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Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self & Society
Jay Bakker explores the radical, transformative, and inclusive message at the heart of Jesus's grace.
If anyone ever had a reason to leave the faith, Jay Bakker did. The son of mega-televangelists Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Messner, Bakker was only 11 years old when his parents' PTL ministry was caught in a high-profile accounting fraud scandal, and his family was devastated by his father's affair and his parents' subsequent divorce.
A disillusioned Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing Bakker came to understand, through all his pain, what God's grace was really all about.
FALL TO GRACE re-envisions the true nature of grace and what it means in everyday life. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and invites non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes.
If anyone ever had a reason to leave the faith, Jay Bakker did. The son of mega-televangelists Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Messner, Bakker was only 11 years old when his parents' PTL ministry was caught in a high-profile accounting fraud scandal, and his family was devastated by his father's affair and his parents' subsequent divorce.
A disillusioned Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing Bakker came to understand, through all his pain, what God's grace was really all about.
FALL TO GRACE re-envisions the true nature of grace and what it means in everyday life. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and invites non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published December 21, 2010
32 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Jay Bakker
4 books33 followersJay Bakker is the son of Jim Bakker and the late Tammy Faye Messner, who ran the PTL television ministry until it came crashing down in the late 1980s amid accusations of an accounting-fraud scandal. At its height, it boasted 13 million viewers and a Christian resort. Bakker began his own ministry, called Revolution, in 1994. It now has plants in New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
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August 3, 2011Just finished the book. Still working on what I think about what Jay wrote. Will probably read it again before coming to a final conclusion.
Jay does a great job with grace, but he pushes it (I believe) a little too far. In his view, Grace says it doesn't matter how I respond to grace, I'm covered, I'm good. I understand that true Grace walks close to the edge of Universalism, and that even Paul was accused of it. But even Paul wrote that receiving Grace without changing how we live is a problem. But Jay raises some good questions that will cause me to think, study and re-evaluate what I believe. For that, I thank him.
Everyone wants to know what Jay writes about homosexuality not being a sin. In the end, I found his writing on this to be "thin". Even he admits it and says you will have to read more to understand exactly why he believes what he believes. He basically doesn't try to argue it or defend it. He states why he believes what he believes and then offers a number of books in the Appendix to read if you want to go deeper. From what he has written, I'm not persuaded by his arguments. But I have looked up the books and am getting them from the library.
So over all, the jury is still out for me. I loved how he expressed his ideas. Just don't know if I can teach them to others yet.
Jay does a great job with grace, but he pushes it (I believe) a little too far. In his view, Grace says it doesn't matter how I respond to grace, I'm covered, I'm good. I understand that true Grace walks close to the edge of Universalism, and that even Paul was accused of it. But even Paul wrote that receiving Grace without changing how we live is a problem. But Jay raises some good questions that will cause me to think, study and re-evaluate what I believe. For that, I thank him.
Everyone wants to know what Jay writes about homosexuality not being a sin. In the end, I found his writing on this to be "thin". Even he admits it and says you will have to read more to understand exactly why he believes what he believes. He basically doesn't try to argue it or defend it. He states why he believes what he believes and then offers a number of books in the Appendix to read if you want to go deeper. From what he has written, I'm not persuaded by his arguments. But I have looked up the books and am getting them from the library.
So over all, the jury is still out for me. I loved how he expressed his ideas. Just don't know if I can teach them to others yet.
March 3, 2011
I received this book from through the goodreads first-reads program.
I was really blessed by this book. Jay Bakker does an amazing job of communicating the transformative, unbelievable power of grace. Bakker shares his experiences with being a Bakker, growing up in the spotlight of media attention and scandal, how that fueled his run away from Christianity and how grace brought him back. He does a wonderful job of breaking down the message of Paul, with special attention to Galatians, and how that transforms individuals and groups of people. He is not shy of taking on the church's current treatment of homosexuals and holding that treatment up to the light of grace.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has felt let down by their inability to be a "good Christian" or anyone who is interested in a different perspective on Christ's view of humanity than you may get from mainstream conservative christianity. I am so thankful that I was chosen to receive this book. I've really been blessed by it.
I was really blessed by this book. Jay Bakker does an amazing job of communicating the transformative, unbelievable power of grace. Bakker shares his experiences with being a Bakker, growing up in the spotlight of media attention and scandal, how that fueled his run away from Christianity and how grace brought him back. He does a wonderful job of breaking down the message of Paul, with special attention to Galatians, and how that transforms individuals and groups of people. He is not shy of taking on the church's current treatment of homosexuals and holding that treatment up to the light of grace.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has felt let down by their inability to be a "good Christian" or anyone who is interested in a different perspective on Christ's view of humanity than you may get from mainstream conservative christianity. I am so thankful that I was chosen to receive this book. I've really been blessed by it.
June 29, 2011
Jay Bakker is great./
His theology is this:/
Love people. God does.
His theology is this:/
Love people. God does.
September 6, 2011
– If anyone ever had a reason to leave the Christian faith, Jay Bakker did.
At the age of only 11 his parents’ global PTL ministry was engulfed by scandal and undermined by Christian backbiting -all of which played out in the 24-hour news media.
Disillusioned, Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing happened: Bakker came to understand, through his personal challenges and suffering (as well as the help of some friends), what God’s grace was really all about.
In this book Bakker explores the true nature of grace–what it means for everyday living and the hot-button issues of our day. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker both challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and encourages non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes. –
The section above is from the publisher’s product description. I couldn’t have said it better. So, I let them say it.
This is a very interesting, insightful read. I can’t imagine being 11 years old and having your family being hated on a national level. More unacceptable than anything Jim Bakker ever did, was the horrible way he and his family were treated by prominent “Christian” leaders, and frankly, the evangelical community at large. We, of course, have no shortage of examples of how quickly the religious community fills with self-righteous venom toward those it deems fallen.
Anyway, there are lots of anecdotes, personal information, and life-lessons in this book. This is not theory, but the reality of a man who ended up finding the grace of God in spite of the seemingly insurmountable odds against him.
His words concerning his mother makes me wish I could have met her. She sounds like a remarkable human being.
Jay has gotten a lot of flack for his stand on grace. But we know by now that’s to be expected. Grace truly is revolutionary. “Fall To Grace” helps re-affirm it’s a revolution worth joining.
– DF
——————–
Sure, I had heard people talk and sing about grace in church. But as far as I could tell, the word didn’t mean anything.
Grace offers a message of tolernce and understanding. It contradicts much of what passes for “Christianity.”
We don’t talk about circumcision or clean foods in the church anymore, but we do make new rules, just as arbitrary, that are used to determing our damnation or salvation.
Jerry falwell took on the purple Telebubby. Is there anything more ridiculous than grown men and women of God railing against toys? More important: Don’t they have anything better to do?
Our desire to appear good enough or righteous enough in front of other Christians can caus us to lose sight of grace and join in the condemnation game.
If Paul can stand up to Peter and James, then surely we can stand up to the people who want to undermine grace in our lives and relationships.
Ultimately, the fruit aren’t about us at all. A tree doesn’t eat it’s own fruit. The fruit is supposed to be picked and enjoyed by other people.
The way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced. A person living a life of grace and inspiration will be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and in control.
(Quoted from Kris Krisofferson): You really have to get past all that — where you have enough feeling about what’s right and wrong in the world to not give a shit about what kind of names anybody throws at you.
We tend to hide our brokenness from others precisely because we’re afraid of how they will react. In doing so, we give sin its power.
When we strip away religious law, what’s left is love — for God and neighbor.
At the age of only 11 his parents’ global PTL ministry was engulfed by scandal and undermined by Christian backbiting -all of which played out in the 24-hour news media.
Disillusioned, Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing happened: Bakker came to understand, through his personal challenges and suffering (as well as the help of some friends), what God’s grace was really all about.
In this book Bakker explores the true nature of grace–what it means for everyday living and the hot-button issues of our day. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker both challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and encourages non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes. –
The section above is from the publisher’s product description. I couldn’t have said it better. So, I let them say it.
This is a very interesting, insightful read. I can’t imagine being 11 years old and having your family being hated on a national level. More unacceptable than anything Jim Bakker ever did, was the horrible way he and his family were treated by prominent “Christian” leaders, and frankly, the evangelical community at large. We, of course, have no shortage of examples of how quickly the religious community fills with self-righteous venom toward those it deems fallen.
Anyway, there are lots of anecdotes, personal information, and life-lessons in this book. This is not theory, but the reality of a man who ended up finding the grace of God in spite of the seemingly insurmountable odds against him.
His words concerning his mother makes me wish I could have met her. She sounds like a remarkable human being.
Jay has gotten a lot of flack for his stand on grace. But we know by now that’s to be expected. Grace truly is revolutionary. “Fall To Grace” helps re-affirm it’s a revolution worth joining.
– DF
——————–
Sure, I had heard people talk and sing about grace in church. But as far as I could tell, the word didn’t mean anything.
Grace offers a message of tolernce and understanding. It contradicts much of what passes for “Christianity.”
We don’t talk about circumcision or clean foods in the church anymore, but we do make new rules, just as arbitrary, that are used to determing our damnation or salvation.
Jerry falwell took on the purple Telebubby. Is there anything more ridiculous than grown men and women of God railing against toys? More important: Don’t they have anything better to do?
Our desire to appear good enough or righteous enough in front of other Christians can caus us to lose sight of grace and join in the condemnation game.
If Paul can stand up to Peter and James, then surely we can stand up to the people who want to undermine grace in our lives and relationships.
Ultimately, the fruit aren’t about us at all. A tree doesn’t eat it’s own fruit. The fruit is supposed to be picked and enjoyed by other people.
The way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced. A person living a life of grace and inspiration will be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and in control.
(Quoted from Kris Krisofferson): You really have to get past all that — where you have enough feeling about what’s right and wrong in the world to not give a shit about what kind of names anybody throws at you.
We tend to hide our brokenness from others precisely because we’re afraid of how they will react. In doing so, we give sin its power.
When we strip away religious law, what’s left is love — for God and neighbor.
February 16, 2017
Bakker is the son of famous television evangelist James Bakker, whose large ministry fell into ruins after a scandal in the 1980s. Bakker begins this book with a bit of this story and throughout reveals the path he took from the lows of alcoholism and drug abuse to starting his own church. I was actually expecting more memoir in this book. There is a lot of it there, but this book is really reflections on grace, chiefly from Paul’s letter to the Galatian church. We need more books on grace. At times this book reminded me of one of my favorites, Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace. Grace is scandalous and Jay Bakker pulls back the curtain to remind us of the scandal. That scandal, for many of us who have been well-behaved (more or less) Christians our whole life is that God loves those people too. It was Jesus’ message and it is still a beautiful message today.
May 11, 2016
Faith is something that I've struggled with for a very long time. I have many reasons for my doubt, not the least of which is the horrific judgment of others I often see passed off as Christianity. I'm not entirely persuaded by Bakker's arguments, but I do appreciate his message of acceptance, patience, and love. I think it's a message we'd all do well to think about.
February 27, 2011
I admire Jay's work and enjoyed his earlier book, "Son of a Preacher Man," and this is Jay taking his Grace trip to the next level. Part spiritual memoir like his first book, part study of perhaps the most grace-filled book in the Bible, Paul's letter to the Galatians..., Jay discovers an outrageous grace -- the infinite love of an infinite Abba.
June 24, 2012
The first and only book I've read from Jay, or any of the Bakers. He had some great insights into grace, and some parts of his "journey" from lost to found through grace really got me thinking about my own understanding of grace. But the book is misleading in its purpose. At the end grace felt more like the "hook" to reel readers in to what the book is really about.
January 30, 2011
I'd never given much thought to grace before so this book really opened my eyes and heart to consider what it really means. I'd recommend this book to just about anybody, perhaps even ESPECIALLY those who've felt spurned by the church/Christianity in the past.
July 3, 2021
Quarantine-Book #48:
I just finished "Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self and Society," by Jay Bakker.
Bakker runs through a bit of his family history to add context for those who didn't watch TV in the 80's. Jim and Tammy were his parents, the ministry crushed, the marriage destroyed, his father in prison. Bakker quickly found that alcohol was a good way to remove the pain, drugs helped too. By 20 he had a massive substance abuse issue. Into his life stepped a friend who didn't condemn him but would sit soberly at the bar by him; he protected Bakker from himself. And when the time was right they would talk faith. During this time Bakker learned about Grace over law keeping.
"We are punished by our sins, not for them."
With this quote in hand rather than changing to appease the Volcano God (you know, toss the virgin in so the big guy will calm down) , Bakker took on drinking, and because of God defeated it.
The next few chapters deal with grace and law laying a good presentation down so people can be amazed at grace. What I found interesting and yet made sense was Bakkers interaction with the Christian punk/Goth/skater scene found much legalism. While on the face of it that sounds quite odd it makes sense that if one was in an anything-goes lifestyle they may see a need for legal structure for their own welfare.
Bakker gets into grace and Galatians/Acts quite well. He makes comparison between James addition in Acts to Grace, but... and other current day proclamation of grace but... look this way and not that way, do this but not that, you don't have a suite?, can you fit into my moral box?, rather than expecting the Spirit to make the changes He deems necessary in His time.
Dealing with models of God (wrathful V loving) Bakker doesn't try to synthesize them he suggest our understanding evolves until it is made perfectly clear in Jesus, using Heb. 1:3 as a hermeneutical lens (my favorite approach). Excellent picture.
This book illustrates grace at a pew-ward level better than others I have run across and inserts an affirming view in the discussion. This was really a good read.
#JayBakker #FallToGrace #PoplarSpringsLifeGroupIwish #FaithWords
I just finished "Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self and Society," by Jay Bakker.
Bakker runs through a bit of his family history to add context for those who didn't watch TV in the 80's. Jim and Tammy were his parents, the ministry crushed, the marriage destroyed, his father in prison. Bakker quickly found that alcohol was a good way to remove the pain, drugs helped too. By 20 he had a massive substance abuse issue. Into his life stepped a friend who didn't condemn him but would sit soberly at the bar by him; he protected Bakker from himself. And when the time was right they would talk faith. During this time Bakker learned about Grace over law keeping.
"We are punished by our sins, not for them."
With this quote in hand rather than changing to appease the Volcano God (you know, toss the virgin in so the big guy will calm down) , Bakker took on drinking, and because of God defeated it.
The next few chapters deal with grace and law laying a good presentation down so people can be amazed at grace. What I found interesting and yet made sense was Bakkers interaction with the Christian punk/Goth/skater scene found much legalism. While on the face of it that sounds quite odd it makes sense that if one was in an anything-goes lifestyle they may see a need for legal structure for their own welfare.
Bakker gets into grace and Galatians/Acts quite well. He makes comparison between James addition in Acts to Grace, but... and other current day proclamation of grace but... look this way and not that way, do this but not that, you don't have a suite?, can you fit into my moral box?, rather than expecting the Spirit to make the changes He deems necessary in His time.
Dealing with models of God (wrathful V loving) Bakker doesn't try to synthesize them he suggest our understanding evolves until it is made perfectly clear in Jesus, using Heb. 1:3 as a hermeneutical lens (my favorite approach). Excellent picture.
This book illustrates grace at a pew-ward level better than others I have run across and inserts an affirming view in the discussion. This was really a good read.
#JayBakker #FallToGrace #PoplarSpringsLifeGroupIwish #FaithWords
November 3, 2024
This was a re-read for me. I like this book a lot but, as someone who has followed Jay Bakker for a while, it feels like a transitionary book for him. His beliefs have become even broader since this was written. I recommend it for someone who is early along in their Christian deconstruction. It is one of a good number of building blocks for setting a rebuilt foundation.
June 8, 2017
I grew up in the church but I think this is my first real glimpse of what grace is and what it means. The entire book felt like a long conversation over coffee - personal, transparent, even funny, and down to earth.
July 1, 2016
There are a lot of things I liked about "Fall To Grace". I like Jay Bakker's style, I like a lot of what he has to say, and like that he's willing to use the pain he's been through to help others. I think God is using Jay to help a lot of people who the American church at large is afraid of/confused by/angry at/unable to relate to. Jay writes in a way that makes you want to join a revolution and hug a lot of people all at the same time. My sense is that Jesus agrees with Jay more often than he agrees with the kind of people Jay is writing against.
Unfortunately, there are some things that I don't like about "Fall To Grace", and they were undermined the rest of the book enough to me that it took it from "great" to "good". Most people probably assume it's the chapters on homosexuality. While I can't outright agree with Jay's views on homosexuality and what the Bible says on it, I also can't outright disagree with it. I haven't done the research into the Greek that I would have to do to say rather or not I can comfortably comment on his position. If it counts for anything, I want Jay to be right... and I plan to research it farther, but that "hot button" wasn't my issue. My issue is his apparent willingness to grab parts of the Bible that line up with his views (specifically on grace) and base his entire theology on them, and then specifically and willingly discredit verses to the contrary. Let me be clear, we ALL do this in one way or another, no one has perfect theology, but it is normally done from a position of ignorance. In my opinion, Jay's statements go beyond an emphasis of one concept over another concept and fall into picking which parts of the Bible he deems "inspired" and which aren't. Let me be clear, if he doesn't believe in the inspiration of Scripture, I can understand that and move forward. While I hold tightly to the inspiration of Scripture, I believe there is room for one to be a Christian and have faith in Christ without holding this view. This is plainly evident, as the books of the Bible weren't written for some years after Christ's ascension, and certainly we aren't to believe that all believers between the ascension and the completion of the Scripture were somehow less Christian than we are. If anything, we try through the revelation of Scripture to come closer to their early understanding of the faith. I do think that if this is Jay's belief, he should actually state that plainly, though, as this would be a key factor in understanding his views. This problem was most prevalent when discussing James' instructions to the early church. To believe (what I interpret to be) Jay's take on the verses, James was stepping outside the true Gospel and back into the binds of legalism and Law when instructing the Gentile believers to avoid sexual immorality, eating blood and things strangled, etc. Jay's view requires that these statements (and the following letter that was sent to the Gentile believers) be deemed uninspired and incorrect. This has deep implications for the Gospel as a whole. If the Gospel had become distorted by the leaders of the church this early on in the process, then it calls the entire Gospel into question. The letter that went to the Gentiles claimed divine inspiration in and of itself outside of the question of larger Biblical inspiration (it includes "it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us").
I'm left with two options:
A) Jesus' brother James was incorrect in his theology, and was successful in duping the other Apostles into agreeing with his error in one of the earliest Christian statements of faith.
B) There's more to the story than Jay understands at this point.
Is it possible that Jay is right and James is wrong? Yes... but it seems quite unlikely from my point of view.
This approach to Scripture leaves me feeling like the rest of the book is based on a shaky foundation, and calls into question all other conclusions it draws. This was a big issue, really THE big issue for me in the book.
There was also one error that I found to be a hindrance to my ability to track with him through one key chapter. It's slightly nit picky I suppose, but it was also the set up for his larger thought in the chapter, and it seemed like an unfortunate misstatement. Early in chapter 15, Jay says "...of the approximately one million verses in the Bible, only six or seven appear..." It took me 30 seconds to research that there are a little more than 31,100 verses in the Bible. Where did he get the "one million verses" thing? It made him seem like he didn't know what he was talking about in a point where you deeply hope he knows what he's talking about. It was a big distraction for me, but I may just be incredibly nit picky on this one.
Overall, I hope Jay the best, and pray he continues forward in his knowledge and wisdom. Despite my issues with the book, I really like him as a person and a brother in the faith.
Unfortunately, there are some things that I don't like about "Fall To Grace", and they were undermined the rest of the book enough to me that it took it from "great" to "good". Most people probably assume it's the chapters on homosexuality. While I can't outright agree with Jay's views on homosexuality and what the Bible says on it, I also can't outright disagree with it. I haven't done the research into the Greek that I would have to do to say rather or not I can comfortably comment on his position. If it counts for anything, I want Jay to be right... and I plan to research it farther, but that "hot button" wasn't my issue. My issue is his apparent willingness to grab parts of the Bible that line up with his views (specifically on grace) and base his entire theology on them, and then specifically and willingly discredit verses to the contrary. Let me be clear, we ALL do this in one way or another, no one has perfect theology, but it is normally done from a position of ignorance. In my opinion, Jay's statements go beyond an emphasis of one concept over another concept and fall into picking which parts of the Bible he deems "inspired" and which aren't. Let me be clear, if he doesn't believe in the inspiration of Scripture, I can understand that and move forward. While I hold tightly to the inspiration of Scripture, I believe there is room for one to be a Christian and have faith in Christ without holding this view. This is plainly evident, as the books of the Bible weren't written for some years after Christ's ascension, and certainly we aren't to believe that all believers between the ascension and the completion of the Scripture were somehow less Christian than we are. If anything, we try through the revelation of Scripture to come closer to their early understanding of the faith. I do think that if this is Jay's belief, he should actually state that plainly, though, as this would be a key factor in understanding his views. This problem was most prevalent when discussing James' instructions to the early church. To believe (what I interpret to be) Jay's take on the verses, James was stepping outside the true Gospel and back into the binds of legalism and Law when instructing the Gentile believers to avoid sexual immorality, eating blood and things strangled, etc. Jay's view requires that these statements (and the following letter that was sent to the Gentile believers) be deemed uninspired and incorrect. This has deep implications for the Gospel as a whole. If the Gospel had become distorted by the leaders of the church this early on in the process, then it calls the entire Gospel into question. The letter that went to the Gentiles claimed divine inspiration in and of itself outside of the question of larger Biblical inspiration (it includes "it seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us").
I'm left with two options:
A) Jesus' brother James was incorrect in his theology, and was successful in duping the other Apostles into agreeing with his error in one of the earliest Christian statements of faith.
B) There's more to the story than Jay understands at this point.
Is it possible that Jay is right and James is wrong? Yes... but it seems quite unlikely from my point of view.
This approach to Scripture leaves me feeling like the rest of the book is based on a shaky foundation, and calls into question all other conclusions it draws. This was a big issue, really THE big issue for me in the book.
There was also one error that I found to be a hindrance to my ability to track with him through one key chapter. It's slightly nit picky I suppose, but it was also the set up for his larger thought in the chapter, and it seemed like an unfortunate misstatement. Early in chapter 15, Jay says "...of the approximately one million verses in the Bible, only six or seven appear..." It took me 30 seconds to research that there are a little more than 31,100 verses in the Bible. Where did he get the "one million verses" thing? It made him seem like he didn't know what he was talking about in a point where you deeply hope he knows what he's talking about. It was a big distraction for me, but I may just be incredibly nit picky on this one.
Overall, I hope Jay the best, and pray he continues forward in his knowledge and wisdom. Despite my issues with the book, I really like him as a person and a brother in the faith.
February 7, 2011
If you were to do some fine tuning most Christians would have something that would act as the filter for everything they believe, say, and do. It would be the main motivating factor for their faith. You do a little digging and some of the most hateful Christians filter is based on fear or guilt. You might find in some of the liberal factions their faith is filtered through rejection of the fear or guilt based faith. Some filter it through the Old Testament law or the words of Paul. Of course many do so through the words and actions of Jesus but ask those people what he said and you might find many different interpretations. It's more than an a hermeneutical lens. It is the base for everything.
Grace is the filter for Jay Bakker. Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self, and Society is Jay's life ran through the filter of Grace. Years ago I read Son of a Preacher Man so I already knew a bit about Jay. Years have gone by and it's amazing to see how someone who could have packed it in and said good riddance to faith is carrying the torch of grace of Christ despite how the faith has treated him.
This book hasn't broken new ground on the subject of grace. That is a good thing. Many readers will find this book restoring, renewing, and reinvigorated long held beliefs about faith. This will also introduce the filter of grace to many whom have either given up on faith or on the edge. Fall to Grace is filled with good news! Good news that has been lost within the rhetoric of church dogma for centuries.
As I was reading this book I couldn't help but think about the youth culture Christianity has cultivated. Thousands of youth groups built on the premise that love is conditional. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, have sex, masturbate, watch moves ( unless it's left-behind), listen to secular music (even though most of the Christian music industry is trying to sound secular) and God will love you. Ugh! We are raising generation after generation of self-righteous, bible-thumping, hate mongering Christ followers. It's awful. It produces false ideas of what faith is about and causes many to deny their faith when they get out from under the oppressive rule of those groups. I hope every youth minister finds time to read Fall to Grace. If they could begin cultivating a culture based solely on grace...talk about results!!
One of my favorite ideas in the book is GracePlus.
"Grace Plus argues that we're truly saved only if "little rules" are tagged onto the end of receiving grace. This works in subtle and dangerous ways." Pg 62
I've seen this in my life. Many times I catch myself knowing of the love and freedom that I accepted long ago in Christ only to attach to that "well only if I don't do this or that." It's hard to shake that filter of guilt or fear no matter how long you haven't believed in it.
I hope Fall to Grace is read far and wide. It's a much needed voice in Christendom today. I'm sure many will find it hard to read the last few chapters. Jay uses the filter of grace to share his views on homosexuality. There will be readers who won't take his words seriously because they have already made their mind up on that. I hope that's not the case. This book deserves to be read by all who proclaim to follow Christ. Leave your judgment for after the book. Besides the book is not a treaty of homosexuality but on grace. Fall to Grace is a firm reminder that Grace is central to a strong and mature faith.
Grace is the filter for Jay Bakker. Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self, and Society is Jay's life ran through the filter of Grace. Years ago I read Son of a Preacher Man so I already knew a bit about Jay. Years have gone by and it's amazing to see how someone who could have packed it in and said good riddance to faith is carrying the torch of grace of Christ despite how the faith has treated him.
This book hasn't broken new ground on the subject of grace. That is a good thing. Many readers will find this book restoring, renewing, and reinvigorated long held beliefs about faith. This will also introduce the filter of grace to many whom have either given up on faith or on the edge. Fall to Grace is filled with good news! Good news that has been lost within the rhetoric of church dogma for centuries.
As I was reading this book I couldn't help but think about the youth culture Christianity has cultivated. Thousands of youth groups built on the premise that love is conditional. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, have sex, masturbate, watch moves ( unless it's left-behind), listen to secular music (even though most of the Christian music industry is trying to sound secular) and God will love you. Ugh! We are raising generation after generation of self-righteous, bible-thumping, hate mongering Christ followers. It's awful. It produces false ideas of what faith is about and causes many to deny their faith when they get out from under the oppressive rule of those groups. I hope every youth minister finds time to read Fall to Grace. If they could begin cultivating a culture based solely on grace...talk about results!!
One of my favorite ideas in the book is GracePlus.
"Grace Plus argues that we're truly saved only if "little rules" are tagged onto the end of receiving grace. This works in subtle and dangerous ways." Pg 62
I've seen this in my life. Many times I catch myself knowing of the love and freedom that I accepted long ago in Christ only to attach to that "well only if I don't do this or that." It's hard to shake that filter of guilt or fear no matter how long you haven't believed in it.
I hope Fall to Grace is read far and wide. It's a much needed voice in Christendom today. I'm sure many will find it hard to read the last few chapters. Jay uses the filter of grace to share his views on homosexuality. There will be readers who won't take his words seriously because they have already made their mind up on that. I hope that's not the case. This book deserves to be read by all who proclaim to follow Christ. Leave your judgment for after the book. Besides the book is not a treaty of homosexuality but on grace. Fall to Grace is a firm reminder that Grace is central to a strong and mature faith.
January 5, 2011
If anyone ever had a reason to leave the Christian faith, Jay Bakker did.
At the age of only 11 his parents' global PTL ministry was engulfed by scandal and undermined by Christian backbiting -all of which played out in the 24-hour news media.
Disillusioned, Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing happened: Bakker came to understand, through his personal challenges and suffering (as well as the help of some friends), what God's grace was really all about.
In this book Bakker explores the true nature of grace--what it means for everyday living and the hot-button issues of our day. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker both challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and encourages non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes.
My Take: What I really liked about this books is that Jay speaks honestly and with a great deal of humility. He is intelligent and well read. He has also put a great deal of thought into the content of this book. Although evangelical, Jay is not thumping a bible on anybody's head. His premise is simple. Grace can not be earned. It is a gift to every person regardless of their sins. God loves you.
Although I was a teenager when Jim and Tammy Bakker became caricatures in the media, the images still haunt me; Tammy Faye with mascara running down her face. Jim having his public breakdown. They were the fallen television evangelists. It never occurred to me that there might be children who were in the background. There were two. Jay was only 11 when the Bakker's suffered their public humiliation.
Today I look back on the debacle and my heart breaks for all involved. The Bakker's were not innocent but aren't we all sinners? Unfortunately, they suffered at the hand of the harshest judges - the media and the court of peers. Jay tells the story with much objectivity but does not mince words when he describes what Falwell and others did to separate themselves from the Bakker's sins. Although Jay does not use this example directly in this parallel, what if we were all to be more Christ-centered? The Pharisees who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus and quoted Mosaic law that she be stoned, daring Jesus to save her. "Let he without sin cast the first stone." The accusers went away and Christ offered her grace. He loves the sinners. He loves me. He loves you.
The author honestly describes his own journey through rebellion and his most recent heartbreak as his marriage fell apart. Taking to no glory to himself, Jay indicates we are all fallible. As God's children, we will fall. As God's children, we are still offered Grace. Again and again and again. He simply asks that we love one another.
Excellent message.
At the age of only 11 his parents' global PTL ministry was engulfed by scandal and undermined by Christian backbiting -all of which played out in the 24-hour news media.
Disillusioned, Bakker turned to drugs and alcohol and left his childhood beliefs behind. But along the way, an interesting thing happened: Bakker came to understand, through his personal challenges and suffering (as well as the help of some friends), what God's grace was really all about.
In this book Bakker explores the true nature of grace--what it means for everyday living and the hot-button issues of our day. With disarming humility, poignant observations, and spot-on theology, Bakker both challenges Christians to reassess their understanding of salvation and encourages non-believers to see Jesus with fresh eyes.
My Take: What I really liked about this books is that Jay speaks honestly and with a great deal of humility. He is intelligent and well read. He has also put a great deal of thought into the content of this book. Although evangelical, Jay is not thumping a bible on anybody's head. His premise is simple. Grace can not be earned. It is a gift to every person regardless of their sins. God loves you.
Although I was a teenager when Jim and Tammy Bakker became caricatures in the media, the images still haunt me; Tammy Faye with mascara running down her face. Jim having his public breakdown. They were the fallen television evangelists. It never occurred to me that there might be children who were in the background. There were two. Jay was only 11 when the Bakker's suffered their public humiliation.
Today I look back on the debacle and my heart breaks for all involved. The Bakker's were not innocent but aren't we all sinners? Unfortunately, they suffered at the hand of the harshest judges - the media and the court of peers. Jay tells the story with much objectivity but does not mince words when he describes what Falwell and others did to separate themselves from the Bakker's sins. Although Jay does not use this example directly in this parallel, what if we were all to be more Christ-centered? The Pharisees who brought the adulterous woman to Jesus and quoted Mosaic law that she be stoned, daring Jesus to save her. "Let he without sin cast the first stone." The accusers went away and Christ offered her grace. He loves the sinners. He loves me. He loves you.
The author honestly describes his own journey through rebellion and his most recent heartbreak as his marriage fell apart. Taking to no glory to himself, Jay indicates we are all fallible. As God's children, we will fall. As God's children, we are still offered Grace. Again and again and again. He simply asks that we love one another.
Excellent message.
June 25, 2015
I really want to like this book more than I do. First, I want to go on record as saying that I agree with Jay Bakker that grace is free and available to everyone. I love his message of God's complete acceptance and love. He even explained how grace moves us from where we are to where God wants us to be, and he did it really well. There were parts I wish I had written. Without using the terms of my Wesleyan roots he has a really good handle on prevenient, justifying and sanctifying grace all the way around. (Although we'd probably quibble about the last - but minor quibbling)
The thing that I'm hung up on - the thing that keeps me from loving this book is the dichotomy Bakker (and many many other Christians) draws between grace and the law. Although not explicitly stated this way of thinking leads directly to supercessionism, which in its most basic form means that Jews are no longer God's chosen people because they do not accept Jesus as Messiah, and that Christians fulfill that role now.
For the record, I am a Christian. I love Jesus. I think that we (Christians) were/are adopted into God's family through Jesus' actions - his life, his death, his resurrection. I believe the Jewish people were/are already part of God's family. Through grace Christians also receive God's love along with Jews. I think this is made plain when we read the Bible, particularly when we read Paul, whom the author quotes extensively. The law is also a form of God's grace, not the antithesis of it - and was always intended to be such. Our "new covenant" that God established with us through Jesus did not erase God's old covenant with God's already children - instead it offers us a way to be part of the family too. For that I am incredibly thankful.
At the risk of this getting even longer I will say that I think Paul (and Peter and the rest of the gang most of the time) was right when he said that we (the Greeks - now Christians) do not need to become Jewish to become Christian. Following Jesus is its own direct path. God's grace is free - Jesus' gift is free, we don't have to do things to earn it - and that means we don't have to be circumcised, or eat certain food, or not do certain things to be accepted into the family tree. But that doesn't make the law wrong, it doesn't mean that those who follow(ed) it are less than, or have been superseded by Christians.
This (mis)understanding permeates so much of the book and seems to inform so much Bakker's theology that I just can't let it go. I'd be interested in hearing other's thoughts on this, on the off-off-chance anyone reads this review.
The thing that I'm hung up on - the thing that keeps me from loving this book is the dichotomy Bakker (and many many other Christians) draws between grace and the law. Although not explicitly stated this way of thinking leads directly to supercessionism, which in its most basic form means that Jews are no longer God's chosen people because they do not accept Jesus as Messiah, and that Christians fulfill that role now.
For the record, I am a Christian. I love Jesus. I think that we (Christians) were/are adopted into God's family through Jesus' actions - his life, his death, his resurrection. I believe the Jewish people were/are already part of God's family. Through grace Christians also receive God's love along with Jews. I think this is made plain when we read the Bible, particularly when we read Paul, whom the author quotes extensively. The law is also a form of God's grace, not the antithesis of it - and was always intended to be such. Our "new covenant" that God established with us through Jesus did not erase God's old covenant with God's already children - instead it offers us a way to be part of the family too. For that I am incredibly thankful.
At the risk of this getting even longer I will say that I think Paul (and Peter and the rest of the gang most of the time) was right when he said that we (the Greeks - now Christians) do not need to become Jewish to become Christian. Following Jesus is its own direct path. God's grace is free - Jesus' gift is free, we don't have to do things to earn it - and that means we don't have to be circumcised, or eat certain food, or not do certain things to be accepted into the family tree. But that doesn't make the law wrong, it doesn't mean that those who follow(ed) it are less than, or have been superseded by Christians.
This (mis)understanding permeates so much of the book and seems to inform so much Bakker's theology that I just can't let it go. I'd be interested in hearing other's thoughts on this, on the off-off-chance anyone reads this review.
May 27, 2016
Jay Bakker’s name is familiar to a generation of church folk who came of age when television evangelism grew into the national experience in bad theology, excess and showmanship it came to be in its heyday in the 1980’s. His parents, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, were the founders and developers of The PTL Club television show in the 1970’s and ‘80’s, whose viewership grew to over twelve million. Their empire imploded after Rev. Bakker was convicted of Tax Evasion and the couple divorced. After the dissolution of his family, Jay began using drugs and alcohol (he was thirteen-years-old at the onset of his using) to the point where he became addicted. The next six years were a haze of chemicals, anger and hopelessness.
In 1995, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, he was able to actually hear of God’s Grace as a reality that included him. The transformation that resulted in his accepting that such Grace includes him was not an instant occurrence; it took six months and involvement with “an anonymous 12-step program” for him to get sober. His Grace-encounter lead him to understand the revolution that could occur when Grace is allowed to do its transforming work, in individuals, communities and cultures.
The book, after the first two chapters of biographical information, is largely a study of the Apostle Paul’s instruction, as found in his epistles, about Grace. Section I is an exploration of the Revolution of God (more accurately, how Grace is the source of positive change for His creation). Section II seeks to understand how this “revolution” occurs in individuals. Section III expands the revolution to Society as a whole. Each section has multiple chapters (sixteen chapters in all) and each chapter ends with a “Grace Note,” a testimonial of how an individual has experienced the action of Grace discussed in that particular chapter.
The book is a very conservative, traditional discourse on Grace. There is no harsh or “colorful” language or inappropriate situations contained in any part of the book. Those who have no understanding of “Grace” as it pertains to the author’s definition will have difficulty comprehending the concept until they have an understanding that includes their personal experience. For those in the Church, this book is a glimpse of the indescribable nature of God. It is not an academic book, its research, such as it is, is largely limited to the experience of the individual(s), certain Christian writers and the Bible.
In 1995, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, he was able to actually hear of God’s Grace as a reality that included him. The transformation that resulted in his accepting that such Grace includes him was not an instant occurrence; it took six months and involvement with “an anonymous 12-step program” for him to get sober. His Grace-encounter lead him to understand the revolution that could occur when Grace is allowed to do its transforming work, in individuals, communities and cultures.
The book, after the first two chapters of biographical information, is largely a study of the Apostle Paul’s instruction, as found in his epistles, about Grace. Section I is an exploration of the Revolution of God (more accurately, how Grace is the source of positive change for His creation). Section II seeks to understand how this “revolution” occurs in individuals. Section III expands the revolution to Society as a whole. Each section has multiple chapters (sixteen chapters in all) and each chapter ends with a “Grace Note,” a testimonial of how an individual has experienced the action of Grace discussed in that particular chapter.
The book is a very conservative, traditional discourse on Grace. There is no harsh or “colorful” language or inappropriate situations contained in any part of the book. Those who have no understanding of “Grace” as it pertains to the author’s definition will have difficulty comprehending the concept until they have an understanding that includes their personal experience. For those in the Church, this book is a glimpse of the indescribable nature of God. It is not an academic book, its research, such as it is, is largely limited to the experience of the individual(s), certain Christian writers and the Bible.
January 29, 2012
I like Jay Bakker. I watched One Punk Under God and he really won me over as a person. I also read a chapter involving him in Rapture Ready about contemporary Christian pop culture (great book). I think he's a thoughtful, genuine guy. I saw this at the library and was interested in his spiritual beliefs. The book is short and in a "contemporary" style, which sometimes gets a little corny-football metaphors for example. He also bases his idea of grace and faith on transactional atonement which still doesn't make any sense to me. It's more of a warm, fuzzy faith, contrasting the recent books I've read by C.S. Lewis and Reynolds Price who offer a mysterious, stark and sublime God. I'm not personally swayed by anything that uses the Bible as a foundation for spiritual life rather a non-exclusive guide. Nevertheless, I like the idea of grace that he proposes and how it plays out in human interactions (tolerance, kindness, etc). It's not a book that is going to answer any deep questions about the nature of the universe, and I couldn't tell you how it lines up with the Bible, having never studied it. I do think it would be a nice reminder for Christians about how to live by the spirit of Jesus or for someone like me who is not a Christian but can appreciate his teachings.
December 19, 2015
I have so many things to say about this book. I finished the book in 3 days but I often had to set the book down and take time to think on the things Jay presents. I've been in church since before I was conceived and (my children can say the same) honestly some of the topics Jay discusses was my first time hearing them. He is right in that the church certainly doesn't teach grace in the manner discussed in the book. I struggled with the homosexual topic when he first mentioned it in the book. However, the topic is covered in several chapters and Jay has clearly done his research. He is very knowledgeable on the Word and mighty bold I must add. I imagine how life changing this book is for readers. Honestly coming to understand the freedom in my relationship with God during reading this book has literally set me free from church and family rules on faith. I am still chewing on this book and what he has presented.
Normally I struggle reading Christian books because of the writing style. His book is written very well. The fact that Jay presents so much biblical evidence also adds to the desire to keep on reading. I thank Jay for writing this book. I can only imagine how much courage it took to release this to the public opinion.
Normally I struggle reading Christian books because of the writing style. His book is written very well. The fact that Jay presents so much biblical evidence also adds to the desire to keep on reading. I thank Jay for writing this book. I can only imagine how much courage it took to release this to the public opinion.
March 2, 2011
I read this book at the recommendation of a pastor friend. It was written by the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker (remember them).
This book has given me a much more positive view of Paul than I have ever had.
Generally I thought the book was pretty good. I wouldn't highly recommend it to everyone but I would highly recommend it to people looking for more information on the endless grace of God.
There is one passage, however, that I would love all people to see, when I read this, it expanded my understanding of what a Christ follower is (and isn't).
"If you ever wonder whether some attitude or behavior is consistent with grace and its revolutionary implications try the following thought experiment: Picture the thing that you see Christians doing in the name of Jesus, then substitute Christ (beard, sandals, stigmata, and all) thinking and acting the same way.
If it doesn't seem credible -- or worse, if it's downright ridiculous -- the action in question is probably on the wrong track."
This book has given me a much more positive view of Paul than I have ever had.
Generally I thought the book was pretty good. I wouldn't highly recommend it to everyone but I would highly recommend it to people looking for more information on the endless grace of God.
There is one passage, however, that I would love all people to see, when I read this, it expanded my understanding of what a Christ follower is (and isn't).
"If you ever wonder whether some attitude or behavior is consistent with grace and its revolutionary implications try the following thought experiment: Picture the thing that you see Christians doing in the name of Jesus, then substitute Christ (beard, sandals, stigmata, and all) thinking and acting the same way.
If it doesn't seem credible -- or worse, if it's downright ridiculous -- the action in question is probably on the wrong track."
March 29, 2011
I first became aware of Jay Bakker through his Sundance series, "One Punk Under God", which I found to be greatly inspiring. I enjoyed this book for the most part. Many of the analyses of scripture and of Paul aren't particularly groundbreaking (though some of them might be to some people, I guess, particularly the ones about homosexuality!), and I found it a bit distracting that he mostly used the New Living version of the Bible. But it was a good read overall, with a number moving insights and reflections.
As a side note, the more I learn about his mother, Tammy Faye, the more I like her. In the book, he tells the story of when he was 13 years old and one of his friends came out to him as gay. Jay was upset and didn't know what to make of this, but when he told his mom, her responses were, "Is he okay?" and "Well, okay, but what about him has changed?" (The answer of course being nothing.) Definitely not the reaction one might expect from a conservative Christian parent, especially at that time!
As a side note, the more I learn about his mother, Tammy Faye, the more I like her. In the book, he tells the story of when he was 13 years old and one of his friends came out to him as gay. Jay was upset and didn't know what to make of this, but when he told his mom, her responses were, "Is he okay?" and "Well, okay, but what about him has changed?" (The answer of course being nothing.) Definitely not the reaction one might expect from a conservative Christian parent, especially at that time!
January 4, 2013
It's really amazing to read from Jay Bakker, his words in this book, have been in my thoughts since late teenage. Even if I didn't know God by that moment, I encountered Grace, and realized that the church has been missing something huge and preaching gospels that drove people away from the church, like in my case. It felt like I walked alone in the world bearing this huge secret about Grace inside of me, and there was no one I could talk to about this, until 3 years later, when God led me, without me knowing it or Him, to this community in Malmö, my hometown. With the Community and The leaders I could finally share my thoughts and ideas. So one day, the pastor of this community gifted me this book, and I am really thankful for that. This is really a good book, that really should be read by many people, I do hope it will touches people's hearts like it have touched mine, thank you Patrik and thank you Jay!
March 28, 2013
Another great book about grace...right up there with Philip Yancey's book What's so Amazing About Grace and Brennan Manning's book The Importance of Being Foolish. A bit controversial at times, yet Jay truly makes you think about grace and if grace is real and comes from the God that loves us beyond our wildest imaginations, then grace certainly bigger and greater and more powerful than anything else in heaven or on earth, including our own beliefs and doctrine. Read it and be inspired to live and love with wild abandon. Here is one of my favorite quotes...
"With grace comes the freedom to fall short. You can deepen your relationship with God even when you fail - especially when you fail. With grace comes the inspiration to start living out the crazy, impossible teaching of Christ: to love God above all else; to love your neighbor as yourself; to love even your enemies."
"With grace comes the freedom to fall short. You can deepen your relationship with God even when you fail - especially when you fail. With grace comes the inspiration to start living out the crazy, impossible teaching of Christ: to love God above all else; to love your neighbor as yourself; to love even your enemies."
January 13, 2011
This book covers some of the same territory of "Son of a Preacher Man," Bakker's first book, which is not bad, just repetitive, which is not a good quality for someone who writes about how annoying it is that people (and mainly the media) could not seem to get past the sins of his parents and the world's obsession with humiliating his family. In this book, Bakker explores grace as he and his co-author believe Paul intended it to be defined and he tackles people on the margins, homosexuals and the fallen. The title is much broader than the material in the book, but there's still some good writing in the book, particularly the testimonials from churchgoers who found grace when they least expected it.
April 20, 2012
Jay Bakker, son of Jim and Tammy Faye and Emergent church guru wrote this book to describe his awakening to the concept of grace. Some good stuff here, and certainly I am always looking to grow in grace but I found myself unable to agree with many of his arguments because:
1. Seemed somewhat antinomian and dismissive of the Old Testament
2. His hermeneutic of scripture, especially as it it relates to LBGT people needs further unpacking
3. He repeats the common preacher error that 'Abba' means daddy which is not warranted by what we know of its Aramaic usage.
On the other hand, I appreciate his unfolding of his own story, and the struggles of others to come to terms with the fact that they are loved by God without having to do anything. Parts of Jay's story are quite compelling.
1. Seemed somewhat antinomian and dismissive of the Old Testament
2. His hermeneutic of scripture, especially as it it relates to LBGT people needs further unpacking
3. He repeats the common preacher error that 'Abba' means daddy which is not warranted by what we know of its Aramaic usage.
On the other hand, I appreciate his unfolding of his own story, and the struggles of others to come to terms with the fact that they are loved by God without having to do anything. Parts of Jay's story are quite compelling.
January 5, 2012
If you are expecting an autobiography of Jay Bakkers life, you will be a bit disappointed. Though Jay does give us intimate details about his life experiences the focus of the book is a teaching on grace - an excellent, thought provoking teaching. Jay introduces the reader to a Christ many Christians have yet to meet. For those who don’t identify with Christianity, or who quit Christianity like myself (I quit first Ann Rice!!), this book is still a useful resource about the essence of divine grace. So no matter what your spiritual label is, or lack thereof, Fall to Grace is a good read with a message I wish all of humankind would take to heart.
November 11, 2014
An enjoyable and easy read by one of my favorites Jay Bakker. Chapter 15 "Exiles in the Kingdom" is of particular interest; Jay tackles the topic of homosexuality and the potential mis-interpretation of certain clobber verses as understood by progressives. It's hard to keep a fundamentalist viewpoint on this controversial topic when ones eyes are opened to such verses and what progressives consider "true" translations. Whether you agree with Jay or not it's not a bad thing to be educated about such things.
February 22, 2011
Jay Bakker is the son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker or televangelism fame from the '70s and '8 s. There wasn't anything particularly startling in it, but it was very affirming of my own ideas about Grace. It's largely an analysis of Galatians, and reiterates Jay's agreement with Paul that Grace is the key to Christianity. There is a pretty good chapter with arguments against the prevailing notion of homosexuality being a sin. Again, it comes down in full agreement with me, so, of course I liked it.
January 2, 2012
Highly recommend this book for those interested in progressive theology. He provides a very good interpretation of Disciple Paul's various letters in the New Testament, including some good contextual insight into the man. My only quibble is with Jay's reference to God as "He" or "Father" rather than at least occasionally using gender neutral or dual gender words. Jay has been through a lot for being such a young man and uses his trials and successes to argue his point of how valuable grace is in our lives.
November 5, 2011
Messed up church kid stories always pique my interest, so I picked up this book hoping it would be an interesting read. Jay Bakker's story is immensely sad. I honestly cant blame him too much for where his theological pendulum landed. But... I just dont think I can finish it. Bakkers view of grace cheapens his view of God. It was awesome to be reminded of how awesome God's grace is, but we need to remember that the gospel is the answer to our problems, not grace (which is definitely a large PART of the gospel.) Anyways, I'm going to dive into a Tim Keller book.
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