The Myth of a Christian Religion: Losing Your Religion for the Beauty of a Revolution (Hardcover)

~ Gregory A. Boyd (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Imitating the life of Jesus isn't solely about embracing his message of love, sacrifice and service, according to evangelical pastor Boyd. In his latest book, the author of The Myth of a Christian Nation also asserts that becoming part of the beautiful revolution means rebelling against everything that is incompatible with that way of life, including violence, poverty, sexual promiscuity and secularism. While exhortations to practice the presence of God and be generous to the poor are likely to be uncontroversial, the writer seems to enjoy afflicting the comfortable, whether they are church-going believers or secular atheists. His critique of the pagan values of our nation and his impassioned call to choose love over judgment may occasion heated conversation among more conservative readers, while his endearing honesty and accessible style will undoubtedly appeal to others. Boyd has included an extensive action guide, which includes multiple exercises for self-reflection, as well as his practical suggestions for churches and small groups on how, as he sees it, to lose one's religion and become a part of the radical kingdom of Jesus. (May)
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Product Description

In this sequel to his bestseller, The Myth of a Christian Nation, Dr. Gregory Boyd issues a clear call to manifest God's beauty and revolt against evil---with Jesus' life as our example. Passionate theology and practical insight combine to create a guidebook for simple, radical, Christlike living.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310283833
• ISBN-13: 978-0310283836
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #57,838 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Follow Up, April 27, 2009

By	William A. Guice "williamguice" (Spring Hill, TN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Greg Boyd completes many of the thoughts engaged in The Myth of a Christian Nation. While you again get Boyd's intelligent and thoughtful approach to scripture, this time his pastor's heart seems to engage much more. The books is a solid re-enforcement to the first work but takes more practical steps to speak into a number of American cultural issues. The first section of the book ties together this work with the previous and one and defines Boyd's position in how we are to approach others and entities as believers of Jesus. Boyd in his useful terms gives us again the picture of power over (manipulation, strength, control) and power under (love, surrender, service) and how operating from this position puts us often in direct conflict with the way that the world works. We are called to manifest the beauty of God by sacrificially loving and serving those around us. He writes that there is no way to do this without "revolting against everything in our lives that keeps us self-centered, greedy, and apathetic toward the plight of others." The American church shares and even celebrates much of what it seems early followers of the way stood against. The kingdom of God must display the sacrificial character of Jesus. Boyd says, "To the extent that any individual, church, or movement looks like that, it manifests the Kingdom of God. To the extent that it doesn't look like that, it doesn't. It's that simple." The book then discusses twelve areas where Boyd believes that followers of Jesus must revolt against the powers. The twelve focus areas are idolatry, judgment, religion, individualism, nationalism, violence, social oppression, racism, poverty/greed, abuse of creation, abuse of sex, and secularism. In each section Boyd takes his ideas of sacrificial calvary type love and shows what this means for how we interact with others. The book makes you think and dig. Whether you agree with Boyd or not, the book will lead to some great discussion and stretching.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Myth Busted, May 5, 2009

By	Scandalous Sanity (Texas) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

The Myth of a Christian Religion is Gregory Boyd's follow up to The Myth of a Christian Nation. The book takes Boyd's opinions and views of a Christian nation even further, stating that Jesus did not come to start a new religion, but to bring the kingdom of God to earth.

Boyd basically expounds on many of the themes he covered in Myth of a Christian Nation, but focuses less on America and more on the individual spiritual condition. His passion and caring exude from the chapters, and we see more of Gregory Boyd than in previous works.

Boyd calls on readers to revolt against a variety of things: idolatry, judgement, religion, individualism, nationalism, violence, social oppression, racism, poverty, greed, abuse of sex and creation, and secularism. Boyd is quick to use the example of Jesus in response to any opposition to his views, showing that Christians are called to follow this example.

This is a great book to add to your collection. It is less eye opening than Myth of a Christian Nation, but is a deeper and more personal work.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boyd beyond theology, May 7, 2009

By	Matthew D. Boyum (St. Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

No matter what one thinks of Boyd's theology, it would be difficult (if not impossible) to argue/disagree with Boyd's beautiful vision of the beautiful Kingdom, which is centered on Jesus Christ.

This is a very easy read and incredibly practical. Yet, at the same time, it is very thought-prokoving and convicting (not condemning). It causes one to consider how much his or her life reflects "Kingdom living."