An Untidy Faith: Journeying Back to the Joy of Following Jesus

by Kate Boyd

A gentle guidebook for Christians caught in the messy middle

In the wake of scandal, culture wars, and abuse, many Christians are wondering whether the North American church is redeemable—and if not, whether they should even stay. While many are answering no to those questions, this book is for those who long to disentangle their faith from all the cultural baggage and recapture the joy of following Jesus.
 
Through personal anecdotes, encounters with the global church, deep dives into Scripture, and helpful historical context about Christianity, An Untidy Faith takes readers on two journeys. The first journey lays out the grand vision of Christianity and the legacy passed on to us by the early believers in hopes of renewing readers’ belief in the church writ large. The second journey helps believers understand why they feel distant from their church settings and provides a reorientation drawn from Scripture of God’s vision for community.
 
A gentle companion, Kate Boyd walks alongside those who have questions but can’t ask them for fear of being labeled by or cast out of their communities. An Untidy Faith is a guidebook for those who want to be equipped with practices to rebuild their faith and shape their communities to look more like Jesus.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

208 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Lindsay]

I first connected with Kate on social media a few years ago & have since had the pleasure of getting to know her a bit in person. I have found Kate to be a knowledgeable, thoughtful theologian who takes Bible study seriously and values its complexity.

Her new book is written for Christians who have become disillusioned with the church for a variety of valid reasons but aren’t ready to let go of their Christian faith, reverence for the sacredness of scripture, or desire to follow Jesus. “Through personal anecdotes, encounters with the global church, deep dives into Scripture, and helpful historical context about Christianity,” Kate guides readers in disentangling their faith from culture and finding hope for a more expansive, holistic vision for Christian community. She shares stories from her experiences traveling to connect with believers all over the world and also draws on her knowledge of scripture study as a seminary student. I especially appreciate her focus on understanding the Bible from a global perspective, engaging and applying scripture holistically, and learning and growing in the context of community.

I no longer consider myself an evangelical & have complicated feelings about missions & evangelism, which are both woven throughout the book. However, I appreciate Kate’s thoughtful reckoning with the nuance required for those seeking to evangelize in a way that acknowledges how Christian evangelism has historically been used to colonize & oppress marginalized communities.

Kate is a gentle and hopeful guide for those who struggle to feel safe asking difficult questions in their faith communities.

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good memoir, exploring the ways we thought we knew things like church and the Bible, until our world gets bigger. I love Kate's heart for Jesus.

[Traci Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed the author's journey for a while now, so was glad to hear of the many travels. Amazing opportunities! I could have read even more detail about the global spaces. I also walked away impressed with the Bible Teacher in Kate Boyd. Good exegesis. What a great read for group study!

[Julie Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

after reading the first half of this book, it took me a year and a half to finish the second half. there were good bits, stories relating to concepts, etc. that if I had read the book all at once, may have been 4 stars. however I never got drawn into the book and it's scattered-ness made it harder to read for me. maybe that would be different if it hadn't taken me so long to finish, not sure.

[Caleb Lagerwey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well-written and had excellent personal stories and scripture references to illustrate her points. Boyd talks about disentangling her Christian faith from cultural practices, and I was eager to hear more about her not-deconstruction process of discernment since so many people my age are asking similar questions.

Boyd's book and answer was perhaps a bit different that I imagined: despite some of the introduction talking about disillusionment with the politicization of American Christianity, most of the book seemed like it was about "making my Christian faith my own as an adult instead of simply another piece of my political-cultural heritage." Put another way, some of the book was a bit too basic for my liking. Boyd is completely correct that more Christians need to see the body of Christ as more than a church meeting once or twice a Sunday. She's right that loving those around us is often better evangelism than preaching straight theology about eternal damnation. She's right that a spirituality of the church that ignores social ills is an old heresy that should be resisted. She's right that discipleship is up to all of us. She's right that community and relationships should be more important than coercive political power.

I really appreciated the sections that DID deal with Christian Nationalism (p. 100-101)--albeit too briefly for my taste--and the importance of orthodoxy, orthopraxy, and orthopathy (p. 181-183). I just personally wanted more about how to hold on to one's Christian faith in the midst of how western faith has been and continues to be abused for particular political projects--especially given all of her excellent stories about travels in the non-western world and what we can learn from others' Christian faith. I wanted more on how to confront American Christianity's association with bigoted fundamentalism or its obsession with culture war issues that is greatly harming the church. It might be my teacher and father lens, but I wanted to see more about how to pass along an orthodox Christian faith to the next generation in relevant ways; almost a cross between Evans' Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again and Kinnaman's Faith for Exiles: Five Ways to Help Young Christians Be Resilient, Follow Jesus, and Live Differently in Digital Babylon.

None of those expectations or desires are Boyd's fault: she wrote what was true for her and it's true, important stuff for many Christians. This is a useful book for starting conversations with those making faith their own or those thinking about deconstruction. The book just needs to be followed up with other books to make a more holistic reading list for modern Christian faith formation. I recommend it to the aforementioned seekers and young adults as well as friends, teachers, mentors, and pastors of those folks.

(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since about 2016 or so, I have been in a place of many questions about my Christian faith. Not questions about the “big” things, but many questions about things that seem to over the next few years, drastically divide the church and separated me from many people who I thought were like-minded (and weren’t). I could not reconcile this very unsettling journey.

An Untidy Faith was just the book to help me in this process of disentangling my faith and help me move back towards wanting to be part of a Christian community again. Kate Boyd’s book is very accessible and is written with a friendly and understanding tone. I felt as if Kate understood my questions and concerns and delved into many issues that I had questions about regarding Scripture interpretation, the gospel, service, church community and untangling long-held beliefs.

I appreciate Kate’s book as I feel like she has a very high view of Scripture and clearly loves the word of God. But she is still able to hold interpretation loosely and allow for other ideas/understanding from different traditions. Her book gave me permission to hold many long-held beliefs loosely and take time to examine why I believe what I do and if my theological understanding could be less rigid.

This book is good for those who love Jesus, but have lost their joy of being in community and find it hard to pick up your Bible and read because you just don’t know what to believe anymore. If you have been hurt by the Christian community that you have been part of for a long time, then Kate’s book will help you at least start on a path back to remembering why you love Jesus and followed him in the first place. It will also make you truly think deeply about what IS the church and WHY do we (especially in the US) “do” church the way we do. I’m still mulling over much of what I read. Well worth the time!

[Meredith Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.25/5 stars) I've followed Kate Boyd on Twitter for a while now, and her writing there convinced me to request her new book. I found it thought-provoking, though a bit disorganized. Boyd's combination of personal stories, scripture, and encounters with the "big C" Church (the global Church), Boyd shares about her journey of disentanglement in a world that's intent to either double down on or demolish their religious beliefs. Boyd writes

"We need not be afraid of becoming new people. The invitation into life with Christ is one of constant reformation. Transformation comes with the territory."

and I think that's a great way to approach reading this book as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now!

[bel's bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've followed Kate on social media for about a year and a half because she was able to articulate and locate experiences, emotions and thoughts that I was having while in the thick of my deconstruction journey. From her manifesto to her weekly newsletter to her podcast - it all just made my experience, thoughts and feelings valid.

When she announced that she was writing a book for those of us caught in the "messy middle," I knew I had to get my hands on it. This book was written with a gentle and pastoral heart and an academic and thoughtful mind. Kate balances the two beautifully, leaving readers encouraged, comforted, and challenged.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves deconstructing, stuck in the messy middle or with an untidy faith.

[Chelsea Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“An Untidy Faith: Journeying Back to the Joy of Following Jesus” is filled with so much good information. Some of it opened my eyes to new things, and some of it is causing me to do my own research to determine what I think. That’s what makes a good non-fiction read, in my opinion!

As someone who has been on a journey of determining what I believe vs. what I was told to believe, this book was such a big help! I could easily relate to the stories from around the world as I have many similar ones. If you are also on your own journey or just want to see what it’s about, read “An Untidy Faith”!!!

*I was given an advanced copy to read, as part of the Hype Squad, in exchange for an honest review*

[Jen Dowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christianity as many of us experience it in America is not a full picture of the church. For this we are thankful.

To begin each chapter, Kate Boyd gives us a window into the world so we can catch a glimpse of the people and faith communities that make up the global church. She follows with a thoughtful and well supported analysis of how the church in these settings can give us a better understanding of the church we are called to be.

This is not a book about leaving Christianity. It's not a rant about how Americans or evangelicals have it all wrong. This book is an opportunity to learn about faith and community from the early church and the church around the world. These perspectives help us evaluate our current beliefs and practices so we can experience the fullness that our faith and the church has to offer.

This book is an invitation to consider that our faith is one of multitudes - people, traditions, and expressions. As Kate puts it, "When we recognize that we all have human-made parts of our traditions, and we also can’t all be right, it becomes a lot easier to hold it all humbly."

[Richard Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

With "An Untidy Faith," Kate Boyd focuses her literary lens on the world of contemporary Christianity in North America, a world where words like "deconstruction" are now commonplace as churches find themselves caught up in scandals, culture wars, and much more while Christians are left to question whether or not attending church is even worth all this trouble.

It should be obvious, of course, that Boyd advocates for a sort of getting back to basics approach. Utilizing personal anecdotes, encounters with the global church, deep dives into Scripture, and helpful historical context about Christianity, Boyd largely focuses this relatively short and breezy read down two specific journeys. The first journey lays out the grand vision of Christianity and the legacy passed on to us by the early believers in hopes of renewing readers’ belief in the church writ large. The second journey helps believers understand why they feel distant from their church settings and provides a reorientation drawn from Scripture of God’s vision for community.

"An Untidy Faith" will most resonate with those who long for a faith community that looks more like Jesus and much less like society. For the most part avoiding controversy herself, Boyd opens the door to questions asked in a safe, sincere way and gently guides people back to the joy of what it really means to follow Jesus.

Indeed, "An Untidy Faith" mostly finds itself in a gentle, middle place when it comes to contemporary Christianity and that very approach may very well make it a difficult sell for both conservative and progressive Christians who will both be a tad frustrated by Boyd's steadfast refusal to take sides. While she offers glimpses of her own middle ground, "An Untidy" faith is for the most part successful in focusing the lens on Jesus rather than the cultural baggage that seemingly divides us all.

I enjoyed "An Untidy Faith" from beginning to end, though I'll also confess that I didn't always know why I enjoyed it. As I sit here writing this review, I'm hard-pressed to cite any piece of this literary journey that really resonated with me emotionally or intellectually. Instead, I think I just appreciated Boyd's approach of encouraging Christians to be Christians and to follow Jesus.

In some ways, I guess you could say, "An Untidy Faith" feels relatively benign in its approach to vital discussions. However, in a world that can often feel so profoundly jarring it's rather refreshing to tidy things up a bit.

These days, even asking questions seems taboo. "An Untidy Faith" provides a companion for important discussions that can often feel unsafe in today's faith communities. In the process, author Kate Boyd creates a place where Christians can be spiritually fed and become better equipped with practices that will help refuel a restoration of the faith journey.

[Amanda E. (aebooksandwords) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found “An Untidy Faith” to be both inspiring and practical. The book encourages you to wrestle with the questions and embrace the process of our faith and how we practice it, helping reveal the good narratives of God versus what has often been taught. One quote that stood out to me from the beginning as so true in my own experience was:

“Looking back, I think you’ll see God was with you in every doubt, question, and decision—using it to shape you into who you’ve become.”

This book invites the reader to look beyond our own experience of Christianity and into those beyond our locality and age and into both the history of the Church and the experience of other Christians throughout the world. Then, later in the book, the author expounds on how we can know the faith Jesus calls us to practice alongside community and in joy.

I would’ve loved even more of the real life experiences the author shared, and the chapter on worship was my favorite.

I particularly loved the story shared about the missionary who needed to translate that Jesus is the bread of life in a different way because the people group she was sharing with did not have such a thing as bread. This makes a good point for not having to try to force someone to understand something with our own term for it when they have no grid for it, and instead communicating that biblical truth and its intent in a way they will actually understand. The author writes,

“If the story of Scripture is true—and I believe it is—then there must be sets of tools to translate its meaning for everyone on planet Earth, across time and space. . . We need to be able to put the Bible into conversation with its various contexts so we can interpret well and apply what we see in Scripture to our lives in a way that transforms us and the world around us.”

I felt that a good summary of the aim of the book is when the author writes the following:

“…my desire is that this journey shows you one way to go about this . . . that it continuously calls you back to the Jesus of the Bible and the legacy of the historical and global church. I think you’ll find there is still hope to be found within Christianity, and that we can begin to be the bridge of that hope among our own churches and circles of influence.”

I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

[Camden Morgante · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Deconstruction is a mindset as much as a process. It requires a willingness to hold everything you believe—regardless of past or present certainty—in your hands with open fingers as you examine it, knowing some of it will fall through the gaps.”

Kate Boyd is a trusted and hopeful guide on that process of deconstruction in her book, An Untidy Faith. Rather than a “how to” manual, she describes this book as a “how I did it” story of her own disentangling her faith from American culture. “Disentangling is a lifelong journey [that’s] actually part of the discipleship process,” according to Kate. I believe this book will appeal across the theological spectrum: to Christians just beginning to question their beliefs and willing to rethink some of their assumptions and to post-Evangelicals who want to rediscover the joy of following Jesus and the connection in community.

Reading An Untidy Faith often felt like a class in seminary! Kate clearly has knowledge and experience as a Bible teacher, yet it never felt overly “preachy” or over my head. I appreciate being challenged and educated when I read, so I love that her book was so much more than a memoir. In Part 1, "Journey Back to Belief," she analyzes major beliefs that she had to rethink in the process of her deconstruction, including Biblical inerrancy, social justice, Christian nationalism, the role of church, and persecution and suffering. Then in Part 2, she invites us to “Journey Into Joyful Practice” with tangible strategies for applying our beliefs into everyday practice.

“Disentangling offers a way to move forward that allows you to keep the faith without needing to fit into one box neatly.” In a culture that tells us that deconstruction must mean either deconverting OR reconstructing back to conservative, mainstream Evangelicalism, this book stands out as one that offers readers a middle path. I highly recommend An Untidy Faith to readers who are rethinking some of their own beliefs but want to maintain the hope, joy, and meaning of walking with Jesus.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Kate Boyd paints a picture of what missions is meant to look like but how the US seems to handle things. She talks about what persecution in other countries looks like compared to in the US. She compares a few things while giving a good picture of the scriptures alongside her arguments and sharing bits and pieces of her own missions work. I enjoyed it and got a few good gems out of it. I think it is something a lot of Christians can learn from. I especially loved how she spoke about the Kingdom of heaven verses how a standard idea of Christianity in the US tends to look like patriotism instead of God's kingdom. I loved how she talked about humility and being a servant of Christ rather than thinking ourselves so amazing with our list of credentials to get people to like us. She was so good with her imagery and scripture usage.

I am keeping this quote in a journal from this book because I loved it so much.
"The kingdom is not about turning the world into our empire in God's name. It is not about climbing our way to greatness. It is about cultivating a life and community of goodness. That is what stands in the end. The kinship of God is displayed now in how we choose to live under God's rule and in the future when the kingdom has come in its fullness - the kingdom of good will find it often has ramifications. and if we are to take Jesus seriously, those ramifications are unlikely to look like our dominion or prosperity."

[Camden Morgante · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Deconstruction is a mindset as much as a process. It requires a willingness to hold everything you believe—regardless of past or present certainty—in your hands with open fingers as you examine it, knowing some of it will fall through the gaps.”

Kate Boyd is a trusted and hopeful guide on that process of deconstruction in her book, An Untidy Faith. Rather than a “how to” manual, she describes this book as a “how I did it” story of her own disentangling her faith from American culture. “Disentangling is a lifelong journey [that’s] actually part of the discipleship process,” according to Kate. I believe this book will appeal across the theological spectrum: to Christians just beginning to question their beliefs and willing to rethink some of their assumptions and to post-Evangelicals who want to rediscover the joy of following Jesus and the connection in community.

Reading An Untidy Faith often felt like a class in seminary! Kate clearly has knowledge and experience as a Bible teacher, yet it never felt overly “preachy” or over my head. I appreciate being challenged and educated when I read, so I love that her book was so much more than a memoir. In Part 1, "Journey Back to Belief," she analyzes major beliefs that she had to rethink in the process of her deconstruction, including Biblical inerrancy, social justice, Christian nationalism, the role of church, and persecution and suffering. Then in Part 2, she invites us to “Journey Into Joyful Practice” with tangible strategies for applying our beliefs into everyday practice.

“Disentangling offers a way to move forward that allows you to keep the faith without needing to fit into one box neatly.” In a culture that tells us that deconstruction must mean either deconverting OR reconstructing back to conservative, mainstream Evangelicalism, this book stands out as one that offers readers a middle path. I highly recommend An Untidy Faith to readers who are rethinking some of their own beliefs but want to maintain the hope, joy, and meaning of walking with Jesus.

[Karl Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book by accident. I thought it was written by Kate Bowler (I'm a big picture kind of guy). It wasn't until I was at the beginning of the book when I realized that the personal story the author was telling was not that of Kate Bowler, but of another Kate - Kate Boyd.

However, I am glad I bought this book by mistake. Kate Boyd writes humbly, simply and in a conversational manner that makes the book easy to read - and helps one digest the theological truths she brings to light.

The author's story seems to be informed by two experiences. First, growing up in a rigid, conservative, hierarchical religious system that was concerned about theology, do's and don'ts and the external of one's religion. Secondly, she has been shaped by her short-term experiences in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Throughout the book you see how these two experiences shaped her life and writing.

I would highly recommend this book to someone who wants to get a clear understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. If you grew up in a conservative and rigid Christian denomination, then reading this book will give you freedom to follow Jesus from the heart. If you are a new Christian, then this book is a great introduction to what it means to be a disciple. Either way, I would highly endorse the book.

[Laura Meiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps you are like me, a Christian with questions. You see discrepancies between the capital "C" church and God's Holy Word and you wander how to process it all? If so, you will not be disappointed by Kate Boyd's voice. Through the pages of this book she gently yet expertly shares the process she's gone through disentangling the faith she thought she knew in light of the experiences she has had both in and out of the church, on the mission field, and here at home.

In a time that feels incredibly fraught with trials and drama, Kate's words are a welcome reminder than questions do not negate faith. Indeed, asking questions related to our understanding of faith and informs our understanding of Scripture. Kate Boyd brings a gentle discussion to the process so many of us find ourselves engulfed in and through this conversation, we see the joy she has found anew in the person of Jesus Christ. Because of her willingness to go first, the reader will be encouraged.

[Fayelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, first of all, I'd happily give this 18 or 45 more stars.

This book. I needed this years ago. I really appreciate @kateboyd.co and how she gently but firmly brings to light the fears and the concerns and those secret feelings in your heart around the church and what we've been taught all our life. I love that she uses not just Scripture but the historical context of Scripture - it is obvious she's researched this well to provide a new and clearer understanding, which includes noting when something is a possibility and just unable to be known 100%. And mostly, I love that she offers all this with the intention of us having the freedom in Christ that He wanted - the joy and abundance, not fear and shame and condescension. Anyway, this book is a blessing, and I'm so glad I got to read it.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A gentle guide for Christians caught in the messy middle.” What a great and appropriate tagline for this book. It’s definitely where I live. I’ve followed Kate for several yeas on social media. I love her ability to explain some deep theological truths in ways the average person can grasp. Kate takes the reader on a journey of deconstruction that retains its robust commitment to Christ but disabuses itself of the chaff that isn’t Christ. Her experience is described in ways that people who might be suspicious of deconstruction can easily understand. I love the dream fort community she finishes with. I also love that there is room for the journey to continue—a little bit more left to write, as Frodo says. :)

[Jenya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with research, Scripture, and Kate's intertwining stories. This book explores untangling of beliefs and how that translates to practice. Even if you only read pieces of the book, you'll come away with a different perspective on some traditional ideas you may have come to know. You'll love this book if you like seeing the world a little differently. If you like to argue that "this has not been my experience," this book may not be for you.


I'm glad this book exists and I hope to see more from Kate in the future. We need more works that look at life critically and question how our environments are controlling our perspectives.

[Carole Duff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Boyd grew up in constructed, evangelical faith. Now as an adult, she’s deconstructing, questioning and disentangling orthodoxy (teachings) and orthopathy (practices) from culture, in order to reconstruct an understanding closer to the gospel. Although I came to faith later in life, I recognized the author’s step-by-step, scripture-base journey. Interestingly, much of her journey happened outside the orthopraxy, being-killing culture of United States. A quiet, contemplative yet intensely important book.

[Caity Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Boyd is a gift to the church. I think this book is perfect for anyone who has grown up or spent time in an American evangelical space and now is questioning things. This book would be a helpful travel guide for the beginning of that journey. Asking questions and straying from the group can be scary, but I think Kate shares her story and thoughts in a very accessible and gentle way. If you are further in your journey, this might not be the book for you depending on where you’ve landed.

[H Hitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that this book will be a great encouragement to many who grew up in the church and are now grappling with some of the gaps between what they were taught to never question and the real-world faith they are now faced with living day to day. Those who are disentangling their faith will find hope in Kate's words as she shows how there is a possibility to have nuance within the Christian faith without rejecting unity or the Word of God.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I grew up in the church and have experienced life in mainline, southern Baptist and independent churches. What I loved about this book is that it relies on the Bible and the focus is on continuing to grow in your faith. Shifting the focus toward Jesus and the universal church, not just the church in your local area. Kate wrote this with a churched audience in mind but she's also kept it accessible for those who don't have a Bible School background.

[Sarah J Callen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Untidy Faith provides a grace-filled and biblically-rooted look at the wrestling that many people are doing with their faith right now. It felt like an extension of many of the conversations I’ve been having with friends lately.

This book is a great read, filled with uplifting and challenging stories, and the encouragement to continue detangling our faith from some of the extra baggage we’ve picked up along the way. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Elisa Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful "choose your way of deconstructing" and a guide to do it well. I liked it because it was anything but anti-Jesus, but following him better by laying aside things that have entrapped us before, either from culture or unthought-through. Helped me follow Jesus better.

(Full review at Authentically Elisa on substack)

[Prasanta Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and timely book, Kate Boyd guides us along the path of relevant questions regarding faith, culture, and church. With many discussing deconstruction amidst scandal and confusion in the American church, this book is a necessary companion to reconciling ourselves with what these places were meant to be as we walk this "messy middle" ground.

[Gary Michelberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend for those who are in the Evangelical faith, or for those who are disenchanted by a toxic evangelicalism. Boyd offers a fresh look at Christianity that resembles the life of Jesus and reflects on the hypocrisy that drives so many away from Christianity

[Henry Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like it!
Looking forward to more from Kate Boyd.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vulnerable and refreshing take on modern Protestant Christianity in the US.