Soul Rape: Why People Hate Going to Church, Distrust Clergy, Avoid Religion, Keep Searching for God, and the Revolution They Started

by Shean A Smith

There's something elusive about the spiritual freedom the Church promises to those who come through its doors. The Church preaches God's unmerited favor towards humanity and then adds lists of duties we must perform to keep God happy. "If you love God," pulpits say, "you'll go to church, obey the clergy, tithe, witness, and get more people into church." Feeling like we have no other choice and fearful of reprisals from God, as Church members we perform our religious obligations and feel ashamed and guilty when we fail to meet the Church's expectations. The cycle is never ending; we feel guilty and shameful when we fail in any of our religious obligations. When we feel guilty, we try harder and rededicate ourselves to God but always end up back where we started-feeling guilty for failing him in our duties. Soul Rape identifies the elements of organized religion, its services, and its leadership, which work in concert to make and keep loyal members, using guilt and shame as the driving forces. The book shows how walking with God should be simple and free from religious obligation. No more religious obligation means no Religion, Going to Church, Clergy, Sermons, Tithing, Church Politics, Shame, or Guilt.

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about how the modern day church and modern religion try to be our leader and guide in the ways of God. Fortunately in the new covenant, love is the motivator. Love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and love others as ourselves. No longer do we need pastors to teach us, no longer do we need church, tithing and organized fellowship at set times and in set places. God is our teacher and guide. We have freedom in Christ and no longer have to follow the rules and regulations that organized church puts on us.

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about how the modern day church and modern religion try to be our leader and guide in the ways of God. Fortunately in the new covenant, love is the motivator. Love God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and love others as ourselves. No longer do we need pastors to teach us, no longer do we need church, tithing and organized fellowship at set times and in set places. God is our teacher and guide. We have freedom in Christ and no longer have to follow the rules and regulations that organized church puts on us.