More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship [Paperback]

Stephen Arterburn (Author), Jack Felton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2000

One decade ago, best-selling authors Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton exposed the dangers of what they called "toxic faith," helping countless believers to understand and overcome their religious misconceptions.

Now, drawing upon an additional ten years of observation and experience, these authors go one step further, offering new insights and a positive approach to the dilemma in this long-awaited follow-up to their ground-breaking work.

Be set free from man-made rules, "churchianity," and legalistic religion.

Learn to recognize serious misinterpretations of vital biblical concepts such as "accountability."

Return to the roots of a strong, obedient, yet grace-filled relationship with your Creator.

To all who want to enter into deeper joy, fuller obedience, greater influence, and a healthier experience of God, More Jesus, Less Religion points the way back to the grace of the Lord and shows what it takes to avoid the pitfalls of toxic faith.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Arterburn and Felton, co-authors of Toxic Faith, here supplement the warnings of their previous book with a more positive vision. In the past, Arterburn, in particular, has invited controversy by confronting problems of spiritual abuse and manipulation in evangelical churches and homes. This sequel focuses less on "toxic churches" and the extremes of spiritual abuse and more on the need for promoting "healthy faith" in evangelical faith communities. Arterburn and Felton describe healthy faith as one that is centered on the person of Jesus, reflecting His example of mature love, respect for individuals and realism about human weakness. The book takes a compassionate but firm tone, warning against the subtle pressures many evangelicals feel to maintain the appearance of being "good Christians" even at great spiritual expense to themselves and their families, making it "easy to either give up or to get weird trying to earn God's favor." Like Philip Yancey in What's So Amazing About Grace?, the authors criticize distortions in evangelical religious expression while affirming what evangelicals recognize as their most important commitments--to the person of Christ and the message of the Bible. Although this book can be read as an individual self-help resource, it also has strong potential for study groups and as training material for church leaders. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

One decade ago, best-selling authors Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton exposed the dangers of what they called "toxic faith," helping countless believers to understand and overcome their religious misconceptions.

Now, drawing upon an additional ten years of observation and experience, these authors go one step further, offering new insights and a positive approach to the dilemma in this long-awaited follow-up to their ground-breaking work.

Be set free from man-made rules, "churchianity," and legalistic religion.

Learn to recognize serious misinterpretations of vital biblical concepts such as "accountability."

Return to the roots of a strong, obedient, yet grace-filled relationship with your Creator.

To all who want to enter into deeper joy, fuller obedience, greater influence, and a healthier experience of God, More Jesus, Less Religion points the way back to the grace of the Lord and shows what it takes to avoid the pitfalls of toxic faith.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (February 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578562503
• ISBN-13: 978-1578562503
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #985,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries--the nation's largest faith-based broadcast, counseling, and treatment ministry--and is the host of the nationally syndicated "New Life Live!" daily radio program heard on over 180 radio stations nationwide. Steve is also the founder of the Women of Faith conferences, attended by over 3 million women.

Steve is a nationally known public speaker and has been featured in national media venues such as "Oprah," "Inside Edition," "Good Morning America," "CNN Live," the "New York Times," "USA Today," and "US News & World Report." In August 2000, Steve was inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame. A best-selling author, Steve has written over 60 books, including the popular Every Man's series and his most recent book, "Healing Is a Choice." He has been nominated for numerous writing awards and has won four Gold Medallion Awards for writing excellence.

Steve has degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Texas as well as two honorary doctorate degrees. Steve resides with his family in Laguna Beach, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For True Spiritual Growth, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship (Paperback)

This book is amazing and one that I will recommend over and over. It speaks to the realities of what it means to be a Christian. Sometimes Christians are expected to be super human (not to have real feelings), even by fellow Christians. This book reminds us that God gave us feelings and we are to bring all of those feelings and emotions to Christ--the good and the bad. For me, this book was confirmation that I am on the right track to a true relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Before reading this book, please pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind and give you understanding. You must be ready, spiritually, for what the authors say. They don't sugar coat, and they will challenge some old beliefs that may be hindering your relationship with Christ.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ! IT'LL SET YOU FREE!, April 3, 2000

By 

Anthony Karl Hunt - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship (Paperback)

Stephen Arterburn has written the best book ever! This book will set you free from manmade rules and from "churchianity", and will help you experience a GENUINE and REAL relationship with Christ. Many churches today are too legalistic and have forgotten the true meaning of the Gospel, but this book will help you enjoy the freedom of authentic faith. It's time to put Jesus first and not religion. Restore your personal relationship with the Savior and be set free from toxic thinking! Experience God's agrace anew! Buy this book today...it'll change your life forever!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blessing for the Spiritually Abused, March 31, 2001

By 

mary willits (Mill Hall, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship (Paperback)

I recommend this book to everyone whether they've been spiritually abused in a church or not. I keep extra copies on hand to give to people. It took our family years to recover from the damage of spiritual abuse and this book has helped us gain a new perspective on our experience. The book validated us, that we were not alone, that this is not a new thing happening in churches, we gained back our love for the Lord, we have a renewed faith, and growing in a healthy, personal relationship with the Lord, by and through His Grace. An excellent book!