading a book about the saints and a book about Jesus. This year I have been inspired by the flawed humanity of Eugene Peterson, Tish Warren's struggle with depression, AD Tomason's advocacy of counseling and healing, and Nate Powell's struggle to parent well as his tries to be an activist. I am not looking for perfection; I am more comforted in the struggle than in the success.
However, Mister Rogers does have a level of "success" in his sainthood that is particularly worth emulating. There is no perfection here; he was a flawed parent and husband and boss. But Fred Rogers was also attempting to be a Christian in his whole life, not just on Sunday mornings. I listened to Exactly as You Are on audiobook as I was doing errands and working around the house, but this is a book that I plan on purchasing in text because there are passages to savor and more inspiration to be gained. Hagiography tried to show not just the qualities of sainthood, but the evidence, often miracles, that showed God was working in their lives. Tuttle isn't trying to whitewash Rogers, but some near-miraculous stories are shared. I do not think the point of this section is the near-miraculous stories as much as it is the inspiration to follow God when we feel nudged. Silence and prayer are important to attune ourselves to God. But the next step of being open to hearing from and then acting on God's direction matters just as much. Yes, we might be wrong. And yes, sometimes we might feel silly writing a note or making a phone call or knocking on a door because we think God is prompting us to, but sometimes those prompts are the Holy Spirit, and there is a person that really does need us.
Mister Rogers probably does verge on the maybe too saintly to be helpful. We cannot really get to Mister Rogers' actual reality if he did not have the wealth of his family and the small-town stability of his upbringing. Most of us do not have wealth that allows us not to worry about income or a grandmother who can buy a concert-quality piano for a 10th birthday. But we do have our own gifts that we are asked to put into God's service. And I think that is really what Tuttle calls us to take away from Mister Roger's story.
If you are new to reading about Mister Rogers Exactly As You Are is where I would recommend starting. King's biography is an alternative starting point, but Tuttle has plenty of biographical details and I think a more human portrait that will be a good introduction to King's biography if you want to continue reading.
January 15, 2020
This is a heartwarming and insightful look at Mr. Rogers’ spiritual life. At times I felt like the book was a bit too speculative. Then again, I love spiritual speculation about TV shows so I wonder if that’s a hypocritical critique. All in all, a worthy read.
October 3, 2019
In addition to telling a compelling and inspiring story about one of TV's most beloved icons, Shea Tuttle channels his best qualities into her writing, which is thoughtful, gentle, and deliberate. Reading this book feels strangely immersive, as if you're not just learning about the quirky, driven, and genuine man behind the neighborhood, but being cared for by him. Tuttle considers the ways in which Fred--the product of wealthy, loving parents from Latrobe, Pennsylvania--was both ahead of his time and a product of it. He preached self-acceptance and vulnerability. He was drawn to those on the margins. He inhabited the domestic sphere during a time when men were pressured (even more so than now) to be stoic breadwinners. He could also be dismissive of his employees' financial challenges and advised a close gay friend to remain in the closet. Nevertheless, it's impossible to read this book without feeling deep admiration and gratitude. Tuttle's blend of biography, philosophy, and seamless storytelling will make you want to put on a cardigan and cozy up with every old episode you can find.
May 27, 2025
This book made me all the more obsessed w/ Mr. Rogers! So much of who he is Christ like! And so many practical applications of his life, ministry on television can be applied to youth ministry. The way he sees others, and shows the kindness of God will never get old!
January 2, 2020
How can you not like Mr. Rogers? He reminded kids that "It's you I like" and "It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood." Excellent read that reminds us that our faith should be infused in all aspects of our lives. My favorite take away was the reminder that all ground should be seen as holy ground.
January 26, 2020
I loved this biography of Fred Rogers. (Far better than another one I read recently, which was poorly and boring-ly written.) This was a wonderful look at the life he led and how he came to do the work he did. The writing flows very nicely and the book was organized very well. It was well researched and yet perfectly succinct and efficient while still telling us much about Fred. I loved the connection of his work to his beliefs. The religious connections shared in the book seldom felt forced, but rather just circled back to who Fred was and how he started out and why he did what he did. He was a fascinating man and he led his life well, an example of the kindness we need more of in the world. I highly recommend this book.
October 31, 2020
I have neither read the other biographies nor have I seen the documentary, but I can remember Mister Rogers Neighborhood television show and I can still sing many of the songs. Exactly As You Are is the thoughtful story of Fred Rogers. It is the story of his life as a young boy of a wealthy and supportive family in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Frequently bullied as a young child, Fred found solace in his family, music, religion and in his imagination. These strengths became the foundation of who Fred Rogers was to become and how his life would become integrated into ours. A very spiritual man, Rogers became a Presbyterian minister by taking classes during his work lunch hour. Religion was an integral part of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and he considered everyone his neighbor. His television program helped children to understand their feelings and their fears, to explain current events and to accept each as a neighbor.
September 13, 2019
I have long claimed that the mark of a good non-fiction book is how often you find yourself telling people about what you learned in it. As both a Christian and a social worker who specializes in Early Childhood, I told almost everyone I knew about a tidbit or wisdom from "Exactly as You Are: the Life and Faith of Mr. Rodgers."
So often children are thought of as an afterthought, mini-adults who should "get with the program." Mister Rogers' slow and deliberate approach to interaction with children saw them as full and complete beings. It came as a bit of a surprise to me that Fred Rodgers was driven by his Christian faith. And yet, the more I read about him the more I thought, "I want a faith like that. I want to lead like him."
This book is an excellent read for anyone struggling with the injustices of this world and how to parent, teach or counsel children in the midst of it.
So often children are thought of as an afterthought, mini-adults who should "get with the program." Mister Rogers' slow and deliberate approach to interaction with children saw them as full and complete beings. It came as a bit of a surprise to me that Fred Rodgers was driven by his Christian faith. And yet, the more I read about him the more I thought, "I want a faith like that. I want to lead like him."
This book is an excellent read for anyone struggling with the injustices of this world and how to parent, teach or counsel children in the midst of it.
July 26, 2019
I received an advance review copy of this book. I didn’t watch Mister Rogers often when I was growing up. While he seemed like a nice man, I didn’t care for the puppets on the program. I’ve read bits here and there about Fred Rogers on social media since his death, especially following tragedies, when people remember him saying “Look for the helpers.” I also learned that he was ordained, and as a clergy person myself, that interested me.
“Exactly As You Are” exceeded my expectations. I was fascinated to learn about his vocations as a pastor and television personality, and his passion for children’s programming that made children feel loved and special. His concern about children expressing their feelings especially resonated with me. After reading this book, I wish that I had watched the program more when I was a child, because I repressed a lot of feelings, particularly grief following my mother’s death.
My favorite chapter was 16, “Fred’s Big Feelings.” It opens with a description of a sermon he gave, and as a preacher myself, I loved that. I loved the way he tied two readings together (Jesus being “lost” as a 12-year-old and the cleansing of the temple) to illustrate the doctrine of the Incarnation. Rogers reminded those to whom he preached that Jesus was a developmental human who went through stages and as well as a human who experienced emotions like anger. Tuttle writes about Fred’s own anger, and self-doubt, and grief.
Grateful to have had the opportunity to read it in advance. I will definitely procure a copy for myself as well as for my church's library.
“Exactly As You Are” exceeded my expectations. I was fascinated to learn about his vocations as a pastor and television personality, and his passion for children’s programming that made children feel loved and special. His concern about children expressing their feelings especially resonated with me. After reading this book, I wish that I had watched the program more when I was a child, because I repressed a lot of feelings, particularly grief following my mother’s death.
My favorite chapter was 16, “Fred’s Big Feelings.” It opens with a description of a sermon he gave, and as a preacher myself, I loved that. I loved the way he tied two readings together (Jesus being “lost” as a 12-year-old and the cleansing of the temple) to illustrate the doctrine of the Incarnation. Rogers reminded those to whom he preached that Jesus was a developmental human who went through stages and as well as a human who experienced emotions like anger. Tuttle writes about Fred’s own anger, and self-doubt, and grief.
Grateful to have had the opportunity to read it in advance. I will definitely procure a copy for myself as well as for my church's library.
December 9, 2019
A very heartwarming biography of a heartwarming individual. Tuttle does a fantastic job capturing the theological influences on Fred Rogers. Each chapter ends with an explicit connection to a scriptural-theological-religious idea, and even for those who don't consider themselves "religious," it lends a layer towards a deeper understanding of what made Mr. Rogers who he was. Like Rogers himself, Tuttle approaches everything with a generous disposition, which makes for an enjoyable book overall.
I've also read Maxwell King's biography, which is excellent for a thoughtful and detailed story of Rogers' life and family, but faith/spirituality figures much less prominently in his account. Overall, I would recommend this over King's, though both are great, as it's shorter, much more accessible, but still manages to tell a complete story of such a remarkable man. For those who explicitly want to know more about the faith of Fred Rogers, this is your book.
I've also read Maxwell King's biography, which is excellent for a thoughtful and detailed story of Rogers' life and family, but faith/spirituality figures much less prominently in his account. Overall, I would recommend this over King's, though both are great, as it's shorter, much more accessible, but still manages to tell a complete story of such a remarkable man. For those who explicitly want to know more about the faith of Fred Rogers, this is your book.
February 3, 2020
This is a Excellent book 📖 easy to read and follow, it’s a HUGE help to better understand the LIFE and what made Fred Rogers to be became and lived on a day to basis, Truly remarkable awed in this Iconic Larger than Life Man Of Service n Character. You’ll enjoy and better understand Fred Rogers aka Mr Rogers from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It’s a Short Read you won’t be dissatisfied has tons of Gems.
February 27, 2026
Reading about the thought and care Fred Rogers put into his television shows was so wholesome. The messages he shared, how intentional he was with it, and his underlying religious background left me feeling so good!
And the last line of the book can be reflected back onto the book itself and Fred’s work:
“Frankly,” Fred once said, “I think that after we die, we have this wide understanding of what’s real. And we’ll probably say, ‘Ah, so that’s what it was all about.’”
And the last line of the book can be reflected back onto the book itself and Fred’s work:
“Frankly,” Fred once said, “I think that after we die, we have this wide understanding of what’s real. And we’ll probably say, ‘Ah, so that’s what it was all about.’”
January 27, 2020
Mister Rogers has touched the life of nearly ever adult I know. Shea Tuttle combed through the mountains of information about the icon of my childhood and revealed not only more about the life of the creator of the Land of Make-believe but also proclaimed the Good News, that in Christ we are all welcomed into God’s neighborhood. This book is a must for preachers and teachers, fans of Mister Rogers, and his greatest critics.
April 3, 2020
This was such a good book to read each night before bed, especially during these chaotic times. I had no idea how spiritual Mr. Rogers was, or that he went to seminary school. But when you think about it, it makes sense! An insightful, well-written book that describes the various influences that made Mr. Rogers the man he was (both on and off television).
May 26, 2021
Everyone knows I love Mister Rogers! Of course, we miss him. Books about him are just not the same as hearing Mister Rogers talk to us. The books let us think about him, and remember him, with our neighbors who also love Mister Rogers. This one is nice as you learn some more about the spiritual person. Nice.
January 12, 2023
This book was an easy read. I enjoyed reading the biography. There were many encouraging points in the book, especially when the author shared quotes directly from Free Rogers, that I was not familiar with. I’ll share it with friends as a light, encouraging read.
September 8, 2026
Mr Roger's was a really neat guy. I use to watch his show when I was younger and now that I'm older and have learned more about who he was I want to go back and watch the shows again! What a kind and Christian man.
June 21, 2022
This is an *incredibly* good book. Very inspiring and paradigm-expanding. A book that has changed me for the better. Highly recommend.
March 7, 2020
A delightful book about a man who was decades ahead of his time.
June 5, 2020
4.5 stars, if I could. This man is what the world needs most right now.
April 22, 2024
"'Evil would want us to think the worst about who we are, so we would have that behind our eyes as we looked at our neighbor. Jesus would want us to see the best of who we are, so we would have that behind our eyes as we looked at our neighbor, and we would see the best in him or her.'" - Fred Rogers quoting his professor, William Orr - pg. 59
February 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book, mostly because I watched a lot of Mister Rogers Neighborhood with my kiddos. it gave me a deeper look into who he was. It definitely peeked my interest more and now makes me want to watch a documentary about his life. There are lots of different takes and opinions but mine is - no matter where you land, he was a good man that did a lot of good for a lot of children and many families.
August 11, 2025
A look at Mister Roger’s and how his faith shaped who he was. The more I learn about him the more impressed I am. If only we could all love each other exactly the way they are
May 22, 2024
A wonderful story of the life of Mr Rogers. While there are many disagreements I would have him I have great respect for Fred Rogers and believe he had a great amount of profound wisdom.
Mr Rogers was ordained to the ministry in the PCUSA (if I remember correctly) and was called to ministry in television. He encouraged the denomination to put money towards developing a christian show for children and was ultimately turned down and went on to make the show he is known for. I believe he was prophetic in seeing the importance of TV in the future education of America's Youth and as is often the case the church missed the opportunity to lead in this area.
Fred Rogers was a theological liberal on some counts. The author spends a whole chapter talking through Mr Rogers acceptance of homosexuality, this is what subtracts one star from the book. It did not seem to me to be a major part of his life and was included in the book to appeal to modern sensibilities. Instead I believe it could have been noted as an error on Fred's part and moved on from but it obviously was important to the author to include.
But overall a fascinating and wonderful man.
Mr Rogers was ordained to the ministry in the PCUSA (if I remember correctly) and was called to ministry in television. He encouraged the denomination to put money towards developing a christian show for children and was ultimately turned down and went on to make the show he is known for. I believe he was prophetic in seeing the importance of TV in the future education of America's Youth and as is often the case the church missed the opportunity to lead in this area.
Fred Rogers was a theological liberal on some counts. The author spends a whole chapter talking through Mr Rogers acceptance of homosexuality, this is what subtracts one star from the book. It did not seem to me to be a major part of his life and was included in the book to appeal to modern sensibilities. Instead I believe it could have been noted as an error on Fred's part and moved on from but it obviously was important to the author to include.
But overall a fascinating and wonderful man.
February 6, 2022
I thought this book was interesting but not very in-depth. I felt like I knew about half of it just from genera knowledge of Mister Rogers. The writing was clear and easy to read. I did feel a number of times when the author seemed to be projecting her ideals or views onto Mister Rogers or trying to stir the pot on things that I don’t think he would have appreciated. And she didn’t have strong evidence to support those views as actually being Mister Rogers. In fact some of them I think distract from the very points he tried to make regarding life and priorities. Personally im going to keep the notes I highlighted and then donate the book. Wasn’t a. Keeper for me. Though I do love and respect the late Mister Rogers.
May 29, 2022
This is by far the poorest biography of Fred’s life I’ve read. The writing is shallow & disjointed. The author makes an extensive amount of unfounded assumptions & inferences and she relies heavily on the research of much better biographies of Fred’s life. Everything about this book feels like Tuttle was rushing to profit from the current nostalgia and not that she was actually interested in the man, his work, or his faith.
June 25, 2020
Great read..
This book has an insight of Mr. Rogers as a person and explores what made him the man he was! The book shows his talents as well as well as his struggles, his successes and shortcomings.. a real look at Mr. Rogers as a man facing many trials and tribulations throughout his life. Great read!!
This book has an insight of Mr. Rogers as a person and explores what made him the man he was! The book shows his talents as well as well as his struggles, his successes and shortcomings.. a real look at Mr. Rogers as a man facing many trials and tribulations throughout his life. Great read!!
December 19, 2019
Enjoyable, inspirational and well written book
The purposeful way he lived his life should be a blue print for us all. This is a book I will revisit.
The purposeful way he lived his life should be a blue print for us all. This is a book I will revisit.
December 13, 2019
First sentence: Weekday afternoons when I was a child often found me curled up on the brown, plaid couch in our basement family room, draped in a homely, single-yarn brown afghan, my fingers poking through its open knit.
Premise/plot: Exactly As You Are is a spiritualized biography of Fred Rogers, aka Mister Rogers. After a few chapters about his early life, college years, and first job experiences, the book settles down into exploring Mister Rogers and his neighborhood. From here the book becomes almost topical and each topic is a spiritual one. That is what sets this one apart. I have read several biographies of Fred Rogers. Largely each one has the same exact quotes and uses the same sources. Tuttle seeks a spiritual meaning, moral, lesson, observation in each and every aspect of his life, his relationships, his career.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved some chapters. I did. Other chapters were more speculative and seemed agenda-driven. My favorite section was the middle one, “Broadcasting Grace.” My least favorite section was the last one that speculated about Mr. Rogers’ sexuality, his views on sexuality and gender identity, his view on heaven.
I would not change one thing about the television show. I would not make it more “Christian” or more specifically Christian. I would not add explicit theological teachings that would be more appropriate coming from the pulpit than a puppet.
But I also would not draw conclusions about the complexity or lack thereof of his belief system based on the scripts of the show or his interviews with the media. Neither outlet would be a good one for presenting a systematic theology.
The book is one person’s understanding of Rogers’ faith.
That being said, I found a few things troubling about his theology. Perhaps the things that make him a great neighbor make him a less ideal evangelist. As the book presents it, Mr. Rogers did not believe in the doctrine of sin. Mr. Rogers believed in man’s innate goodness. He believed in a God that loves us exactly, precisely as we are—whether we are in Christ or out of or apart from Christ. When dying friends allegedly asked Fred if they would go to heaven, he’d say yes, of course, God loves you exactly as you are. Now assuming the person is in Christ, that’s a fine answer, but supposing he or she isn’t that’s a terrible answer and a missed opportunity. One example has Fred saying something like, just think of all the people you’ve made happy with your music. Of course you’ll go to heaven. That logic is absurd!
If Tuttle’s assessment and speculation is correct, then Rogers seems to have some faulty foundations to his theology. Perhaps Tuttle is right. But maybe not. Maybe Fred was just uncomfortable broadcasting the necessity and exclusivity of Christ.
Imagine that one foot is the doctrine that humanity was created in the image of God and that God saw his creation as good, very good. The other foot is the doctrine of sin, the original sin, the fall of mankind, and man’s being enslaved to sin, dead in sin, unable to please God, unable to stand in front of a holy God. You need to stand on both feet if you want to stand. One supports human dignity, human rights, the value of life, a reason for treating others with respect, kindness, and love. The other shows the absolute and total necessity for the gospel, for preaching Christ and only Christ, for the urgency of evangelism. Apart from Christ, we stand forever condemned, separated, enslaved, hell-bound. In Christ we stand forever forgiven, accepted, loved, set free. The Bible clearly teaches both. We are created in God’s image. Even after the fall, human life is valuable, of worth, has meaning. But Genesis 3 happened. We are not sinless, innocent, perfect, sweet and lovable. Sin is real and rotten. It rots us from the inside out, spreads like a cancer, is fatal. There is only one cure, one hope, one Savior. There is eternal life in no other. To stand clothed in Christ’s righteousness is our only hope for judgement day. In Christ is security. To cling to our independence, our own righteousness, our own worth is destruction. One sin condemns. Let alone the totality of all our sin. But God is a great God, a loving and forgiving God. No matter how dark, how many, how monstrous our sins he forgives and forgives completely and forever those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. To be in Christ is to have life.
To stand on one foot and just one foot is foolish. The bad news of sin leads to the amazing, miraculous news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To exclude the doctrine of sin from our thinking, teaching, preaching, is short-sighted “love.” Truth must not ever be divorced from love, genuine love. But the genuine purity of our love cannot be divorced from truth or it loses its purity and genuineness. We must love wholeheartedly, but cling to truth as well. It is not loving to keep the truth to ourselves. If hell is real, if God does in fact hate sin, we should care and care deeply enough to share the gospel, to live out the gospel.
Premise/plot: Exactly As You Are is a spiritualized biography of Fred Rogers, aka Mister Rogers. After a few chapters about his early life, college years, and first job experiences, the book settles down into exploring Mister Rogers and his neighborhood. From here the book becomes almost topical and each topic is a spiritual one. That is what sets this one apart. I have read several biographies of Fred Rogers. Largely each one has the same exact quotes and uses the same sources. Tuttle seeks a spiritual meaning, moral, lesson, observation in each and every aspect of his life, his relationships, his career.
My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved some chapters. I did. Other chapters were more speculative and seemed agenda-driven. My favorite section was the middle one, “Broadcasting Grace.” My least favorite section was the last one that speculated about Mr. Rogers’ sexuality, his views on sexuality and gender identity, his view on heaven.
I would not change one thing about the television show. I would not make it more “Christian” or more specifically Christian. I would not add explicit theological teachings that would be more appropriate coming from the pulpit than a puppet.
But I also would not draw conclusions about the complexity or lack thereof of his belief system based on the scripts of the show or his interviews with the media. Neither outlet would be a good one for presenting a systematic theology.
The book is one person’s understanding of Rogers’ faith.
That being said, I found a few things troubling about his theology. Perhaps the things that make him a great neighbor make him a less ideal evangelist. As the book presents it, Mr. Rogers did not believe in the doctrine of sin. Mr. Rogers believed in man’s innate goodness. He believed in a God that loves us exactly, precisely as we are—whether we are in Christ or out of or apart from Christ. When dying friends allegedly asked Fred if they would go to heaven, he’d say yes, of course, God loves you exactly as you are. Now assuming the person is in Christ, that’s a fine answer, but supposing he or she isn’t that’s a terrible answer and a missed opportunity. One example has Fred saying something like, just think of all the people you’ve made happy with your music. Of course you’ll go to heaven. That logic is absurd!
If Tuttle’s assessment and speculation is correct, then Rogers seems to have some faulty foundations to his theology. Perhaps Tuttle is right. But maybe not. Maybe Fred was just uncomfortable broadcasting the necessity and exclusivity of Christ.
Imagine that one foot is the doctrine that humanity was created in the image of God and that God saw his creation as good, very good. The other foot is the doctrine of sin, the original sin, the fall of mankind, and man’s being enslaved to sin, dead in sin, unable to please God, unable to stand in front of a holy God. You need to stand on both feet if you want to stand. One supports human dignity, human rights, the value of life, a reason for treating others with respect, kindness, and love. The other shows the absolute and total necessity for the gospel, for preaching Christ and only Christ, for the urgency of evangelism. Apart from Christ, we stand forever condemned, separated, enslaved, hell-bound. In Christ we stand forever forgiven, accepted, loved, set free. The Bible clearly teaches both. We are created in God’s image. Even after the fall, human life is valuable, of worth, has meaning. But Genesis 3 happened. We are not sinless, innocent, perfect, sweet and lovable. Sin is real and rotten. It rots us from the inside out, spreads like a cancer, is fatal. There is only one cure, one hope, one Savior. There is eternal life in no other. To stand clothed in Christ’s righteousness is our only hope for judgement day. In Christ is security. To cling to our independence, our own righteousness, our own worth is destruction. One sin condemns. Let alone the totality of all our sin. But God is a great God, a loving and forgiving God. No matter how dark, how many, how monstrous our sins he forgives and forgives completely and forever those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. To be in Christ is to have life.
To stand on one foot and just one foot is foolish. The bad news of sin leads to the amazing, miraculous news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To exclude the doctrine of sin from our thinking, teaching, preaching, is short-sighted “love.” Truth must not ever be divorced from love, genuine love. But the genuine purity of our love cannot be divorced from truth or it loses its purity and genuineness. We must love wholeheartedly, but cling to truth as well. It is not loving to keep the truth to ourselves. If hell is real, if God does in fact hate sin, we should care and care deeply enough to share the gospel, to live out the gospel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews