What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most

3.46 of 5 stars 3.46 · rating details · 143 ratings · 40 reviews

Pastor and author Martin Thielen has compiled a list of ten things Christians need to believe--and ten things they don't--to be Christians. This lively and engaging book will be a help to seekers as well as a comfort to believers who may find themselves questioning some of the assumptions they grew up with.Many people in the twenty-first century hunger for an expression of...more

Paperback, 157 pages

Published January 21st 2011 by Westminster John Knox Press

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 254)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 27, 2012 Anne Wingate rated it 4 of 5 stars

What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?
By Martin Thielen
Published by Westminster John Knox Press ISBN 9780664236830
This book was supplied to me by the publisher via NetGalley in return for the promise of a fair and honest review if I chose to review the book.

What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?
A Book Review

This title offended me. I believe that a Christian should learn all he can learn about Christ and then believe it if it is true. This title sounds to me li...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 IrenesChristianReviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was so looking forward to reading this book. I thought it would have all this helpful easy to understand information. I put the book down discouraged and actually even more confused on certain subjects. I think the idea of the book is great but the author just does not deliver.

The author lists 10 things that he says we don’t need to believe. You will agree with some and disagree with others. I found no real support for what he was saying. He did not really back up his opinions and therefore l...more

like · see review

Apr 22, 2011 Adam Shields rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Short review: The idea of the book is good, boil Christianity down to the essentials. First half of the book are the beliefs that you do not have to have to be a Christian. This section was ok. It is a brief book, so the explanations may not be detailed enough for many, but it gives a brief range of opinions before moving on. I wish it was more gracious with the opinions that he does not agree with, but he was not mean, just a bit dismissive.

The second section, what you do need to believe was be...more

like · see review

Apr 20, 2011 David rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-life-and-spirituality, bible, theology

This may be a helpful little book to give to people who are uncertain about the Christian faith. The first ten chapters focus on things you do not have to believe. Many of these chapters are disappointing for their shallowness. It is almost as if the author, rather than giving an answer, simply gives an affirmation of "no, you don't have to believe that." For the more questioning person, his answers are not sufficient. For the record, I agree with pretty much all the things he says you do not ha...more This may be a helpful little book to give to people who are uncertain about the Christian faith. The first ten chapters focus on things you do not have to believe. Many of these chapters are disappointing for their shallowness. It is almost as if the author, rather than giving an answer, simply gives an affirmation of "no, you don't have to believe that." For the more questioning person, his answers are not sufficient. For the record, I agree with pretty much all the things he says you do not have to believe. But his reasons fall short.

For example, he says that you do not have to believe evolution is a lie. He writes about young-earth creationism and the Biblical problems with such a view. Fair enough, but it will not take a person long to have serious questions about the implications of Darwinian evolution on scripture interpretation. He writes as if there are no problems with that view. This is not to say such problems are unsolvable. But he owes it to the reader to at least address them. The same thing happens with his chapter on women in ministry. He speaks of problems with the view that women cannot be pastors. But he does not even mention texts like 1 Timothy 2:14-15 which are a problem for those of us who believe women can be pastors. Ignoring such issues causes the first part of the book to come across as more an affirmation from someone in authority that you don't need to believe such things. Detailed explanation is lacking.

The second part of the book, on things you do need to believe, is much better. Here the author focuses on Jesus and hits various vital topics like the incarnation, cross and resurrection.

At the end, the author encourages the reader to find a good "mainline" church to get involved in, and then lists such churches (United Church of Christ, Episcopal, etc.). I wonder how the author explains much evidence that such churches are in decline. Further, while this author's writing on Jesus appears orthodox, affirming the literal resurrection and uniqueness of Christ, many mainline churches teach a watered down religion (moral therapeutic deism, see the National Study of Youth and Religion or books like Almost Christian and Souls in Transition). Studies show that churches growing in America are evangelical ones that hold fast to historic Christian beliefs, while mainlines which shed them are shrinking. Again, knowing this makes the author come across somewhat disingenuous. It is not as easy as simply finding a mainline church for many mainline churches may not agree with the second section's teaching on Jesus. Of course, many evangelical churches will not agree with the first section's list of things you do not need to believe. This is a conundrum which I do not think the author takes seriously enough.

(less)

like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Mike Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: religion

While the title may raise eyebrows among conservative Christians as an attempt to slip through the cracks, the text should be read before making such judgements. Thielen's focus is to provide an open door or safety net to catch those who might abandon Christianity altogether due to "illogical" conservative fundamentalist requirements to believe in the literal text of scripture. Taking a more liberal and forgiving approach, the author works through the major tenants of Christian faith, separating...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 John rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Popular movies and a bit of humor provide illustrations for an overview of what a Christ centered Christianity would look like. What are the most important beliefs you need to have in order to be a Christian? You need to believe that Jesus was the Christ. He died for our sins, and that he rose from the dead. That is it.

It is okay for Christians to believe in evolution. Not everything in the bible needs to be taken literally, but it should always be taken seriously. Women are equal to men, and ga...more

like · see review

Dec 04, 2012 Lacey Louwagie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: religion, non-fiction

I didn't read this book because I wanted to know what was the "least" I could believe and still be a Christian, as I'm pretty sure I won't be giving up Jesus or Christianity any time soon. But as a Christian often at odds with official Church teaching or the portrayal of Christianity in our culture, I was curious about what one man's opinion was of what is truly "essential" to Christianity.

The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, Theilen lays out 10 beliefs you DON'T have to buy in...more I didn't read this book because I wanted to know what was the "least" I could believe and still be a Christian, as I'm pretty sure I won't be giving up Jesus or Christianity any time soon. But as a Christian often at odds with official Church teaching or the portrayal of Christianity in our culture, I was curious about what one man's opinion was of what is truly "essential" to Christianity.

The book is divided into two parts. In the first part, Theilen lays out 10 beliefs you DON'T have to buy into to be a Christian (a few examples: women shouldn't occupy places of leadership, gay people are going to hell, the Rapture is coming, God makes bad things happen, etc.) In a few cases, Thielen implies that some of these beliefs, and especially the way they are practiced, are actually contrary to the heart of Christianity. But in most cases, he simply lays out the various schools of Christian thought on the issues, and acknowledges that many "good Christians" believe a variety of things about these particular issues. He pussy-footed around the issue in the GLBTQ chapter a bit too much, which I think has to do with him coming from a denomination that is "open but not affirming," meaning that they welcome gay people but do not "endorse" homosexual acts/relationships (which, I'm sorry, is NOT actually a welcoming stance.)

The second part of the book goes through ten things you "do" have to believe to consider yourself a Christian. This part of the book was less interesting to me, and I actually wasn't on board with everything he considered "central" to Christianity (that you must believe in the Trinity, that you must belong to a Church community.) I did appreciate the emphasis he placed on the "most important commandments" to love God and neighbor as yourself; I think if all the other beliefs of Christianity fell away but this one remained, we'd still have a Church that is central to Jesus' teaching. And speaking of Church, Thielen's insistence that you MUST belong to a church community to be a Christian was probably the central belief I found most offensive (and it seemed a bit biased, considering that the book was written by a pastor -- he'd be out of a job without people going to church!) There are examples of Christians throughout history who practiced their faith in solitude and embraced a contemplative, hermit lifestyle. While a part of me thinks that's a bit of a cop-out, as I think your interactions with other people are an important part of any faith journey, I'm not about to say that those who live out their spirituality in that way are not "really" Christian.

These parting words, though, redeemed a lot of the book's shortcomings for me: "Christian faith is far more than a set of beliefs. At heart, Christianity is a way of life. What we do is more important than what we believe."

Amen to that. (less)

like · see review

Jun 16, 2011 Martha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

I've been looking for a book I could use with folks in my church that might also attract some interest from the community, and the challenging title of this book caught my eye. A Willow Creek satellite nearby has drawn people of all ages in part because of worship style but also because of children's programs. If people don't know our theology is different, namely more accepting, why would they come here instead of going there? I turned to this book hoping it might attract some attention if we p...more I've been looking for a book I could use with folks in my church that might also attract some interest from the community, and the challenging title of this book caught my eye. A Willow Creek satellite nearby has drawn people of all ages in part because of worship style but also because of children's programs. If people don't know our theology is different, namely more accepting, why would they come here instead of going there? I turned to this book hoping it might attract some attention if we publicized a book study.
Martin Thielen is a United Methodist pastor who framed this book in response to the question in the title. He presents ten things you don't have to believe followed by ten you do, but he lost me after Thing Nine in the former section: "God loves straight people but not gay people." Clearly, he wasn't saying this was true. He was making a different case. He describes conservative churches as "Now Welcoming and Not Affirming" and liberal churches as "Welcoming and Affirming," then makes the case that the broad swath of the mainline is "Welcoming but not Affirming."
He's defending people who like individual gay people but don't want to have to think about the broader issues of rights, and saying since that's where most of the mainline is, you don't have to be afraid of them. It's a very strange little chapter. He's being super-careful to assure the reader that God doesn't hate gay people, but hedges on acceptance and also seems to be joining in the careful chorus that wishes liberals would shut up already about the gay rights, because it's upsetting to people and dividing denominations. To me it's a revolting point of view. I wouldn't in good conscience be able to use the book in my church and wouldn't want community members to think I might be lukewarm about them because of their sexual orientation. Pah! Because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I spit you out of my mouth!
I'll admit that I did not go on to read in detail the ten things you must believe, but I did note that the book ends with a question about salvation and invites people to pray a version of the Sinner's Prayer, which would also be a little Evangelical in my context. So this book is a great idea in theory that disappointed in actuality.

I requested a review copy of this book on behalf of RevGalBlogPals, which was supplied by Westminster John Knox Press, and I did not receive any other considerations from them. (less)

like · see review

Jul 13, 2012 Reena Jacobs rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, 2011-reads, reviewed

Expect my full review November 11, 2011 at Ramblings of an Amateur Writer: http://wp.me/pPz8s-1T0

Let’s start this review off by providing a quote from the book:

"I’ve had an epiphany. I realize that I don’t reject Christianity. Instead, I reject the way that intolerant Christians package Christianity."

I love that! Years ago, I refused the title of Christian for that very same reason. It’s odd though. On the inside and out, I was very much Christian orientated… a lot more so then than I am now. Ye...more

like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Laura Dallas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Don't let the title mislead you. If you are a Christian, it is easy to think that a book like this would be cheapening your faith, but you couldn't be farther from the truth. If you are not a Christian, but you are curious about faith or think you believe in God or know you believe in Jesus but don't really live it, this book is for you. United Methodist pastor Martin Thielen writes this book to the seeker, but there is much of value in here to remind us all of the foundations of our faith and w...more Don't let the title mislead you. If you are a Christian, it is easy to think that a book like this would be cheapening your faith, but you couldn't be farther from the truth. If you are not a Christian, but you are curious about faith or think you believe in God or know you believe in Jesus but don't really live it, this book is for you. United Methodist pastor Martin Thielen writes this book to the seeker, but there is much of value in here to remind us all of the foundations of our faith and what really matters in the life of a Christian.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section tackles some sensitive subjects that non-Christians often list as their reasons for not being a Christian. Things like the role of science and women, care for the environment, homosexuality, and the overall judgment people feel from Christians. Thielen reassures readers that you do not need to tow the line of self-righteous conservative Christians in order to be a Christian. He gives fair assessments of the range of ideas that Christians hold on these issues with biblical support for moderate, mainline positions.

The second half of the book is the most important, uplifting, and undeniable part of the book, and it cuts right to the heart of the glory of Jesus Christ. Thielen lists ten things that all Christians do need to believe - that Jesus is the Son of God, that relationships are His priority, that we are accepted as His children, that He uses people for His work, that true fulfillment comes from service, that He is with us in our suffering, that there is hope, that we need church, that the Holy Spirit is with us, that we strive to bring His kingdom to the world, and just what it means to be saved. These chapters are touching, encouraging, reassuring, and convicting. At the end, Thielen tells readers what it means to be saved and how to profess one's faith.

Thielen writes like a preacher. The short chapters are full of heartwarming stories, illustrative parables, pop culture references, and funny jokes, but they are all very pertinent to the main point of the chapter that is quoted in scripture at the beginning and summed up in a "bottom line" sentence at the end. This book would make an excellent study for new believers and groups interested in evangelism. It lays out the foundations of Christianity using a Methodist worldview in a friendly tone with biblical support. However, this book is not for your apologetics class or your conservative Christian neighbors. It is not out to prove anyone wrong or argue biblical exegesis. It is out to reveal the basics of Jesus's message and open the door to faith for all.(less)

like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Alan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Martin Thielen, a Southern Baptist turned United Methodist offers a thoughtful and entertaining reflection on the essentials of the Christian faith. His book provides a list of ten things that it is not necessary for Christians to believe followed by ten things Christians should believe. Written for a lay audience, it is not intended as a comprehensive work of systematic theology; rather, it is a good conversation starter, especially for younger people who "like Jesus, but aren't sure about the...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 22, 2012 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: socio-polio-relio

I particularly like the first half of the book which address what a Christian does not need to believe. I think many church groups would benefit from discussing a chapter a session. The world would be a better place if more Christians believed as Thielen outlines -- or even if they accepted that the (multiple) viewpoints he discusses are equally valid to what he describes as "old-time-religion".

like · see review

Aug 18, 2011 Alline rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is a current sermon series and discussion group at our church. The points that the author made were easy to understand and followed a good formula, scripture, stories from other people and personal stories from the author. I think there were many good points made in the book. Interesting material to read and discuss.

like · see review

Jul 03, 2012 Marsha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Read this book with our Sunday school class...I read it pretty sporadically and broken up so I may not have gotten the full gist of the book overall. Seems to be pretty basic theology written for questioning folks by a Methodist minister. Quite the opposite extreme of some of the other "faith" books I have been reading.

like · see review

Apr 19, 2011 Padgy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, kindle

Don't let the title of the book turn you off. This book was a comfort for me to read, as my intellect was questioning some ideas/beliefs in Christianity. It answered so many questions I had and now know that I am not alone. This book gave me back some faith I had lost. Thank you Martin Thielen!!

like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Suzan rated it 5 of 5 stars

A basic easy to read book on the Christain fait told in a humorous, storytelling format. I highly recommend this book. Great choice for a sunday school class study or Christain book club.

like · see review

Sep 07, 2011 Diana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting read in the beginning. Then I got kinda bored and skimmed the last 3-4 chapters. I'd still recommend it to people who want an intro to the Christian faith.

like · see review

Aug 20, 2012 Felecia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Nice overview, but really only the beginning of the conversation. Each chapter could easily justify a book of it's own (and many have already been written).

like · see review

May 18, 2012 Brad rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent suggestion from my father! A very open and understanding way to look at Christianity, without the typical heavy-handed recruiting.

like · see review

Aug 26, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think I would rename this book something like "What should be important as a Christian." The title is a little misleading but the book was excellent! The author brings up a lot of topics that the church tends to focus on and talks a lot about Jesus and how important he needs to be to us.

like · see review

May 27, 2012 Brooxie Carlton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Read this with my book club. The first half is pretty good, you can skip the second half. It led to some good discussions.

like · see review

Mar 03, 2011 Zack rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very easy read about complex theological topics. Highly recommend. Will integrate it into my new church member discussions.

like · see review

Apr 16, 2011 Pastor Matt rated it 2 of 5 stars

Thielen doesn't cleary list the Gospel (2 Cor. 5:21) among the "least" one can believe and be a Christian. Epic fail.

like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 HippieMommy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Overall, a pretty good book. I found myself nodding along throughout the section on what you don't need to believe in order to be a Christian. I appreciate that the author is not a fundamentalist. His stances are Biblically-sound while still appreciating all of the shades of gray.

like · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Kate's Reads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Easy to read, maybe because there was nothing that tested my faith.

like · see review

Apr 08, 2011 Amber rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you have ever found yourself struggling with issues of faith because you are afraid that becoming a Christian means you have to give up your rational, thinking mind, this book may give you a great deal of relief. This question of reconciling intellect with faith has been a stumbling block for me to embrace any religious doctrine. Martin Thielen has written a clear, intelligent, thoughtful book that helps to address these issues. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about op...more

like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-nonfiction, on-my-kindle, religion

I think there were many good points made in the book. The author made it easy to understand.

like · see review

Aug 07, 2011 Melissa Wurst rated it 1 of 5 stars

Did not like it. It seemed like an excuse

like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Cathie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book for group discussion.

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Steve H rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 230, religion

Short, simple chapters outline first what isn't necessary to believe (women are not the equal of men, God causes good things but not bad, God loves straight people and hates gays), then what is necessary to believe (Jesus died to save humanity, God works through people, it is up to people to create the Kingdom of God). You might not agree with Thielen's contentions, but they are decent points to start discussions. I saw a church that ran through the different topics as a series of sermons. Could...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 next »

Non Fiction

7 users

Religion > Theology

7 users

Christian

7 users

Spirituality

2 users

See top shelves...

Books by Martin Thielen

Getting Ready for Sunday's Sermon: A Practical Guide for Sermon Preparation

Getting Ready for Sunday: A Practical Guide for Worship Planning

Evolutionary Ecology of Social and Sexual Systems: Crustaceans as Model Organisms

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About What's the Least ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most
avg rating	preview: What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most Goodreads rating: 3.46 (143 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10200625-what-s-the-least-i-can-believe-and-still-be-a-christian?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348592711l/10200625.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10200625-what-s-the-least-i-can-believe-and-still-be-a-christian?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most by Martin Thielen[/url]

What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Books by Martin Thielen

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About What's the Least ...

What's the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?: A Guide to What Matters Most

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (3)

Genres

Books by Martin Thielen

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About What's the Least ...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)