Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Not the Religious Type: Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist
As an atheist, Dave Schmelzer never thought of himself as the religious type--and he still doesn't, even though he now believes in God and leads a large Boston church in the shadow of some of the nation's most impressive universities. Religion is usually about rules and codes, about "being good," about what will get you embraced and what will get you shunned. But God, acco...more
Hardcover, 179 pages
Published
June 18th 2008
by SaltRiver
(first published June 4th 2008)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
162)
This is quite possibly the worst work of Christian apologetics that I've read. Schmelzer's conclusions frequently don't follow from his arguments (non-sequiters), and he attacks atheists by making all sorts of outrageous claims (straw man arguments), and he never even backs up his claims with examples or references. As an atheist I found this book really offensive. Atheists have no sense of wonder and don't appreciate art? Atheists are racist and classist? Atheists look down on the people of Afr...more
I,, like Dave am not the religious type... This is the book to buy for those who don't mind the concept of God but despise the dogmatism associated with major religions. This is autobiographical and with lots of interesting examples of supernaturual experiences with God, but not jaw dropping supernatural, just the follow your intuition (intuition is really God) and watch out for signs, pray alot and talk to God and look for the outcomes. Dave is Pro the "personal" god, which is something that MO...more
This book was right up my alley. It was such a breath of fresh air to read a book that could cause you to look at yourself in perspective without actually having to tell you to do so.
Written by a former atheist and a current intellectual (who could write in a very comprehensible manner, I might add), this book outlines one man's journey from atheism to his current life as a pastor. The interesting thing is that, if I hadn't known already (and if he wouldn't have mentioned it), I would have never...more
Written by a former atheist and a current intellectual (who could write in a very comprehensible manner, I might add), this book outlines one man's journey from atheism to his current life as a pastor. The interesting thing is that, if I hadn't known already (and if he wouldn't have mentioned it), I would have never...more
I started reading this book and about mid way through started skimming it. The whole foundation of the book is the dichotomy between religion and God. That is formal religion and a more mystical relationship with God. The author, himself a pastor, holds up this idea well in light of his faith. He notes the limitations of this view when it comes to his faith in Christ and his participation in the church, but doesn't spend a ton of time on it. He has an interesting take on spiritual maturity, he i...more
Jun 29, 2008
Laura
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Laura by:
the author
Shelves:
faith-and-spirituality,
willing-to-lend
I think my obvious bias - I attend the Greater Boston Vineyard, which is Dave's church (in fact, I bought a signed copy from their bookstore) - cuts for and against my evaluation of the book. For me, many of the stories told and the ideas expressed were not new, since I've heard so many of his sermons. But the stories are compelling (and often amusing), and his ideas about faith are pretty novel if you haven't already heard them from him, I think.
I found two take-away messages here, both of whic...more
I found two take-away messages here, both of whic...more
Aug 03, 2011
Bruce
added it
This is an unusual book. It is written by a former atheist that is now a pastor of a charismatic church (Vineyard) in one of the most secular areas of the United States (Boston around Harvard and MIT). It is especially interesting to read how Dave, having grown up in a secular culture and ministering to a secular culture, expresses his faith. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh and charismatic insight to what it means to be connected to a communicative God.
It was pretty good book. Id recommend... however I would caution against pride. It does pit people against one another. The "truly spiritual and enlightened ones" vs. "those ignoramuses bound up in religion". I just fear that most who read it will now be blinded to their own pride and and have an air of superiority which is just as revolting and alienating to God as religious pride. I do agree that religious pride is dangerous and caustic but so are all other forms of pride.
Interesting book. Dave Schmelzer writes about his thoughts on Christianity, faith, prayer, and more, based on his unique perspective as a former atheist now minister. I liked his writing style and down-to-earth philosophical approach. As I read the book, I tried to think about who the best audience for it would be. I had started thinking it might be a good book for people who are not Christian but curious about Christianity. But as I read, it occurred to me that it might be best suited for those...more
Not the Religious Type is a funny, relaxed, eye-opening look into a way of looking a God that is more relational and experiential than rules/religion based. It was a very quick read that I would recommend to anyone.
I liked this because I) he spent time in Lebanon (I've never met him) and 2) his comment that he feels he has more in common with secularists than many Christians resonated.
An atheist mind on Jesus, God and Spirituality. I loved it! I'd recommend it if you're interested in stages of spirituality.
I think this book is really unique on its take on faith and what it means to follow Jesus and not so much to be a "Christian" and someone who has loved Jesus for years but struggled with the label of "Christian" and all that brings with it in this country. I loved his take on centered set theory (you'll have to read it, I can't explain just here)and how I or anyone can follow Jesus, get the good stuff ie relationship with him, and not have to adopt the Christian culture. I love it and I find it...more
Aug 27, 2008
Abby
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE!
Recommended to Abby by:
My husband
This is a book for everyone. Whether a person of faith, or a person who doesn't feel as if they have ever spent time thinking about faith, you will be engaged (as I was) by the insights Dave shares. His perspective of having been an atheist for the first half of his life offers a unique perspective. The faith that Dave talks about isn't about being right/wrong or good/bad, it's about a connection with a communicative Jesus that offers a life that is more "joyful, purposeful, and connected"...som...more
Jul 27, 2011
Ron Mackey
added it
Lots to think about. I really enjoyed the writer's conversational style.
His analysis of the four stages was very insightful--the highlight for me. Recommended.
reflects my own belief in God
About the only thing I got from this book was the author has a very high opinion of himself and his relationship to God. Perhaps that is because it is hard for me to imagine having that same open line of communication with God. I guess that is my loss. Nor can I imagine dropping everything and running off to save the world, neglecting those things God has already left me in charge of. I much prefered "Blue Like Jazz" which gave a far more practical application to our Christian faith.
This book is a refreshing viewpoint. Part one almost turned me off but I am glad I continued on.
Dec 11, 2012
Stephanie
added it
Recommends it for:
If you liked Blue Like Jazz... I liked this more.
Recommended to Stephanie by:
Wendy
Shelves:
nonfiction,
christian
It's so good, you guys. Kind of chatty, but it's worth it to be so approachable, especially as it doesn't sacrifice depth. All sorts of real questions, asked honestly, thought through thoroughly, and reminding that the answers our souls most deeply hope for are outrageous, baffling, simple, challenging, and lovely beyond belief.
A short non-fiction book about a man who was an atheist, found God, and now runs a church out of Cambridge, MA. I’m still a little fuzzy on exactly how he came back to the church and whether he was really a committed atheist to begin with, but it’s always good to read the other side even if it’s a flawed attempt.
Within the first few chapters, this book had given words and explanation to my spiritual journey of the last 10 years, in a refreshing and engaging way. I think that Schmelzer is very in touch with what this generation is thinking and feeling about faith. The book was thought-provoking and challenging.
A good book for an introduction to concepts about bounded set vs. centered set and spiritual stages of growth. It's often written in a humorous manner that move the book along nicely. I don't agree with everything, but enjoyed it nonetheless.
Dave Schmeltzer's book is very similar to "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller. It's another memoir-type book that will appeal to the postmodern "seeker" type. Short, quick to read, VERY humorous! yet very thoughtful.
A quick but meaty read. I particularly appreciate the view that faith is about a relationship with God and not a set of rules or doctrines.
Disclaimer: I know the author.
Disclaimer: I know the author.
Feb 12, 2009
Hillary
marked it as to-read
This book is still sitting on myself. I hate to say this but I moved on to bigger and better things. Maybe I'll pick it up again soon.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
