Customer Reviews

The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I was hoping this book would be along the vein of my favorite blog, Stuff Christian Culture Likes, which is also written by a pastor's kid and is open-minded and edgy. I soon discovered my expectations were misguided, however. Though Turner seems to think his observations and opinions are refreshing and edgy, they would only really appear that way to someone who is still very much a part of baptist/evangelical culture and has never ventured outside of it. When Turner switches from teasing about a silly Christian culture norm to sharing advice, that is when you realize that his belief system and theology still falls squarely in the conservative, most likely Calvinist, camp. He doesn't explain why certain cultural practices or beliefs are misguided; rather, he just points them out and concludes with a "that's ridiculous!" Most of the time I was left confused as to what he was actually trying to do, and what message he was trying to get across. For example, when he makes fun of the audience at a Rebecca St. James concert for cheering her decision to save herself for marriage, he then goes on to say that he also made that decision and is committed to that principle. So there are a lot of mixed messages in the book.

I think the person who would most enjoy this is someone who is very much on the inside and shares the evangelical/fundamental/baptist worldview, but wants to be able to laugh at the culture they live in. For anyone from outside--whether you're of a different type of Christian denomination, a person who has "escaped" that kind of Christianity but still has faith, or if you are a non-Christian looking for a humorous inside look at evangelical Christian culture--you will not find what you are looking for here.

Based on other reviews, it looks like most readers of this book (myself included) had a different preconceived notion of what they wanted this book to be. In fairness to Turner, that's not his fault and he can't please everyone. My primary goal in writing this review is to clarify what the reader should expect so to prevent others from making the same mistake I did. Based on the descriptions of his books, I excitedly bought 3 of them. I read this one first, was disappointed, but still hopeful that the next would be good. I got a couple of pages into "Churched" before I decided I didn't want to read any more (it was the jab at infant baptism that turned me off). As a Lutheran Christian who spent 4 years at a Christian Bible college with strong Baptist leanings, I was much more of an "outsider living on the inside" than Turner probably ever will be. I was hoping his books would be comforting, but instead I felt I was reliving the pain.

First, let me say this: I'm not a Christian. I grew up in church, but have not been to church for a very long time. A friend of mine gave me this book and told me to give it a chance, that it wasn't your ordinary "Christian" book. And she was right. I laughed so hard at Turner's stories, lists and opinions. IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE WROTE THIS BOOK. He isn't preachy. He calls a spade a spade and does it all with a humorous twist. My favorite story is when he talks about getting baptized. I about fell out of my chair. I agree with the last review, I think some are taking this book WAY too seriously. It's meant to be fun. It's not blasphemous. It's a man's life--he's telling it like he sees it. His writing isn't Shakespeare, but it's far from immature and pointless. I'm probably not going back to church anytime soon, but a week ago, I did pick up a Bible for the first time in ten years. Thank you Matthew for being honest ... perhaps, you can put another star in your crown ;-) HAHAHA!!!!

I've followed Matthew Paul Turner's blog for about a year and I bought this book before that but I finally got around to reading "The Christian Culture Survival Guide" last weekend.

This book is mildly humourous and I think Turner does capture some of the peculiarities within the Christian subculture (such as his guide about the Christian guys and girls one will see at church).

I am by no means a fundamentalist nor do I agree with a lot of things fundamentalists preach, but I think Turner is a bit too dismissive of orthodox theology. He provides some "key verses" in each chapter but I would hesitate to take his advice on several matters.

This book could've also been a lot longer.

I'm not sure what book others on this list are reading or if they're simply reading bits and pieces or maybe they're fundamentalists, but the Christian Culture Survival Guide is a brave, funny read that every Christian would find interesting. Turner's stories are sometimes crazy, but always entertaining and redemptive. For anyone who has been hurt by the church or has walked away from their faith altogether, this book will lift your spirits. I loved it.

Given the reviews I've read here, I think it's easy to see why there are so many problems in the church today.

The fact of the matter is that an overwhelming number of people today are lost. And although the church is supposed to be a refuge and source of direction for these people, it has instead turned in to a legalistic plumage of smoke and mirrors. Apparently, some of the people who "reviewed" this book aren't yet willing to admit to this fact. (Although, I find it hard to believe that any of the people who have left negative reviews actually took the time to read this book! Rather, they most likely skimmed over it w/ a biased (read - "prideful") eye.)

Every negative review of this book begins with the premise that Matthew addresses some important topics that no writer has yet had the courage to address, and then in the very same review they cut him down for not addressing these issues in the right way or the appropriate writing standards. Yea, way to offer something constructive. (Oh wait, I forgot, Christians aren't ever allowed to be sarcastic. Scratch that last line...) Instead of cutting down this courageous author, how about contributing something to the cause that you have already agreed needs to be addressed!?! But wait, that would take courage, a trait the negative reviewers apparently believe Christians today aren't allowed to possess.

What I have learned from this book is that I am not alone in my disappointment regarding the church. Instead of making me want to turn away from God's church (something that Christians in general have done a fabulous job of doing) Matthew's book has encouraged me to face the issues of the church, and strive to do something positive about them. He has taught me that it is OK to acknowledge problems within the church, and that doing so is the first step in creating a positive, Godly change.

It is evident in his book, "The Christian Culture Survival Guide" that author Matt Turner has a true heart for the lost, and a desire to share with them the love he has found in his Savior and Lord. He also has obviously experienced the same disappointments that many people have with the church today, and does not want these people to lose hope or the desire to follow the Father despite these Earthly inadequacies. Thank you Matt for stepping out on a ledge, putting it all out there, and reaching those of us that were feeling so alone, despite all of the heat you will be taking for writing this book.

The evangelical Christian subculture is indeed ripe for lampooning. This book is hit and miss in that regard. To be honest, it could have been funnier. Sometimes the author climbs up on his soapbox and starts sermonizing. My advice is: pick your method. I think the shallowness of much of the Christian subculture could be emphasized so much better by a consistently humorous approach. What should provoke belly-laughs just provokes half-smiles.

As usual, in a book such as this, the sex chapter is the best one. On the other hand, maybe I say that just because I'm a normal man with all the normal proclivities. If you have a chance to read the book, go ahead, because it's a quick read, but don't knock yourself out. Marginal thumbs up.

Matthew Paul Turner uses both moments of roll-on-the-floor humor and moments of eye-opening honesty to expose many of the idiosyncracies of Christianity in our day and age. He goes all the way with many of his jokes (so any Christian who can't take their Christian culturisms being made fun of be warned) trom a count-down list of what you can do with your old WWJD bracelets to some pretty hillarious (and true) critisisms of "Christian" movies. However, within all of this is some terrific underlying meaning. Turner blasts away the facade of a lot of Christian fads and also rebukes many false preachings and behaviors common in the Church today. What you get, by the end, is both a humorous and insightful look at Church, largely as it is seen from the outside (having astranged myself from Christianity for a while in my teen years, I have seen it both from the outside and in). This is a book I would highly recommend, It will be a familiar, unashamed laugh for all Christians, old and new, who don't might a lighthearted exposition of the behavior within the Church. Just bring an open mind and a sense of humor.

Run, don't walk to your credit card and order this book. Matthew Paul Turner's description of many well intentioned church folk hit's the nail on the head. I kept thinking as I read that he'd somehow read my mind. Order this book and hear Matthew articulate the thoughts that have been floating around in your head for years.

I look forward to reading the other titles that he's written!

At best Matthew Paul Turner is moderately amusing. He writes of problems and quirks in the church that are obvious to some and ignored by many. He admonishes Christian artists to make quality movies and music while writing a humorous book that lacks humor. He prefaces the book by writing that you have to have a sense of humor to appreciate the book. He states this several times. The unwritten message is that this book is funny and that he is full of wit with a sarcastic edge. From experience, when people advertise themselves as being funny, crazy, witty, etc. they are usually not. Turner falls into this category. He writes that Christians lack a sense of humor... they "get" a joke but do not laugh. He should learn a lesson from his own experience of a deacon telling him a racist joke. Turner did not laugh even though he got the deacon's joke becuase he was offended by the racist nature of the material. When Turner says something "humorous" and Christians do not laugh its most likely they get the "joke" but the joke just ain't funny. His book reminds me off a homeless person I saw in Chicago. The man was extremely pale, sported a Rasputinesque beard, wore a wrestler's singlet three sizes too large, had on one dress shoe and one sneaker, and topped off the outfit with thigh-high argyle socks. Did I chuckle when I saw him? Yes. Would I point him out to others for laughs? No. Too obvious, too easy, and too hurtful. The closing sums up Turner. He states that his walk has taught him about love and that love never judges yet he write a judgemental book that might be okay with generalizations but instead opts to point fingers and name names of fellow Christians that fall short of his standards of talent, humor, elocution, and on and on.

I picked this book up because, at first glance, there were several things which I could immediately relate to. First and foremost, this book is for humor. Secondly, remember that this book is not written by a scholar or even by a professional writer. (Due to the numerous typographical errors, I believe it is safe to say that the book did not even have a professional editor.) I realize it is impossible to write a book about contemporary Christian culture without stepping on a few toes (regardless of whether or not the toes needed to be stepped on). Even I had my toes stepped on while reading this book. In fact, one of the complaints I have against the author is that it seems like he's stepping on everyone's toes except his own.

But I also have a hard time believing that a Christian cannot pick this book up and laugh himself or herself (to avoid offending the politically correct) silly. I think one of the funniest points in the book is when he lists the top 3 "Jesus Junk" items which should have never been made. The #1 item was "Test-a-mints". "Freshening your breath and witnessing to your neighbor at the same time is a little difficult with the Scripture verse dissolving in your mouth." (130)

I can only give this book three stars, because, in spite of its many light-hearted merits, the book tends to over-stereotype church people (pages 18-23, 96-102) as well as poke fun at certain theological issues which do not belong in the "poking fun" category (i.e. "Three Types of Virgins," page 109). I also disagree with his criticisms of people like James Dobson and Jerry Falwell. (Unless "Jack Files" was a reference to someone else.)

But in the author's defense, he never claims his book to be perfect or even Holy Spirit-inspired. Actually, the only claim the author makes about the book is that a sense of humor is required to enjoy it. Well, I have a sense of humor, and I enjoyed most of it. So, I'll give it a decent rating (for the most part).