Customer Reviews

Escape from Hell and the Almighty White Guy with a Beard

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A profoundly reflective thesis that personalizes God and removes undue guilt and fear. In my opinion, this author "experienced God through his encounters with the powerful in Church circles but even more in his encounters with the powerless". I recommend this thought provoking book to Christians of all faiths and to those who have lost confidence in the power structures of organized religion.Escape from Hell and the Almighty White Guy with a Beard

While telling us much of his life story, author Jim LaCroce challenges us with three enduring questions: Who is my god? Who is the authentic me? and How do I integrate the honest answers to these two questions with the beliefs and rituals of the church I love and embrace?
Early on he warns us that some of his questions may sound rude but we soon discover how honest and from-the-heart his questions are. His writing compels us to wrestle with these most fundamental and difficult questions of religious believers. And he does so with intelligence, passion and frequent humor.
The religious foundation from which Mr. LaCroce writes is that of a life-long and devoted Roman Catholic. However, as a worshipping Quaker and spiritual director I find the author's questions to be universal to all of us who wrestle with the histories, theologies and rituals of our religious traditions.
Not only will individuals find this book stimulating and encouraging but the book could also serve well in stimulating meaningful discussions within groups of seekers and worshippers.

This is the memoir of an extraordinary human being, not judged by personal history alone, but by his honesty, courage and generosity of soul. This book filled me with gratitude for the author's uncanny ability to name the most beguiling of life's deceptions, those imposed by religion in the name of "God."
Jim La Croce, in this book, has plunged enthusiastically and quixotically into the deep waters of what happens to an individual as a result of religious figures playing fast and loose with his/her precious life. In Jim's case, as a layman and priest, he has been on both sides of that unwitting deception and amazingly bears few residual illusions. One can imagine what a heady brew of angst such a swim could stir up. Yet, he carries it off because of his humor and natural light-heartedness: his metaphors, stories and cultural adeptness will not let us wallow in anger or pity. Like the good teacher that he is he knows how to use evocative questions and astounding understatements. This is a masterly swim as a seal among breaking waves, jagged rocks and darting sharks in the midst of which his confidence never wavers.
I urge every person who treasures the humanity God gave them to read--indeed, study--this book. It will do more than liberate according to the title's promise. It will also deeply nourish you in ways never suspected.

There are two types of Christians: those who inspire and those who terrorize. This book walks that line and does an excellent job of displaying some of the hypocrisies of faith. Give it a shot.