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Jim & Casper Go to Church: Frank Conversation about Faith, Churches, and Well-Meaning Christians
Jim Henderson pays people to go to church. In fact, he made national news when he "rented" a soul for $504 on E-Bay after its owner offered an "open mind" to the highest bidder. In "Jim & Casper Go to Church, " Hendrson hires another atheist--Matt Casper--to visit ten leading churches with him and give the "first impression" perspective of a non-believer. What follows...more
Hardcover, 169 pages
Published
March 29th 2007
by BarnaBooks
(first published March 15th 2007)
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I suppose it shouldn't have surprised me, but it still did: in a book advertised as a balanced, open discussion about church between a pastor and an atheist, the pastor did most of the talking.
He certainly was more respectful to the atheist viewpoint than most Christians, and for that, I'm thankful. But I think he told a pretty big fib near the beginning of the book. Before they embarked on their Churchapalooza tour, Casper the Friendly Atheist said that he would be open minded about what he exp...more
He certainly was more respectful to the atheist viewpoint than most Christians, and for that, I'm thankful. But I think he told a pretty big fib near the beginning of the book. Before they embarked on their Churchapalooza tour, Casper the Friendly Atheist said that he would be open minded about what he exp...more
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A veteran preacher invites an atheist to visit 12 churches with him over a two-month period. The intent is not to convert him, but to hear with an open mind how a skeptic views churches and the Christian faith. This move from "defending the faith" to "defending the space" of open dialogue is refreshing.
Many times in response to seemingly non-sensical aspects of some forms of worship (fog machines, light shows, etc.), Casper the friendly atheist asks, "Is this what Jesus told you guys to do?" It...more
Many times in response to seemingly non-sensical aspects of some forms of worship (fog machines, light shows, etc.), Casper the friendly atheist asks, "Is this what Jesus told you guys to do?" It...more
I don’t know why, but my niece Gabi is interested in religion, thus she and I are visiting a different church every Sunday (well, almost every Sunday). We had only been to two or three churches when a friend brought Jim & Casper to my attention and it’s been the perfect book to accompany Gabi’s and my own little project.
The introduction is by far the richest part of the book, where Henderson explains his growth from a Three B’s pastor (buildings, budgets, and butts in the seats) to an evange...more
The introduction is by far the richest part of the book, where Henderson explains his growth from a Three B’s pastor (buildings, budgets, and butts in the seats) to an evange...more
1 like · like · see review
I am a spiritual but nonreligious person. I'd be one of those "non-christians" that the book refers to. I believe in greater things than myself, but I'm not so sure that those greater things necessarily care if we believe in them, but more that they would want us to live good lives.
I think that the point of this book is something similar, at least the last part of that sentence. The basis of the book is that Jim (christian) pays Casper (atheist) to attend churches with him in order to get an out...more
I think that the point of this book is something similar, at least the last part of that sentence. The basis of the book is that Jim (christian) pays Casper (atheist) to attend churches with him in order to get an out...more
You're not going to like or agree with everything in this book. That's why you should read it.
If you love the local church, that's another reason to read it.
Long story short, Jim, a believer, and Matt Casper, an atheist, travel to several different churches and give us their feedback and perspective. Granted, it's a little dangerous to make conclusions after one church service, but then again, most first-time visitors do just that.
Here are some takeaways --
"Hidden in every new idea are the se...more
If you love the local church, that's another reason to read it.
Long story short, Jim, a believer, and Matt Casper, an atheist, travel to several different churches and give us their feedback and perspective. Granted, it's a little dangerous to make conclusions after one church service, but then again, most first-time visitors do just that.
Here are some takeaways --
"Hidden in every new idea are the se...more
So far I find this very interesting hearing the perspectives of both gentlemen, the Christian and the atheist. I have to agree with the atheist, that at times there are too many self-professed Christians that do not actually practice what I would call Christianity. I like that they have included the names of the churches because, there shouldn't be anything to hide at those churches and this is, after all, just the perspective of two people. Many, many others may have different opinions.
Now tha...more
Now tha...more
for the atheist: Interesting insights into the lives of your churched friends.
For the Christian: Directions on "how not to be a jerk" and insight into how your world view might seem wierd to those who believe differently from you.
For my friends - Guess which category I fall into - if we haven't talked recently you might be surprised.
For the Christian: Directions on "how not to be a jerk" and insight into how your world view might seem wierd to those who believe differently from you.
For my friends - Guess which category I fall into - if we haven't talked recently you might be surprised.
This book had some really compelling and helpful insights about how the "church" experience strikes people. It also had quite a bit of stuff that seemed unfair and some claims about Jesus that are either unprovable or even untrue (which is especially hard to swallow from the Christian author, not as much from the Atheist author). I also sensed the self-righteous undertones I've grown accustomed to hearing from some of the authors this book cites, where the vibe is basically, "I'm better than you...more
My life group and church WANTS to look crazy. We want to look completely nut-so, giving our money, time and things away to people who need them. We don't always do these things. Unfortunately "outsiders" see Christians doing the same thing that other Americans are doing. They are buying fancy cars, bigger houses and going for that great career. This is not the picture of God's Kingdom on earth. We need to look completely head-over-heels in love with the Creator. Our churches should be welcoming,...more
Thought that the premise of the book and Jim's endeavor was interesting and bold. I found the tone of the book a bit irritating in places but there were many thought-provoking moments. I think it's good for Christians to take a much more listening stance with the non-Christian world around us. However, I think simply taking it all in and not challenging their thinking out of fear of pushing them away ultimately creates "friendships" that start to feel like walking on egg shells. I want to give a...more
This book is about a former pastor and an athiest who visit churches, many well known, and Casper shares his impressions from a non-believers point of view. At first I had some concerns about this, knowing that we are called to be in the world and not of it, and there are just some things that a non-believer would not understand. Despite this, Casper was smart and insightful, and I would have to say I agreed with most of his observations. In fact it was often the things "of this world" that he s...more
Interesting read, and yet it's so easy to throw stones, atheist and Christian alike. The book fails to answer questions like: What is the church service actually for? Should non-Christians be able to understand and/or appreciate everything that happens during a service?
The one thing I did take away was the ongoing conversation Jim was able to sustain with Casper. It seemed clear that Jim actually cared about Casper and what Casper had to say; the relationship was authentic even though it starte...more
The one thing I did take away was the ongoing conversation Jim was able to sustain with Casper. It seemed clear that Jim actually cared about Casper and what Casper had to say; the relationship was authentic even though it starte...more
This is a really interesting read. I think that self-evaluation is absolutely necessary for health, and that is true for individuals and bodies made up of individuals (the church). Jim and Casper Go to Church is helpful in that it is an evaluation of many different ways of doing church, and an exploration of how that is view by those who are not part of the church's own, or even the broader faith, communities. There are plenty of churches who are not following Christ or teaching the same Christ...more
A few nights ago I watched a 60 Minutes look at a certain celebrity pastor. The more I watched him say just the right things and answer the questions with just the right amount of savvy I realized how glad I don't attend this persons church. Even the reporter noticed that this person managed to take Jesus almost entirely out of the equation. To which this pastor replied:
"I use some scripture to back up my claim."
And it was amazing to see this huge impressive building, rennovated with about $100...more
"I use some scripture to back up my claim."
And it was amazing to see this huge impressive building, rennovated with about $100...more
I will say I was interested in what Casper had to say about his experiences (even if I didn't like what he said) so the book kept my attention.
I thought they went to too many large churches which is not really representative of the majority of Christian churches in America. I think the average American Christian attends a relatively small church every Sunday and I don't think that was adequately covered in the book.
Some of the complaints that Casper had are, quite frankly, things that cannot and...more
I thought they went to too many large churches which is not really representative of the majority of Christian churches in America. I think the average American Christian attends a relatively small church every Sunday and I don't think that was adequately covered in the book.
Some of the complaints that Casper had are, quite frankly, things that cannot and...more
I have two very strong, opposite opinions on this book.
First, I think the idea is brilliant (a former pastor and an atheist visit and candidly review various churches) and the unfiltered perspectives from Casper are invaluable to all followers of Christ. I was personally affected in the ways I'm thinking about what's important and what's not regarding the church I am part of, and in how I can genuinely connect with those that don't share my faith.
Second, I am very disappointed that Jim and Barna...more
First, I think the idea is brilliant (a former pastor and an atheist visit and candidly review various churches) and the unfiltered perspectives from Casper are invaluable to all followers of Christ. I was personally affected in the ways I'm thinking about what's important and what's not regarding the church I am part of, and in how I can genuinely connect with those that don't share my faith.
Second, I am very disappointed that Jim and Barna...more
There aren't many books that I consider a "must read" but for anyone who is in any kind of leadership role within a church this IS a must read! Jim and Caper cut through the religious speak and unintentional sub-culture we've created in our churches to remind us of what we're doing and how it is perceived by those we are trying to reach. With humor and biting commentary, Jim and Casper Go to Church is a quick read that will have long term influences on the way we see and do what we call "church"...more
This is a book that is all about raising questions... not about resolution. So if you're looking for a book that evaluates today's church and gives a good vision of the solution to the problems or concerns it raises, then don't read this book. But if you want to look at the church, the vocabulary we use, and the choices we make as the Church in the United States through the lens of someone who doesn't believe in God, read this book. You'll never look at the Christian-ese we participate in the sa...more
This is a very interesting little book. Jim, a former pastor, and Casper, an atheist, travel around the country and visit quite a few churches, rating them along the way. I learned a lot about some of our major "megachurches," as well as even more about how "church" should be and should not be done. Don't read this book if you are locked into traditional church. You won't like it one bit.
Okay this book was recommended by a church going friend, I think hoping I'd be change my atheistic ways! I thought the concept of a preacher and an atheist going to different churches and critiquing them was good. What I didn't like was the way the dialogue was written, as if it were verbatim of a conversation, but no one talks like this! I think it put atheists in a better light!
A fresh take on how we do church in america. I really liked how each chapter gives a fresh take on how people view church culture - particularly people who don't have a deep church cultural background. It will make you made and say 'that's not fair', but it will make you think more about how to do church and how visitors preceive the experience of 'going to church'.
one of the most important reads of 2008 for me. this is the flesh and bone to "unchristian." hit me hard in revealing how "religious" i really am, and how non-authentic that must appear to others. must read for every person in spiritual leadership but only if you promise to look at yourself and not validate your opinions about the faults of others.
This was pretty good read. It was interesting to hear about what it was like at all of these churches that are so well known in the Christian community like Mars Hill, Saddleback, and Willow Creek. I did really wish that they would have gone to North Point (Andy Stanley's church) but I suppose they can't go to them all! Nothing really earth shattering occurs, but it still gives you something to think about, especially if you're a church-goer.
This book made me think. I especially appreciated the outside perspective of Christian music and worship. The "big time" churches with fancy pancy worship bands were viewed more as contrived than genuine, which I found very interesting. It made me rethink some things about how I lead and prepare for a worship service, as well as how we "do" church in general.
I would give this 5 stars if it weren't for the fact that the statements made by Casper (so-called atheist) came across sometimes as a lit...more
I would give this 5 stars if it weren't for the fact that the statements made by Casper (so-called atheist) came across sometimes as a lit...more
Troy Mercer recommended this to me on a recommendation from Erin and Brad Oswalt. I think all established church leaders and members should read this to truly understand what impression they might be making on those not involved in church.
This book was a great intro into what the church is like today.
I also love the concept of this book - an atheist and a pastor go to various churches. The book is a recap of their conversations. Very, very good.
I also love the concept of this book - an atheist and a pastor go to various churches. The book is a recap of their conversations. Very, very good.
Read this along with Tim Keller's "The Prodigal God," and you'll have a hard time looking at "church" the same way again.
Aug 09, 2011
Ryan Fisher
added it
Fairly interesting read, although the author seemed to have a strange concept of and bias toward Pentecostalism.
Not many new ideas, but a fun read. The writers' predispositions to the kind of church they like is pretty obvious.
Aug 04, 2011
Aaron Thomas
added it
great and often times, hilarious book! I'm a fan of anyone that has issues with Joel Osteen :) b/c so do I.
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