Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith beyond the Baggage of Western Culture

by Mandy Smith, Walter Brueggemann (Foreword)

Western culture is in a tailspin and Christian faith is entangled in it: we do kingdom things in empire ways. Western approaches to faith leave us feeling depressed, doubting, anxious, and burned out. We know something is wrong with the way we do faith and church in the West, but we're so steeped in it that we don't know where to begin to break old habits.

Popular pastor and speaker Mandy Smith invites us to detox from the deeply ingrained habits of Western culture so we can do kingdom things in kingdom ways again. She explores how we can be transformed by new postures and habits that help us see God already at work in and around us. The way forward isn't more ideas, programs, and problem-solving but in Jesus's surprising invitation to the kingdom through childlikeness. Ultimately, rediscovering childlike habits is a way for us to remember how to be human.

Unfettered helps us reimagine how to follow God with our whole selves again and join with God's mission in the world. Foreword by Walter Brueggemann.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Spirituality, Theology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Church

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 18, 2021

About the author

Originally from Australia, Mandy Smith is a pastor, speaker and the author of "The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry" and "Unfettered: Imagining a Childlike Faith Beyond the Baggage of Western Culture." Her next book, "Confessions of an Amateur Saint: The Christian Leader’s Journey from Self-Suffiency to Reliance on God" will release October, 2024. Mandy and her husband, a New Testament professor, live in the parsonage where the teapot is always warm.

Reviews

[Marty Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. **

This was an absolutely excellent book. I felt like the read was a journey in constantly “considering” or “reconsidering” things I have grown to accept. Smith invites the reader to contemplate the concepts of resting, receiving, and responding—and how these seemingly counter-intuitive realities are really central to experiencing the life that the gospel offers us all.

Throughout the book, I kept thinking, “Oh, that’s going to be my favorite chapter; that’s going to be the thought that rises to the top of the book for me…”—and yet every new section brought similar experiences.

I felt like Chapter 2 was a penetrating insight into my own psyche and how my rational “adult” mind undoes everything the childlike faith invites me to. The invitations to change my posture to lean in, to embrace, and to receive was rooted in a deep wisdom I could use more of. And the closing of the book was just a fantastic challenge to leave us with.

This is one of those books that reminds you of a deeper truth and the point that we too often miss in all of our striving and production. Any student of BEMA and our usual conversations will find a resource here for further consideration and growth.

I’ll close my review with one of many favorite quotes:
“What if this void—the ache of what’s missing—is because we are missing an actual (albeit unseen) connection to an actual Someone?”

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first lines of Unfettered, Mandy draws readers into her journey to walk with Jesus more closely with a childlike wonder and way. Why is this important? For one thing, Jesus himself said that only those who receive the Kingdom like a child will enter it. Moreover to be like children is “to be human again.” Throughout the past year a variety of people and readings have been pointing me to this way of being. However, not until I read this book did I get a picture of what childlikeness could look like in the world today. Mandy weaves together vivid images of her personal walk - difficult though it has been at times - with scripture, the wisdom of other voices, and spaces for field notes - where readers are invited to start their own journeys. Through this beautiful fabric she creates the play clothes for those of us longing to be stripped of the layers of heavy costumes our adultish selves have been hiding behind.

[Daniel Geisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the joy and relief of reading Mandy's excellent work, Unfettered, with an Advance Reader Copy. I'm currently about 3/4 of the way through and as a pastor, I have not only found relief for me personally, but a refreshing way of imagining faith in Jesus in Western Culture. I can't wait to share this with my church community and if you have ever wondered if you're alone feeling the immense pressures and busyness of Western culture, this book will show you that you're not alone.

[Bethany Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smith's refreshing words, perspective, and challenge is exactly what the world and the Church needs at this moment. Drawing from ancient and Eastern culture, she challenges us to see God, our faith, and our calling in a new (yet not new at all) light. Smith invites her readers to re-engage with their inner child, and seek Christ and our communal call with simple, yet profound wonder and delight.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin with, far from mere passing of information, this book is meant to be experienced and lived!

I mean... it literally comes with a suggested soundtrack and the whole book is arranged as a guide, through the process, of actually living its content! (complete with a field guide and references to additional media and highly interesting sources)

First I thought, it was a most interesting exploration of something I have been wrestling with, most of my adult life... how to integrate the fullness of myself, with my spirituality, in a world that keeps both self and spirituality, fragmented and compartmentalized...

Then, I realized that actually I had experienced what the author was talking about... It was my life's most intimate and wonderful experiences with God, that felt too precious, too personal and too vulnerable to share... and there I found somebody describing them...! Somehow... I had almost forgotten their essence?

Recovering them, was like rediscovering my life's most precious pearl, which I had somehow managed to lose, in all the clutter...! (although the knowledge it once existed, still left an unconscious impact...)

What is more, this book gave me additional lenses to reexamine those experiences and the conditions that enabled them...!

And as if this was not enough of a life impact... The author proceeded to thoroughly describe both my experience and internal state, soon after what I perceived as God's calling upon my life! A fact that left me in awe!

One thing I know for sure... when I get the life space for myself, I need to spend a few days alone with God and this book, digesting and praying...

(not to mention looking forward to dig up and follow more of the references and resources!)

This is one of those, few and precious, books, that you will want to go back to, again and again, throughout life.

*I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author.*

[Brynna King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so healing for me. You can always tell a writer who is writing from a place of honesty and vulnerability and Mandy Smith is one of those writers. Her insights (while at times could seem a little scattered), were truly gifts to this reader who has been “adultish” for far too long and has been longing for a more childlike faith.
Thank you, Mandy!

[Chips O'Toole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this one. Some very interesting ideas and concepts to explore, but there were moments that felt quite nebulous, like the author still hadn’t really processed the idea she was contemplating and was striving to do so live on the page. Still, it was refreshing to explore the faith from a different perspective, one not so locked in to Western culture, language, and societal norms.

[Jean Milligan]

As is my custom when reading a book for the first time, I picked up my pen to underline noteworthy phrases as I began to read “Unfettered” by Mandy Smith. But I soon put my pen down again because every sentence contained concepts to excite my spirit and challenge my ingrained theology.

Mandy Smith writes elegantly, drawing on many years of experience to share her own story of self discovery and growth - and unlearning. She is a great storyteller. She has a receptiveness to the Kingdom implications of the circumstances which have shaped her life, and communicates in a considered eloquent manner.

“Unfettered” has enough meat to have a place as a theological text book, but is clear enough to be understood by those who are starting out on their walk of faith.

While it was easy to read, it was hard to take on board, as it required me to jettison much of what Western culture believes Christianity looks like. But in the end, the absolute authenticity of what Mandy was revealing to me conquered my stubbornness. I have been a Christian for many years, but reading “Unfettered” has caused me to re-assess my life, my beliefs, my way of thinking about God and my response to Him. While I’ve been challenged I’ve also been set free. I suddenly feel childlike, unfettered.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to Unfettered expecting a book that encouraged me to embrace the childlike qualities of wonder, curiosity, and creativity. I found that and so much more in these pages. In the midst of trying and tumultuous times, both as individuals and as communities of faith, we often react with childish passivity that despairs of action or with adultish determination to impose our agenda and wrangle our desired outcomes out of tricky situations. In Unfettered, Mandy Smith invites us into a different way, beckoning us to lay down our empire-driven methodologies and live into the way of Jesus and his kingdom. Instead of anxiously working ourselves to exhaustion or passively accepting the way things are, we can rest in God as beloved children, receive from God as dependent and finite creatures, and respond to God's invitation to join his work as the children we are, intimately connected to and reliant upon our Parent.

Mandy Smith is a pastor and a writer who invites whole people to experience and embrace the fullness of life Jesus offers to them. She is a trustworthy guide and companion on the journey to being fully human. I highly recommend all of her work.

I received an advance reader copy from the author.

[Cathleen Getchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to have faith like a child. What does that even mean? Is it possible or even advantageous to have a childlike faith in a society that calls us to seek independence, pursue power for our own purposes and produce more? Mandy Smith offers an engaging read that speaks to these questions and offers hope. With a pastoral heart and prophetic voice Smith delineates between childish faith and the more life-giving childlike faith. She offers a rhythm of: Rest-Receive-Respond that has the potential to heal, and bring blessing and flourishing to all people. The writing is both profound and enchanting. The read is easily accessible and beneficial to all, whether pastors, students, scholars or lay-persons.

Oh and for music lovers she includes a pretty sweet playlist to accompany this read.

[Hannah Kowatch Opliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, you can learn at least something from almost any book, but there are few books that shift your thinking enough that it encompasses ALL of life. Not just your parenting, not just your way of organizing, not just your conversations, not just how you look at relationships. This is not a book that helps with one, compartmentalized area. The book embraces a holistic view of spirituality- that the whole person awake to Jesus and His kingdom is possible. Truly abundant life. Reading this timely invitation to a deeper, purer spiritual life influenced larger, existential questions and ways of thinking I had, while also influencing all of the daily, mundane, nitty-gritty-ness of my life. The book left nothing untouched in me. You'll be invited into a richer, more authentic, and playful intimacy with Jesus that can only bring more joy and love for others. Read it and see.

[Gina M Poirier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. I wanted to read it after hearing Mandy Smith’s interview on the Bema podcast.

This is a book that I really tried to savor, as it was so beautifully written. I listened on audio and often found myself pausing to let it all sink in. She talks about what it means to know God with our whole selves by embracing childlike instincts, as Jesus tells us to do. But how? We spend our lives building false security in “adultish” habits as well as childish ones. The pattern of rest, receive, respond offers a way out of our overly intellectual, Western way of pursuing truth.

It’s a good mix of biblical theology, abundant metaphor, psychology and even a bit of mysticism. I feel challenged and inspired to expand my understanding of God and myself.

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books on spirituality but very rarely has a book challenged me to think deeply in new and fresh ways the way this one did.

The author takes a humble approach, not trying to tear down belief systems but attempting to hone in on things those of us in Western culture may have missed or underemphasized. A lot of attention is given to Jesus’ words about becoming like a child, and exploring the ramifications this call has for our lives today. The author also brings fresh insight on suffering, disappointment, work/rest, and living as people of hope in a broken world. A great read that I'd highly recommend.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a voice that reminds me of Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson. Smith writes with care and a spirit of invitation. The call to be childlike is "serious." She takes us on her own journey and I am given to examine my own journey in the process.

This is a voice to be added to the deep spiritual thinkers like Merton, Willard, and Peterson.

[Sara Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book beautifully captures the ache, fear, and delight of the stages of faith- specifically the journey inward, the wall, the journey outward and the life of love. Faith can be a terrifying journey and I appreciate the articulation, bravery, and sincerity of this author as she captures these stages. This gives me hope in my own journey and is a resource I would absolutely recommend.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus said that if we wish to enter the kingdom we must become children. That is, we should become child-like (not childish). So what might this look like? What makes faith childlike without becoming childish? What about the need to be adults in our faith, as Paul suggests? Can we be adult-like without being adultish? Such are the concepts that Mandy Smith discusses in Unfettered.

Smith is an Australian pastor and writer -- she lived in the United States for some time but seems to have returned to Australia recently. Her orientation is evangelical and missional. That Walter Brueggemann writes the foreword to the book, so that places her in that realm that is rooted in evangelicalism, but without the baggage that has accrued lately.

The book centers on three key terms/concepts -- rest, receive and respond. She uses the image of geese flying in v formation as the key to her vision of the Christian life. She notes looking up and watching as the geese form a v, and stay in formation even as different geese take the lead. All seem to fly in close formation, drawing on each other so as to rest when necessary. With the image of geese flying in formation as one of her foundations, she also uses the imagery of childlike faith. In her introduction she notes that the reason Jesus chose children as a model of faith is that 1) "Children identify and engage as whole (thinking, feeling, sensing, embodied, relational) selves. 2) Children know how to engage without taking on full responsibility." (p. 3).

Smith uses story-telling as a key vehicle to carry the message. She also invites the readers to engage in "Field Work" along the way. The "Field Work" items are found in gray boxes throughout the book. They are essentially invitations to reflect on the message she has been sharing in the book.

The book itself is divided into eight chapters. The first two speak of rest (chapter 1) and what gets in the way of rest (chapter 2). While childlikeness is key to rest adultishness, the fear of being powerless gets in the way of rest. That is a fear of letting go of control. From the conversations about rest and its obstacles, we move to a conversation about receiving and what doesn't get in the way of receiving. Here she invites us to envision the Christian faith in a way that lets go of the baggage of Western Culture. To receive is to be receptive to the lead of God. Finally, we come to the conversation about responding and what gets in the way of our responses to God's lead. Here she speaks of obedience to God, something that many in the West struggle with-- especially in terms of our adultishness. While she had spoken earlier about the fear of being powerless (adultish) here she compares the adult willingness to be powerful verses the childishness of being afraid to be powerful.

Having spent six chapters speaking to the themes of rest, receipt, and response, in chapter 7 Smith lays out her "Theology of Childlikeness." What she does here is invite the reader, who likely is evangelical, to let go of the old model of salvation in which Jesus' cross is the bridge to salvation. In this chapter, she notes that while Western culture focuses on guilt, which is why atonement theology works to assuage guilt, Eastern cultures focus on shame. Traditional visions of atonement don't work in shame culture. While guilt focuses on behavior, shame focuses on the person, on whether the person is bad. While guilt is individualistic, shame is communal. She invites us to consider this difference as a starting point for developing a childlike faith. After all, children don't worry about guilt/behavior, they worry about shame/being bad. She brings into the conversation family metaphors, with God taking on a parental role (both mother and father). Why is this important for Western Christians? Studies show, she suggests, that Western culture is becoming increasingly shame-based, especially among millennials. So, if you want to reach them, the old model isn't going to work.

The final chapter summarizes the conversation. It is titled "Rest, Receives, Respond." The good news of her book is this: "The Gospel is no longer just rehearsing a first-century story of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection or looking ahead to a future heaven with him -- although those are part of our story. Now it is good news because it allows us to live with God right now, in these bodies, being like our brother Jesus because we're humans indwelt by the Spirit of the living God." (p. 190). It is the Spirit who enables us to embrace this vision of faith, for we do not walk the path alone but in the presence of the Spirit.

Smith offers an attractive and inviting vision of the Christian faith. It is a vision that speaks to the true rhythms of life. it acknowledges the realities of life, including pain and suffering, but affirms the promise that God is present in all things. I believe that it will speak to the hearts of many, especially in these difficult times.

[Amy Weyand-Geise · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the tenderness of a trusted friend, Mandy dives deep into our Western minds, reaches out her hand, and takes her readers on an adventure that reminds them what it is to be a child of God. Even as we put her ideas and insights into practice, and feel the discomfort of flying in a new pattern, her honest and brave words also bring to mind a favored hymn: “Be not afraid...”

I highly recommend that you take the time to embark on your own journey of faith accompanied by this heartfelt field guide.

[Rachel Huchthausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a transformational book for me. The poetic language, structure, and reimagining of how we talk about God was effective to for how my mind works and connects with what God is doing in the world.

[Marlise · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s a beautiful idea - becoming childlike in God but the writing is slow and boring and the audible narration is monotonous. Too bad, I wanted to like this book.

[Ryan Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Unfettered, Mandy Smith offers valuable wisdom confronting a Christianity that is a little too attached to enlightenment rationalism and too divorced from personal and communal experiences of faith. She describes Western Christianity as doing “kingdom things in empire ways.” We’ve taken the kingdom of God and turned it into an empire, turned the Bible into a history and science textbook, turned faith tradition into a list of correct things to do or believe, resulting in a faith that isn’t really a faith at all — more like a chore at best and a self-aggrandizing institution at worst.

Smith attempts to present a more “child-like” way of interacting with God, beyond the bounds of enlightenment rationalism and Protestant work ethic. She spends much of the book sharing her own story of finding a child-like faith, beginning with her sabbatical, where she tries to rest and follow prompts from the Spirit with no agenda, but that itself seemed to become an agenda. She shares how slowly she developed a habit of following prompts to child-like acts of faith, from dragging a stick along a fence to dancing for the healing to come. She begins to develop a theology of child-likeness, contrasting it with “adultishness” and “childishness,” with the lives of Jesus and Mary as examples. Smith’s story is personal, and she doesn’t shy away from the times her journey of faith is embarrassing or painful, as well as the times it was rewarding and transformative.

Toward the end of the book, Smith ties her personal experience and Christian tradition together with excellent scholarship of her own, drawing on well-sourced scholars like E.P. Sanders, Walter Brueggemann, and Richard Rohr to articulate a well-established tradition — outside evangelicalism at least — of Christian child-like theology. A theology that accepts unconditionally, that leaves room for experience, that doesn’t see church or faith as a competition or capitalist enterprise to grow, grow, grow! but a way of being in the world that is a healthy dependence on God and community. A way of being that looks more like the kingdom of God and less like the empires of Western civilization.

Smith’s contribution to the conversation is recommended to anyone who came up in evangelical ways of thinking about God and scripture that don’t quite seem to work anymore. What I appreciate most about Mandy Smith is how she writes and speaks in this relational, authentic way, sharing relatable stories about her experiences, and then reminds you that she is also as brilliant a scholar as anyone, as she makes you think about pivotal passages and stories in ways you’ve never considered before (see p.147), and engages meaningfully with the most prolific biblical scholars. It’s rare to find a voice like hers and her work is much appreciated

[Isaac Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps one of my favourite books I've ever read. Mandy Smith's beautiful writing compels us to live a childlike faith that embraces mystery, rest, and the authenticity of life by exploring Jesus' declaration that the Kingdom of God belongs to children. Smith notes the way so many of us, living in our Western culture, operate with an 'Empire' mindset; embracing consumerism, individualism, and a 'response-centered' approach to dealing with difficulty. Instead, Smith challenges us to do 'Kingdom things in Kingdom ways' and begin with resting in our inadequacy and His sufficiency. She calls out the childlike nature in us which - distinct from childishness - is the way we have been designed to live with God, as his beloved sons and daughters.

Her vision of faith beyond the baggage of Western culture inspires so much joy in me for a real, authentic walk with God that does not require my perfection but allows me to live in my flaws knowing that my life is hidden in God and that he is molding me and taking me down a path towards fuller living. I smiled so much as I was reading, Mandy writes with her heart and spirit in a way which brings encouragement and joy - please read this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book “Unfettered”, Mandy Smith shares her journey of detoxing from “the baggage of western culture”, and the unexpected key to her healing: childlike faith. This book was like a rare companion for me on my own journey of grieving the current state of the western church, while also seeking a new way of being... one that is a truer and more honest response to the call of Jesus. What I love most about this book is how Mandy openly shares the vulnerability and humility that this journey has (and still is) requiring of her: she expresses so well the openness to mystery that childlike faith calls us to. This call can be uncomfortable for those of us who have been taught that real faith is about certainty, and that doubt and asking questions are dangerous things that lead to “backsliding” down the slippery slope into a loss of faith - rather than a surprising gift to a closer and more honest relationship with God, self and others. I read this book slowly, feeling seen and less alone in a time that has felt so solitary for me. It has increased my hope for the future of the church, and my growing sense that God is bringing about something new...I am so grateful the courage and vulnerability of this beautiful book!

[Norman Falk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandy Smith says that “one of the most important lessons we need to learn is that Childlike faith did not deceive us”. Children have not yet been subdued by the violence that tears apart their thinking, feeling, sensing, and relational beings. She wonders if this is not precisely why Jesus told us to become like them.

I think she is right in that Western habits of domination and control deteriorate a faith that could otherwise be much more awake to God and the world. But I’m not sure if it’s all an “Empire” issue. Don’t we just simply have personality differences as well? Since the book argues for free, spontaneous faith explorations, I thought a discussion on the enneagram or something like that could have been helpful.

I resonate with a lot of what she says, but I think I would struggle personality-wise to find and practice equivalents to her dancing, lying on the grass, hugging trees, etc. I’m probably still to “adultish”. In any case, I think the book helps me to affirm and understand better those for whom experience is the starting point for any authentic faith.

[Hannah R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I think there's truth to her premise/mindset, but it was based off of her experiences and not well-backed by the Bible.
Her main premise is that Western culture has shaped us to live our way instead of God's. We are too used to fixing, controlling, and comprehending.
We like feeling in control, understanding and dominating all our problems, being self-sufficient, running our world. We eliminate uncertainties, leaving no room for God to work. We've forgotten dependency and rely on ourselves.
This culture actually makes us more anxious and depressed at failures, and angry at unmet expectations. It is far from God's call for us to rest as his children. We try to BE God, and these idols make our lives spiritually dry.
For more spiritual life, the author wants us to lay down our self-sufficiency and just exist openly with God as children, not adults who try to run things.

[Luke Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always struggled with how it looks in my life to 'trust' in God or give Him 'control.' what?!? This book does a wonderful job of hitting on that with the perspective of childlikeness. Mandy is honest and tells her story of reconnecting to God through childlikeness. Some elements include full bodily worship, rest from agenda, dependency on God, childlike hope, listening to the Spirit, emptying oneself... Not our 'adultishness' attempts of control, attainment, certainty, self-preservation, self-sufficiency, predicability, image, fix it, intellectual comprehension, domination, responsibility. She even has a wonderful section about shame near the end. It is a slow read if you want to follow her prompts throughout. I'll have to reread it. A goodread it is.

[Phil VanOsdol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read The Case for Christ, a book that dives into the historicity of the existence of Jesus. In that book, one of the last chapters talks about the importance of personal, experiential evidence. That you can learn every fact there is to know, but until you have experienced relationship with God it won’t ever fully make sense.

I say all that to say this book takes that idea and explores what that looks like outside of our western, productive and empire mindset. A beautiful reminder of the beauty of the creator all around us - desiring to be in relationship with us. Amazing read, go Mandy!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

this bk was and is a helpful reminder of how culture influences our faith practice. how much is added to our faith by culture that isn't important or that isn't Biblical? probably a lot. yes, definitely a lot. this book interrupts thought patterns (influenced by hustly bustly Western culture) that have been carried into Christianity. Mandy calls this doing Kingdom things in Empire ways.

read this to hear more about childlike - awe, wonder, trust, innocence which is different than childish

in comparison to adultlike and/vs aldultish - control, certitude, predictability, overly responsible, obsessed with right

[Kirsten Kroeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith brings language to a question I've been pondering lately - how to describe what it is like to live in step with the Spirit in a way that makes sense outside of oneself. She likens it to re-learning how to be "childlike" in our faith - fully dependent and not ashamed of it. I appreciated her stopping points, inviting readers to journal and ponder the journey she invites us on. I didn't feel satisfied completely by this analogy, but I did think it added to the conversation in helpful and meaningful ways.

[Sarah Roe-Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book alongside a book club, and I think the insights gained from that group expanded my view of this book. There were several helpful perspectives that inspired me to lean into childlikeness and how childishness and adultishness can limit my relationship with God and my well-being as a whole. I had a difficult time with the author’s writing style, it was hard to follow at times. Overall though the concepts and the companionship of my book club made this and impactful read.

[Oksana · Rating 5 out of 5]

a breath of fresh air. felt so understood by the author and the questions she asks. would recommend.

“Every experience of what's lacking doesn't have to cause our usual knee-jerk reaction of shame, anxiety, and despair. This is just simple recognition that we're designed to be in deep communion with Someone. And if we will be small and unashamed long enough to switch out of our desperate habit of trying to be God, we will find a new habit that allows us to be with him.”