The author of "If Grace Is True" and "If God Is Love" returns with his newest book challenging today's church to become what it could be if Christi...
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Nov 28, 2010
Tenille
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I have read Phillip Gulley's other theology books, but this one is probably my favorite. His perspective on how the church has lost its way resonates with my own faith struggles. I have been battlings a deep sense of disillusionment for years now, and when I read a book like this I realize I am not alone. Gulley gives the reader permission to question the churches' deeply rooted traditions, and reminds us that grace should triumph fear.
If you consider yourself "open-minded" More...
If you consider yourself "open-minded" More...
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Dec 09, 2010
Stan
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The author has an interesting backstory in that he was raised Roman Catholic but later left the catholic church and joined the Quakers. He has been a Quaker minister for over 20 years. On more than one occasion, he reports, congregants have demanded that he give up his credentials as a minister because of his provocative and outspoken beliefs (not too surprising, since he flatly dismisses the virgin birth as not credible, and tells congregations they should stop spending their money on missionar
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May 26, 2010
Kit
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I agree with everthing Philip Gulley says in this critique of "church" - by which he means pretty much every Christian denomination in America (he is a Quaker). And if you wonder how he could lump all the Christian denominations together, just ask yourself if you think the Sanctuary Carpet-Choosing Committee meeting looks or sounds very different no matter which denomination you're in.
And that's what Gulley is really talking about here - not in-depth theology (although he d More...
And that's what Gulley is really talking about here - not in-depth theology (although he d More...
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Mar 22, 2010
Amy
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When our children were about middle-school age, they and many of their friends began wearing bracelets that had the letters "WWJD" on them, which stood for "What would Jesus do?" If the Church Were Christian is all about what the author believes Jesus would want us and our churches to do. It's a wonderful reminder of the core values Christianity was based upon, stressing the importance of love, service to others, forgiveness, acceptance, and peace.
Philip Gul More...
Philip Gul More...
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Jun 22, 2011
Katie
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I was lucky to have found this book at a library sale. I had heard of his other work "If Grace is True", and have been wanting to read it. So when I saw this laying on that table, I had to have it. And I'm very glad I found it.
Reading this book was almost like finding someone had taken many of the different things I believe about religion and faith and had written them out for me - in a way I know I never could.
Books like this mean a lot to me - someone who is often More...
Reading this book was almost like finding someone had taken many of the different things I believe about religion and faith and had written them out for me - in a way I know I never could.
Books like this mean a lot to me - someone who is often More...
Jun 30, 2011
Gloria
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This is one provocative little book. Just finished it and had the thought that I better dive into Rob Bell's controversial book "Love Wins" and now I see in the description on GoodReads that Gulley's books will appeal to Rob Bell fans.
Gully is a Quaker pastor who normally writes funny, inspirational books ala Garrison Keillor (Lake Wobegon Days). This is a seriously different format and content. Gulley is good at using simple, story-like examples to make his point, but it i More...
Gully is a Quaker pastor who normally writes funny, inspirational books ala Garrison Keillor (Lake Wobegon Days). This is a seriously different format and content. Gulley is good at using simple, story-like examples to make his point, but it i More...
Jul 28, 2011
This was great. It's hard to dislike a book which articulates my own views so well. I read it fairly quickly in preparation for the author's community visit last weekend. It would be a good one to read again and to discuss with a group. If you ever have a chance to hear Philip Gulley speak, I would urge you to do so. He's funny, thoughtful, articulate -- and a great story-teller. When asked what his ideal church would be, he said it would be one where people would love deeply and be truly
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Jun 09, 2010
Erika
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Gulley has some good points and I appreciate his perception of Jesus' teachings in this book and how it applies to the church as a global whole. Some of his points were particularly refreshing, such as the tolerance of people to ask questions in faith and to explore. However, the basis of his book is shaky. In the first part of his book, he challenges readers to ponder where we, as Christians, gain our knowledge of Jesus. He nearly disputes the possibility that the Biblical texts that we rel
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Mar 04, 2010
From my review:
However, because he focuses so much on church life, his scope tends to be rather narrow. In the chapter called “Peace Would Be More Important Than Power” he doesn’t touch on politics, the responsibility of politicians, or the world-wide role that the church plays. Instead, he talks about some ladies he knew who ran the church pantry, which was for poor people, and how stingy they were. A valid point, it’s true, but as I say, limited in scope.
Read the res More...
However, because he focuses so much on church life, his scope tends to be rather narrow. In the chapter called “Peace Would Be More Important Than Power” he doesn’t touch on politics, the responsibility of politicians, or the world-wide role that the church plays. Instead, he talks about some ladies he knew who ran the church pantry, which was for poor people, and how stingy they were. A valid point, it’s true, but as I say, limited in scope.
Read the res More...
Oct 02, 2010
John
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I had liked Gulley from his interview in Conversations with American Writers, so downloaded this one right away when I saw my library had the e-book available. Here, he takes on issues of The Church as an absolutist authority figure, the confluence of religion and politics (including the idea that war has been justified in God's name, at least implicitly), etc. quite effectively, without being at all strident. Definitely recommended ... unless you recoil at the term "progressive", in w
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Feb 27, 2010
Brian
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Probably Gulley's best work. In "If God Is Love", he and Mulholland started to lay out what a gracious, universalist ethic might look like. In this book, Gulley elaborates on those ideas and elucidates his vision of what a church that fostered that ethic would look like. While I don't always agree with Gulley's theology, he raises some powerful questions. Some of the arguments are reminiscent of Spong's "Why Christianity Must Change or Die", but Gulley's conversational style
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Jul 12, 2011
Alison
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We all choose the things in our lives that are worth committing to despite their flaws, and the church has been one of those things for me. Some people put energy into the political system in the hopes of making whatever small improvements they can. I put my energy into the church in that same vain. I share the author's vision for the church as a place for learning, grace, community, caring and questioning - not a place of judgement, uniformity and absolutes.
Aug 07, 2010
Robin
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This is the latest non-fiction book from Quaker Pastor Phil Gulley who is threatened with expulsion from the Quaker Church on a regular basis for his liberal thinking. In this one he discusses issues like "If the church were Christian it would care more about affirming our potential rather than condemning our brokenness". I don't agree with everything he says, but like the way he thinks.
Feb 09, 2012
Wayne
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All of Gulley's reads are great initial reads for evangelicals with questions that they are afraid to ask or can't be answered by traditional means. Consistently Gulley is very accessible and brings clarity and fresh options to doubts and issues that many christians have. Freedom to experience God in a more real and tangible way is a likely side effect of any Gulley book.
Oct 06, 2011
This is a very thoughtful and challenging book. All of Philip Gulley's books are provocative. Because of his faith history, he has an understanding of what drives so many people into dysfunctional faith. While Rob Bell's "Love Wins" stirred up much controversy, Gully goes much more deeply. Be sure to read his other books, co-authored with James Mulholland: "If Grace Is True," and "If God Is Love."
Next on my must read pile, Gulley's "The Evolution of Faith.
Next on my must read pile, Gulley's "The Evolution of Faith.
Apr 08, 2010
I discovered that Mr. Gulley has high standards for who he accepts as Christians, while he does not believe in the divinity of Jesus or that people need to become believers. As a Quaker minister, I find his position puzzling. I understand the movement to have his ordination rescinded. I read 3 chapters and had to put it down.
Feb 11, 2011
Alisa
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It's interesting how Gulley picks and chooses from the words of Jesus. Anything he likes becomes the truth. Anything that doesn't fit his viewpoint is discarded. He's an extremely misguided man, and the great pity is, he's misguiding others - even to the point of suggesting people seek out false religions.
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Nov 14, 2011
TBV
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Excellent work, and much needed for the Christian church today. Too often, the Church falls into a rut of "saving people from hell" or making sure a person's thoughts/theological ideas are corrected, and it loses sight of what's really needed in the community—helping those in need, helping those hurting, etc. This book is a must read for everyone who calls themselves Christian.
Oct 06, 2011
Glenn
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I've been using this as a source for a study group and found this to be one of the most thought provoking books I've ever read. I don't agree with all of his premises, but he made me think. The author comes accross as someone you'd like to hang out with.
Mar 03, 2010
Rick
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Pretty good book, even though I found several points of theology with which I disagree. On the positive side Gulley points out many inconsistencies in the church, and discusses alternatives which would be more authentic.
Oct 14, 2011
Could not even finish the first chapter. If you do not believe in the virgin birth or the miracles of Christ, you should not write a book with the word "Christian" in the title. Extremely misleading!
Mar 12, 2011
Tiffani
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Gulley has some very unorthodox theology, but he makes several very good arguments for how the church really could look more like an embodiment of Christ and the Kingdom of God in the world.
Jun 10, 2010
Sera
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While I don't agree with everything in this book, I found it incredibly thought-provoking. The author tackles many issues in the church that have really struck a chord with me in the past, and have been reasons that I have chosen to take a step back from church and figure some things out for myself. While the areas I disagree with him on are related to theology and specific biblical ideas, I have to give him credit for being so bold as to question things and present alternative view points. Very
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Feb 18, 2010
Sharon
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Gulley is gentle, but firm-- and right on about the church. I would hope that good church folks would take his criticisms and his recommendations to heart.
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Aug 15, 2010
Lisa
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Lots to ponder here. This is not a book that I am satisfied with reading only one time, so it will go on my bookstore shopping list.
May 04, 2011
Michael
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This is a great book to believers and also unbelievers, it is very good. The title of this book is what pulled me in,after reading the synopsis I decided to read the book. The first sentence pulled me in and I read through the entire thing in one day. The author makes three different points that would make you question your belief on whether you follow Christ or not. One- If the church were Christian, inviting answers would be more valued than supplying answers. Second- Meeting needs would be mo
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Nov 02, 2010
I recently heard this author speak, and i found him to be engaging and insightful. Interested to read some of his books.
Mar 06, 2011
Sadie
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I loved this book and agreed with so much of what Philip Gulley had to say. A lot of sermon potential in this book.
Jul 15, 2010
Stopping on page 60. I was going to renew it, but it has reserves. I'm glad someone else will be enjoying the beautifully written book.
Jun 21, 2011
Striving to match the words of Jesus with the behavior of the church. OK so far
