If God is love . . . Why are so many Christians fearful? Why do so many Church leaders sound hateful? Why does religion often create more pain t... read full description
reviews
Apr 26, 2009
The author has for his foundation the hypothesis that God will save everyone. It is a sweet sentiment on his part, but in order for this "open buffet" theology to take place, the person needing salvation has to ask for help in order to get saved. Salvation is not just one of these things that are too available for everybody but a person has to cry to the Lord in order to help him. He has to say, "Please help, I need help. I need being saved. Save me from myself". Even such a
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Dec 03, 2008
Kerryseldin
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This book meant so much to me. For years I have found established religion very confusing and hypocritical from an ethical standpoint. What the authors say confirms everything I have always instictively known about God's love without being force fed dogma as a child. I absolutely went crazy with my highlighter pen. If all Christians alike could read this book and put aside their conditioned teachings of whose ever version of Christianity they learned or grew up with, the common sense of this
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Oct 28, 2009
Sarah
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I read this book when I first entered my divinity school experience and thought the premise interesting but did not, by and large, accept the premise.
I had hope for universal salvation, and had been thinking on these things largely because of my love for Origen, but still found this book largely unsettling yet extremely valuable because it was so very unsettling - what Gulley had said about the dichotomous way of thinking that many of us in the church are raised with is absolutely true. More...
I had hope for universal salvation, and had been thinking on these things largely because of my love for Origen, but still found this book largely unsettling yet extremely valuable because it was so very unsettling - what Gulley had said about the dichotomous way of thinking that many of us in the church are raised with is absolutely true. More...
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Jul 05, 2011
Katie
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After reading Gulley's If the Church Were Christian, I knew I wanted to read the rest of his work. And I'm certainly glad to have found this in my local library.
As someone who also believes that God will "save" all people, it's moving, for me, to have someone showing this side of Christianity. And I think it's important, when Christians are so often associated with anti-intellectuality, homophobia, hypocrisy, judgmental attitudes, and so forth, for someone to show the world t More...
As someone who also believes that God will "save" all people, it's moving, for me, to have someone showing this side of Christianity. And I think it's important, when Christians are so often associated with anti-intellectuality, homophobia, hypocrisy, judgmental attitudes, and so forth, for someone to show the world t More...
Mar 30, 2011
Cindy
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If you believe that there is no hell and that God is more than what evangelical people believe, you are not alone. If you believe that the bible shouldn't be taken literally, I'm with you there as well. A quote from the book jacket says it all: "In a straightforward and thoughtful exploration, pastors Philip Gulley and James Mulholland confront the fear and hate that often characterize the voice of the Church today, and show how far we have drifted from Jesus' message of grace, love and
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Apr 17, 2010
Jane
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After reading several Haven Kimmel books recently and hearing author Philip Gulley speak I developed an interest in the Quaker religion and decided to read some of Gulley's work.
I really like his theology of grace for all and many paths to God. He goes beyond thinking all will be saved in heaven and advocates making this earth as heaven-like as possible.
I did find the book to be rather repetitive. One could read a chapter or two in the beginning of the book and anothe More...
I really like his theology of grace for all and many paths to God. He goes beyond thinking all will be saved in heaven and advocates making this earth as heaven-like as possible.
I did find the book to be rather repetitive. One could read a chapter or two in the beginning of the book and anothe More...
Jul 02, 2010
Sue
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This is the second time I've read this book. First time through was for my own personal reading and the second time I read it with a group for discussion. The author(s) stretched my thinking about God and gave me the opportunity to imagine God with limitless boundaries. If you are a conservative Christian thinker you might have a difficult time grappling with the ideas here, but if you let go just a bit of what you think you know to be true, this book can give your faith a boost and help you see
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Nov 27, 2010
Wayne
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This is one of the best books I have completed in a LONG time. The ideas presented in this book changed perceptions I had about life. The ideas also gave me a new direction on a number of issues. I got to meet him over the summer and got to chat with him for an hour or two and it was sweet. When I finished this book I knew I would pick it up and read it again.
Feb 09, 2012
Wayne
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It is one thing, and not a very difficult thing to crituque the misdirection of the church and religion in general, but quite another to reveal a better way to live. This was a very provocative and accessible read to a new way to live out your faith and what it could mean to be a follower of Christ and bring the Kingdom of God to the here and now.
Jan 31, 2010
Robin
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I continue to enjoy books by Phil Gulley and Jim Mulholland whose "If Grace is True" explains their belief that eventually everyone will be with God (saved). "If God is Love" calls us to love with grace as God loves us. Very affirming. While the message seems trite, it is most often a struggle.
Jan 14, 2011
Joe
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These Quaker pastors make the case for God’s gracious will to the universal redemption of all people. It took me awhile to warm up to this book, but in the end it makes a good bit of sense and presents a challenge that is difficult to dismiss or ignore.
Oct 17, 2009
Becky
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One of the most amazing theological books I've read in a long time. It really help me think about my ideas and what I believe and put into words the theologically ideas I've been thinking.
If you are tired of the "damn-you-all-to-hell" rhetoric of mainstream Christianity, and truly believe all people are children of God, then this is the book for you!
If you are tired of the "damn-you-all-to-hell" rhetoric of mainstream Christianity, and truly believe all people are children of God, then this is the book for you!
Jul 27, 2010
Bryce
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Well written. I don't agree with all of what he says, but it made me think a lot about who I think God is. Forced me to open my mind to new possibilites. Decent book. I didn't believe he was sincere all the time. A little contrived at times.
Feb 12, 2010
Marjorie
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This is an excellent read for someone looking for inspiration and motivation. Some people may not agree with what he says but I totally do.
Feb 03, 2011
Cynthia
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Again, he makes think, to examine what I believe and how I practice what I believe.
Jan 05, 2011
This book is interesting and I appreciate the honest, open feel of the writing. The book makes a lot of sense to me and the authors' ideas resonate with my beliefs.
BUT, I also think I'm reading this in a fairly superficial way, and I think I'd like to wait and read it either with someone else (or even with a dorky reader's guide list of questions) so I am challenged to think critically and carefully about the ideas being offered. So, I'm setting it back on my "started" list More...
BUT, I also think I'm reading this in a fairly superficial way, and I think I'd like to wait and read it either with someone else (or even with a dorky reader's guide list of questions) so I am challenged to think critically and carefully about the ideas being offered. So, I'm setting it back on my "started" list More...
Jan 07, 2009
Just started reading this along with Gulley's Front Porch Tales. I hope it gives me some insights into something that's been bugging me for a long time.
Jan 24, 2008
Alicia
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This book brought some of my childhood ideas of God back to life. There are three ideas in this book that are going to be the foundation for Christian education for my daughter. They are: (1)God is Love (2)God loves us unconditionally (3)God wants us to love each other the way He loves us. If these three things speak to you, read the book and learn more.
Aug 11, 2008
Brian
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This book builds on their earlier book - If Grace Is True - and expands the argument for universal salvation. This book focuses on what a Universalist theology looks like in practice, and its impact on all aspects of life. Very well written, without the repetition that plagued the first book.
Nov 12, 2007
Heather
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I found it a refreshing perspective on what it means (or can mean) to be a christian or follower of Jesus' teachings. Written by two Quaker authors-gave me insight into a religious philosophy I didnt realize I identified with.
Oct 07, 2010
Linda
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Such truth -- and told in such a way as to really bring it home! It convinces me that we can create the Kingdom of God here and now. I highly recommend this book. It will warm your heart and open your soul.
May 24, 2009
Nicole
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Good thoughts, that I know not everyone will agree with, but I do. Inspired me to want to make my life be better. Now, I'm challenged to figure out how to do that.
Jul 24, 2009
Nick
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My wish is that every Christian I know would read this book with an open mind and discuss its contents with each other and me.
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Nov 10, 2007
Pam
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I read this while I was really struggling with forgiving someone who had hurt me pretty badly.
It was a great companion on that part of the journey.
It was a great companion on that part of the journey.
Jan 23, 2008
Angie
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A book that further prods us along on our religious journey together. My husband is one of the authors.
Apr 22, 2008
Cindy
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Another Mulholland/Gully book that reminds me of why I still believe in a higher power.
