The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle?
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The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle?

3.75 of 5 stars 3.75  ·  rating details  ·  104 ratings  ·  23 reviews

Like the first-century Pharisees, we've reduced Christianity to a set of propositional beliefs. Truth is, we've gotten away from what it really means to be a Christian. In The Jesus of Suburbia, Mike Erre reveals that we've created a Jesus in our own image. In a fresh, startling manner, Erre helps us understand that the real Jesus is calling us to live, act, and think in w

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Paperback, 202 pages
Published October 10th 2006 by W Publishing Group (first published 2006)
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mike hatcher
Review Format
4 Outstanding Quotes
3 Big Points of the Author
2 Critical Thoughts from Other Thinker/Authors
1 Significant Personal Life Lesson

4 Outstanding Quotes/Topics

Suburban Jesus

“The suburban Jesus would never be so offensive as to demand that we do what we say: he is more interested in the security, comfort, and prosperity of his followers. The message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream.” “…...more
Patrick Mcmullen
I think that The Jesus of Suburbia was a great read. It really opened my eyes up to the perpspective on how we often sell out the true faith to the consumer substitute of today's society. We as, faithfull people tend to mix in values dont belong. Erre mentions in this book that this is called syncretism, which is a big mistake, that we need to change. Christianity has become "sugar-coated" he says. The book explains that the christian church has lost track of revolutionary teaching...more
Julie Clark
This book had me nodding my head (in confession) the entire time. I read it in 2 days and plan to re-read it again. Can the world even see Jesus when they look at me? Who do they say that He is? If it is based on seeing my life, what kind of Jesus will they see?

From Publisher’s Weekly:
“Compelling discussion of how the Christian church has lost sight of the revolutionary teaching and love of Jesus. “Much of the message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of t...more
Brandon Stiver
Glad to say that I go to his church and the book was just like his preaching, very good and very thought provoking. The way that he views things is fresh and insightful. The message of this book is something that all American Christians need to hear and evaluate.
Andrea
Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars
A challenging book with a number of places that made me stop and think. It also put into words many things I have abstractly considered.
Tyler
Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars
I'd couple this one with Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew." Both are great.
Jenniferhart09
Jenniferhart09 is currently reading it
"revolutionary!" i think it's really refreshing...
Kate
Kate rated it 1 of 5 stars
It seemed like it was written in a hurry.
Nicole
Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars
So far, its been very powerful and revolutionary. Very thought provoking and I love it. If you have read The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey or any Donald Miller books, I assure you'll love this. Different style, same point to drive home.
Amy
Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars
This book had a lot of good things to say about the way people treat Christianity and more importantly Jesus in our day and time. As I was reading it I was able to take a step back and really evaluate my relationship with Christ. I felt like the last two chapters could have done more to hit his argument home a little better-but overall it is a book that I would recommend to anyone seeking a genuine relationship with Christ.
Matt
Matt rated it 5 of 5 stars
Great book. It is a refreshing look at God and our culture. Mike Erre is one of the most insightful and thought provoking pastors I have read in a long time.

I have become tired of Christian books telling me the same insight, and how I need to change my world view. This book did not even attempt to impart that dull Christian knowledge, but helped me grow in my understanding of the Kingdom.

Great book.



Jessica
Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: anyone and everyone.
Recommended to Jessica by: the cover and title got my attention
Shelves: becoming
This was a great Christmas present to receive, especially before a long road-trip. Although I had heard and been taught "Love your neighbor as yourself," part of this book taught me what that truly meant (as opposed to the easy version).

This book was inspiring to read after I had just finished writing my own research essay on "Does God want Christians to be rich?" for a class.
Sarah
Sarah rated it 2 of 5 stars
Solid stuff, but nothing new. Although, my husband says, "it's brand new for Southern California."
Bill
Bill rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for: those ready to think about their faith
This is a powerful reflection on the state of Christianity in the world that we live in today. An honest and somewhat skeptical view of the current state of the church, but this is balanced with a strong sense of Hope in the future of Christianity and the church, as long as we are willing to examine ourselves and be aware of the world we live in, not just afraid of it.
Wyndie
Wyndie rated it 4 of 5 stars
I've been struggling with concept of the modern institution that we call "The Church" so I really enjoyed Mike Erre's perspective. I doubt if Jesus of Nazareth would fit into the American church. I'll let Mike sum up his own book in one statement.

"Jesus never called us to be believers - he called us to be followers who believe."
Matt Miles
It's strongest when the author uses historical examples, especially about the two kingdoms. Overall, it's good, and he brings up some good points. Others have made the same points better, but the title's illustration earns another point. Any Jesus who just wants us to be comfortable is a different Jesus. This is a good reminder.
Haisley
absolutely amazing. there are things he writes that are so relateable, but you think it only happens to you.
Lindsay
Reading for our Friday Night Small Group.
This one really makes us all a little uncomfortable with our culture's view of Christianity and stirs up something within us to change our perspective and follow the true Jesus of Nazareth.
Amber
Amber rated it 3 of 5 stars
We just read through this book with our lifegroup, and I gained some great things from it. Mike Erre is a little repetetive, and writes, kinda like he probably preaches, but the subject matter is worth reading the book!
Philip Smith
Brings to thought how we do church and God. Amazing look into our Christian backyards!!! A must read!
Christie
Eye-opening, but I felt it fell short in giving more ideas in how to apply what is written.
Shawna
Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book. Totally fits my view on how God desires Christians to live.
Mizbooks
Interesting book!

(library copy)
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Steven Vore rated it 2 of 5 stars
Shelves: christian
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