Customer Reviews

Provocative Faith: Walking Away from Ordinary

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The way Matthew Paul Turner remembers it, the day Jesus woke him up he was home alone, sinning in an online manner. For him, checking out porn sites wasn't so much an addiction as it was a flirtation; every once in a while, when the right moment came along, he'd indulge in a bit of what he calls "downloadable ecstasy," followed by a period of heartfelt repentance. He was truly sorry for his sin and grateful for God's forgiveness, but not enough to turn away from porn for good. That is, until the day seven years ago when God would have nothing more to do with his shallow confessions.

That's when Turner, former editor of CCM Magazine, began to walk away from the ordinary life that also plagues other well-intentioned but disillusioned Christians who long for a life-transforming relationship with God. Like Turner, they have settled for a semblance of the real thing, substituting an empty church life for a vibrant faith life. Through anecdotes from others' lives as well as his own, plus one-on-one interviews, Turner shows what it looks like to forsake churchianity (my word, not his) and embrace a powerful, risk-taking, challenging, and provocative faith.

That word "provocative" is best understood, in the context of this book, in the way that Jesus was provocative. The Man did provoke, but He provoked in a way that always, always challenged people to become who they were meant to be all along --- individuals who loved God, believed He knew what was best for them, and sought to follow His direction. They were also members of a community, a community of faith, and it is on this point that Turner especially takes the church to task (something he does frequently --- and with good reason --- throughout the book). Community happens naturally, Turner believes, when people develop life-affirming personal relationships that then expand to include other people. Artificial attempts to create community through small-group, kumbaya-ish programs often fail because they lack authenticity and therefore allow --- no, encourage --- Christians to continue living behind a façade of niceness.

Like far more Christians than we can count, Turner is among those who have been slammed by the church, and, in his case, a Christian company as well. Those who can identify with that portion of his journey will find a kindred spirit in him. But even if you've never been voted out of a church, as he has, chances are fairly decent that you've grown tired of playing church, and you wonder whatever happened to the breathtaking vision of faith you started out with. Here's a test to see if Turner's message resonates with you: If you've ever been invited to yet another "Praise Jesus!" Bible study by yet another "Praise Jesus!" Christian with a winning "Praise Jesus!" smile and your first impulse was to vomit, I'd say you and Turner are on the same page. I know he and I are.

Though they're often misunderstood by a church culture that would prefer to keep them in line, thirtysomething authors like Turner and, say, Donald Miller offer hope for the future of evangelicalism. Rather than fearing --- or worse, dismissing --- their broader understanding of what it means to live as a genuine Christ-follower, evangelicals would do well to pay attention to the challenge they've placed before them.

"Provocative Faith" a book review

What is provocative faith?

This is what Matthew Paul Turner talks about in his new book coming out September 1
Through his insights and examples, Matthew Paul Turner defines what we need to do to have provocative faith " A life of faith should be centered, stimulating, controversial,challenging,powerful, miraculous,vulnerable,frustrating,and fearful--in a word provocative"

The book takes you through his faith journey and how he discovers what it takes to have provocative faith. As a young christian he dealt with legalism in the church and fought to break free from the cage which kept him from having freedom in his own faith.

He uses life examples from his own life as well as those of others who have had their faith tested and challenged He is very honest about his own struggles with sin and his relationship with Christ during this time and he is able to do this with a sense of humor

Many times as christians we are seeking immediate answers and immediate comfort as though"God is our personal ATM machine"

Throughout the chapters he describes the areas that make up provocative faith-trust,humility,joy,knowing Jesus,love,community,dreams,and individuality.
"A person with provocative faith trusts in the middle of his situation."

Matthew calls us all to examine our own faith, "leave the boat and take a chance",and "to challenge those around you to grow and to become more real"

This book is definitely at the top of my list for recommended reading I give it 5 out of 5 stars :)

This book had me hooked at the introduction. Turner's conversational writing is easy to follow and his insights into living a true Christian life are dead on. In the book Turner gets rid of the common understanding that all Christians are supposed to live fairy-tale lives with no challenges, doubt or fear, when actually those are essential parts of establishing a REAL relationship with Christ.

I highly endorse this book

I can't say enough good things about Provocative Faith. First of all, it's refreshingly honest. Matthew admits to a problem with porn, pride and bitterness. It was almost like reading my own story. But he isn't honest just for the sake of being honest, Provocative Faith also gives a few answers--not in a know-it-all fashion--but in a way that is challenging and true. I think anyone who reads this book will find their own personal story inside its pages. I go to a big church in Illinois and our men's group have decided we are going to use it for our fall study... it's that kind of book... for anyone who has been raised in the church or for someone who wants to dive deeper into their faith... this book will not disappoint... I highly recommend it!

I think this is a book that anyone can relate to, and be touched by, no matter where you are in your relationship with God, or even if you're not sure you have one. It's like having a conversation with a good friend, not listening to someone bash you over the head with what you should or shouldn't do. The author's honesty is refeshing and it makes you think about how honest you are in your own life, and maybe rethink some dusty mindsets you may have fallen in to. Cheers to thinking outside the Christian "box"!

Provocative Faith is a breath of fresh air. It is sincerely a pat on the back and a hug of reassurance for anyone who has felt God tugging at their heart to be free. If you have ever had the notion that something is not quite right, with your walk with God, it probably isn't. When God starts taking you out of the box and into the world, you will start scratching your head and asking, "What is going on here?" Matthew Paul Turner does a great way of taking personal stories and challenging you to take the next step, to jump out of the boat and walk with God individually. It was so inspiring to read that when things get uncomfortable, it is not anything you are doing wrong, but more than likely what you are doing right. The author expresses his hope, with passion and zeal, that everyone reaches this level with their own relationship with Jesus. Candid, frank and personal, it does not get any more real than this. You can tell when someone, such as the author has had that personal encounter with Christ, when status quo will no longer work.

Provocative Faith got the the top of my reading pile just in time. I needed to hear a new perspective and MPT gives just that.
Ever get tired of the same old routine - or lost in negativity our our own personal "routine" - then picks this book up and read. You will be reassured, refreshed and ready to do something other than ordinary!

The stories within this book not only pull at your heart strings they are an encouragement to all of us trying to walk as a Christian in life. We can all find a little bit of ourselves within the pages of Provocative Faith i know that my wife and I did. I am not a big reader and found myself not being able to put it down. A definite must read!

Wow this was a great read!!! Matthew speaks with such candor and uses witty humor and personal experiences to discuss some rather touchy subjects that concern most Christians today. After reading this book I really feel encouraged to really love and show care for everyone that I meet. I'm personally tired of living a boring Christian walk and I feel a deep compassion and need within me to reach out to those around me. This book was a great tool in helping me to evaluate areas in my walk with God. So many Christians (myself included) have relied upon the church itself for spiritual growth and sustenance in our personal faith journey when all we ever really needed to do was rely on Jesus himself. I am so glad to have had my church life support plug pulled because now I can breath on my own and experience the true freedom that Christ offers to us all.

This book is a must read for anyone who has struggled with what it means to be a "correct Christian." Matthew Paul Turner shares his personal story of how he left the abusive faith of his childhood to seek out what it means to live a life as an authentic Christian.