This a thought-provoking book questioning not only whether a centuries-old worship style is still needed in the 21st century, but also whether the obligation Christians feel to hold to that style leads to a lack of love, mercy, and acceptance, that puts the pastor and congregation in bondage to a form that prevents authenticity and real connection. I think the contents go beyond the title of "thriving outside organized religion" to a point where I am unsure of the author's view of the relevance of God. I wish there had been more fleshing out of how He/She/They (all terms used in the book) fit into the desert and what role or relevance was played in the authors' coming out of past rigidity into self discovery and acceptance. Is Jesus still relevant beyond an example? Certainly previous conceptions of God had to be rethought and seen with new perspective, but where does He/She/They fit into the new paradigm (other than not dependent at all on the typical church/denomination)?
I applaud the authors' transparency and persistence in encouraging ongoing questioning. An unchallenged belief system isn't faith; it's only an inheritance passed down to you.
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![Out Into the Desert: Thriving Outside Organized Religion by [Karl Forehand, Laura Forehand, Keith Giles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51okYzFwHGL._SY346_.jpg)
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Reconstructing yourself after deconstructing your faith? Read this gem and see you’re not alone!
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
Out of hundreds of books I’ve read and critiqued on deconstructing Christianity or finding a new place to fit in to society thereafter; this one has grabbed hold of my very soul. I can relate to so much Karl and Laura experienced in their 25 years of pastoring, all while I walk through my own healing process helping me to let go of decades of “church” teaching…of which “in my experience and even my family’s” the negative outweighed the positive…..anxiety, self righteousness, self doubt, phoniness, bitterness, fear, loneliness (yes, lots of loneliness) confusion, and not knowing my authentic self…and so I must say; this book is a gem, it has shown me that I am not alone on this journey (the desert)…Karl and Laura wrap their experiences neatly, intelligently, and compassionately to help others to be brave, to think beyond how they’ve simply been taught or programmed, and even help escape the clutches of what society believes “church” should look like…Perhaps, like it did for me; it may help free you up; to get out there, break free from the religious chains that hold you back and learn to accept yourself more, while embracing those who are hurting/in need (ALL people) from a heart of unconditional love….meanwhile, learning to be authentic, to be free. Reconstructing yourself to be the hands and feet. ~ Peace
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2022
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If we really care about we claim to care about we should question it.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 8, 2023
