Customer Reviews

More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship

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

 

 

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.

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!

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!

I got this book to help me as i worked through a very trying time in my walk with God. As I read, I began to realize that though outwardly I looked like a great christian, inside I was very confused about my idea of who God was and how he related to me. I belive that the health of any Christian is dependant on his/her understanding of God, and mine had a lot of holes in it. This book has been very helpful in helping me confront a lot of painful misunderstandings I have had about God, and i fully recommend it to anyone who is struggling in thier faith or just feel that their faith is bringing more opression to their lives than freedom.

The title notwithstanding, this book doesn't really say all that much about Jesus. Nor does it say anything critical about religion per se, or why it might be good to have less of it. Instead, the book attempts to describe the authors' idea of a healthy faith; and each of the book's 16 chapters is subtitled "A Healthy Faith Is... [Balanced, Loving, Respectful of Others, etc.]"

I wouldn't be at all surprised if this book started out as a series of sermons. Each chapter reads like a sermon given in a friendly evangelical church: inspiring, encouraging, with nothing too deep or challenging or complicated or critical. As to the intended audience, the authors mention Chuck Swindoll as though they expect readers to know who he is. In fact, the book is reminiscent of Swindoll, and fans of Swindoll should find this book right up their alley. Others may or may not find it helpful, depending on where they're coming from and where they are in their spiritual lives.

I read some of the reviews that gave this book a low rating and don't understand what they were looking for. This book gives the reader exactly what the title says it will. It shows us how to be like Christ instead of leaning on "religion." The authors do a fantastic job of showing how God's rules are not meant to hurt relationships but to help us have healthy relationships. Relationships are the key, not the rules. Jesus is the best example of this kind of living. He knew (and knows) the person is more valuable than the rule. The rule is the tool, not the goal. We have to get that right, or we hurt people with our rules. The book effectively helps us with the issues that keep us from having healthy relationships, which includes having a healthy relationship with God. Awesome read!!! One of the best books on this subject!!!! Thank you Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton!!!!

I haven't read many books, but I beleive this is a great book. I have only been a dedicated christian for 2 years, and within that time I have met many people who claim to be christians, but are more wrapped up in religion than they are Christ. This book gives a good insight into modern day pharissies. It has helped me close some doors about some questions I had about certain people. It's all about Jesus, what he did, and how he loves us unconditionaly. He expects us to do the same. Love him and others as yourself. If you focus on these two commandments you will produce more fruit in your life than you ever could have imagined.

I bought this book because of the title and I normally like Steve Arteburn's gentle approach. I have spent the past year or so going through a crisis of faith. Something told me that Steve Arteburn could help me to find an even keel to continue effectively in my christian faith.

The book starts of explaining to the reader that we can expect to go through trials and tribulations in our walk with God. And that to have faith in God just to escape a life of suffering is not realistic. The author encourages us to be real and not to live up to what people expect of us. He encourages us not to deny our feelings and to ask God questions. I can whole heartedly agree. Then in chapter 3 the author goes onto explain why christianity is the one true religion and that we should not base all our decisions on how we feel alone. That we should be in God's word and keep our focus on Jesus.

But on page 35 the author states that God has a criteria on who can enter his home and that how can he let someone in if He doesn't know that person? This is where the author loses me because I find this logic faulty. If God, who created us in His image does not know us, than who does? God is often related to us as a father in heaven. I am a dad and if my daughter was in complete rebellion and disobedient I would still never stop pursuing her and would always welcome her into my home. And I certainly would not allow her to suffer in eternal torment.

Inside the paradigm of christian thought it is easy to see that God is indeed good for sending Jesus to save us from an eternity of suffering in hell. But when you are looking in from the outside, it is hard to see God as anything but a vengeful tyrant. If you have a loving father who will do anything for you, who loves you and lavishes you with gifts, but on the other hand never forgets any of the wrongs you have done, and will punish you severely if you dont do things his way. While he is loving, you will never move beyond the fear of the punishment he might inflict. The author then goes onto point out how he is so grateful that in christianity if you are saved you never have to worry about being good enough to get into heaven. And how other religions are always striving for something. Well doesn't Jesus call us to act on his words and not just hear them. As a matter of fact at the end of the sermon on the mount Jesus said he will rebuke those who call him lord and then do not act on what he says.

The dogmatic christian is always thinking inside their religion; they stretch the boundaries as far as possible with out going outside the christian religion. While believing they are free from religion there is always a strict set of beliefs they must adhere to otherwise they risk being called a heretic or not saved. That my friend is religion to the core.

The topper was how the author exploits the case of Cassie Bernall, the young girl who was brutally killed for her belief in God in the Columbine high school shootings. It was tragic and no matter what her parents have said in public statements it is a deep and painful loss.
I stopped reading this book at page 49 for the stench of religiosity seeped through the veil the author was trying to create.

In MORE JESUS, LESS RELIGION, Stephen Arterburn --- prolific author, speaker, and host of the national radio program "New Life Live!" --- and co-author Jack Felton, a licensed therapist and ordained minister at New Hope Christian Counseling Center, have developed a primer on what the church should not look like. They are not talking about aesthetics either. Arterburn, whose ministry is all about helping people deal honestly with their struggles, shares countless incidents where the organized church (crossing all denominational lines) has repeatedly undercut the good work of Jesus Christ by offering judgment rather than helpful, compassionate care.

While no one would argue that churches in America are struggling, many Christ followers differ on the reasons behind general waning membership, tepid commitments, and overall dissatisfaction within its ranks. Some camps cite lack of social and economic responsibility, while others blame poor leadership and antiquated governing systems. Whatever the reason, everyone would agree that an honest revisit of priorities (those given by Jesus through the Bible) is in order. It is with a humble approach that Arterburn and Felton dissect the church system with a realistic yet loving voice.

Readers will appreciate their take on what it means to embrace a healthy faith life. In every chapter, they offer examples of what is not healthy and then contrast it with what is (by biblical definition) the healthy alternative. Some of the topics include thorough discussions on being realistic with one's faith by understanding the frailty of humanity, thus making errors throughout life even when growing closer to Christ; learning that God treats each of His children as individuals, not corporate entities; understanding that fully trusting God is the beginning of an exciting adventure with Him; and recognizing that each person decides if he or she wants to make a personal commitment to God, and no one can decide for him or her.

Healthy faith doesn't have anything to prove because Christians understand that their value comes from God alone. Human emotions are not evil but God-given elements of our whole person. Being nonjudgmental and non-offensive is simply emulating the walk and talk of Jesus Himself. A healthy faith is consistently respectful of others and is always growing in its relational ties to others. Service is an integral part of living out a healthy Christian life. Contentment and balance are marks of a mature believer who understands that more than achievement and appetites govern his life.

Especially meaningful is the chapter on developing a growing faith where the authors recount examples of people who have failed and how the church (and individual Christians) served to further discourage these hurting souls rather than build them by loving them and helping them mend their mistakes. Arterburn reminds believers that Jesus forgave and continues to forgive every person's most heinous sins, yet Christ followers expect unattainable perfection from their fellows. There is no instant maturity, there will be growing pains, and it will take a lifetime of small, seemingly insignificant steps toward holiness, during which time Christians must extend grace, hope and love to one another. Arterburn and Felton's work is just what the church ordered, and their fans will value the integrity with which they approach this tough topic.

--- Reviewed by Michele Howe, author of BURDENS DO A BODY GOOD and Single Parenting Columnist

Wonderful book for anyone who feels their relationship with Christ is lacking and are not finding answers from their church. I have given many copies of this book away to friends and family.