Broken: Seven Christian Rules That Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible

by Jonathan Fisk

This book examines seven of the most common spiritual traditions and how they use speculation, mysticism, and moralism to break Christianity. Author Jonathan Fisk calls them the seven “counterfeit Christian rules that every Christian ought to break as often as possible,” because they are seven myths that have infiltrated the churches in our age, seven teachings taught as if they were doctrine, but which are nothing more than the traditions of men.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Faith, Christianity

278 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2012

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part polemic, part takedown of the Rick Warren/Joel Osteen school of modern Christianity, pure Gospel, Jonathan Fisk's Broken is a great look at how the church has been affected by postmodern thinking. As the quotes in the title imply, the seven rules Fisk examines in the book aren't really Christian, but the same old pagan/mystic/self-worship heresies that have been around for centuries. After swatting away these lies (which are all variations on one big lie), he lays out the one Truth that all Christians should follow. This last chapter is the best and one of the most well-written in the book.

Anyone familiar with the hyper-kinetic, brain-dump style of RevFisk's YouTube videos will feel at home reading this book. Translating that style into written words is hard, and it takes some work to follow the argument in a few of the chapters. Maybe the book could've used another pass by an editor, but that might have robbed it of some of its energy. That's the only reason I didn't give this book more than three stars.

In spite of its flaws, the message of Broken is solid gold sweet action and worth the read.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

No surprise from a strongly polemic book that I came away with both strong disagreements and several wows in agreement.

The seven rules to break make a compelling assault on man-produced " faith," but I don't find reality so black and white.

His overarching ever-rule to break is: you can find God.

As a Lutheran, I agree in the total grace of our God who finds us and saves us independently of our willing. However, there is much in scripture calling us to seek or describing God's hope that people might seek and perhaps find him. Yes, we do this fallibly and the gospel of Christ arrives externally in the form of Word and Sacrament, but I find Fisk makes too strong a point. Especially as it comes to baptized Christians who have come to faith in Christ. Can Christians not find God through any of our God given faculties like our heart and mind? Yes, it is only as through a dimly lit mirror, but it's not nothing, as Fisk would claim.

Overall, I loved the lively discussion of rationalism, romanticism, pragmatism, and prosperity as cultural influences of recent centuries.

And I couldn't put the book down, which is always a good accomplishment for an author.

[Ashleigh Leeds · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book, and I found it to be rather poorly written. While I generally agree with the overarching themes of the book, I felt like it took a lot of effort to actually find them. This book is piled with analogies that are more present throughout the chapters than the actual point of the chapter. This made it very difficult to read. His points were also presented so strongly that it comes across as arrogance, and seems very condescending in parts. Overall, I would never recommend this book to anyone.

[Josh Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did, given that Fisk is a Lutheran pastor and I support the theology presented in the book. Unfortunately, I just felt like it wasn't that well written. The author throws heaps of metaphors at you, jumping from one to another and sometimes it is a little much to put together---almost like he was trying to do too much.

It seems like the book is geared towards a younger demographic (the "hip" language and pages littered with graphics), but in all honesty, I'm not sure who I would recommend it too. I suppose Lutherans could get on board with the ideas presented, but it feels like preaching to the choir. My hunch is older generations would be frustrated by the attempts to be hip and modern, and I don't think it is really written for a nonbeliever (as he can be pretty insulting to those who have different views). So, it was an okay read which got better as it went on, but I'm not keen on recommending it to anyone.

[Nin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I watch Jonathan Fisk's youtube channel and I really enjoy his style but that style does not translate well to book form.

I had a very hard time following the author's train of thought. He starts on a topic and they goes on a long winded side track from which he might side track again. He is prolific in his use of font changes and pictures. I feel like he is trying to keep my attention with *pows* and *wizbangs* which are fun on his youtube channel but distracting in print.

In the end I feel like I am trying to follow the thought process of someone with horrible ADD. I have yet to finish the book. His premise is simple but is made more difficult to follow with his presentation.

Good theology, bad presentation.

If anyone wants the book, I am willing to give it to you.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delighted and surprised. Much richness here, more than I expected. Fisk gets into some of the faults and failings of modern Christianity. He doesn't let you get away with excuses. Sarcasm is his main weapon, which can make his points slightly difficult to understand. But on the other hand, I really appreciate it -- a way to cut to the quick and avoid sappiness.

I want to reread in print someday.

One of the chapters in here is the book that I wanted Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved to be.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a lot of great discussion with the area youth workers cluster group I am a part of. For that I am glad for the book. Other than that I hated it. I did not like his analogies, I did not like his wordiness. If you can make a point if a few paragraphs there really is no need to drone on for pages and pages... think of the trees to be saved! Really, an editor with a big fat red pen could have reduced this book to a well written concise book of a much shorter length. Wasn't a fan.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book got really good reviews, but I had a hard time getting past the language of the book and figuring out what he was trying to say. I found myself wishing he would just make his point and move on to the next. He seemed to repeat him self a lot. I may pick this book up again and give it another try some day.

[Jacqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book as the concept is very helpful to understand - ie. the different ways people seek to approach God. But I just didn't like it. Argh!

And here are my reasons: The language is very pictorial and this confused me rather than clarified things for me. This was surprising to me as I find Fisk very clear and helpful when I hear him on Worldview Everlasting or on the radio.

The "rules" were at the beginning and end of each chapter but the chapter itself seemed to have too much detail/illustrations and the point of breaking the rule was lost on me.

I think this work would have been better done a little more briefly and clearly and then it would have been something I would have gladly shared with younger Christians to help them see how God approaches them rather than they trying to reach God and some of the other issues addressed in the book would have been better addressed elsewhere rather than muddying this one.

I recommend Table Talk Radio and Issues etc. (interview with the author) to better understand this important problem in the church/society.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another bravo! 👏🏻

I wish I’d read this 10 years ago.

I love Rev Fisk’s insistence on talking everything through the scriptures, his high view of them, as well as his total disregard of the fear of teaching that doctrine matters.

[Lydia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Holy heavens, I think that book may have just given me a seizure. I absolutely hate this guy's writing style. It's completely ridiculous. And beyond that, his tone (in his book, his videos, and other pieces I've seen of his) has a certain attitude of "Let me tell you why anyone who has ever come to any other conclusions from those of the LCMS is a fool who should be pitied." There's a reason why other people think our little denomination is arrogant and full of know-it-alls. :-(
I'm glad I borrowed this book and didn't spend my own money on it. I'm truly starting to wince when people hand me books published by CPH. Breaks my heart.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written at a lay level, this book accomplishes what it sets out to do. The book also introduces the reader to some dangerous -isms in Christianity, ending with a call to return to the basics. A quick, easy, and thoughtful read.

[Heidi Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, well written and engaging book. Fisk's premise is that Christianity has been waylaid by 7 pseudo Christian teachings, 7 "rules", that threaten both the life of the Church and the salvation of those who believe the false teachings. Mysticism, Moralism, Pagmatism etc are each denounced as false forms of worship that Christians and Christian churches have fallen victim to.

Fisk's writing style is rather verbose and flowery at times, but he also often waxes memorably poetic. He weaves together phrasing from liturgical, pop culture/movie, credal and scriptural references in such a way that his point is made both by the literal meaning of the words he uses as well as by the reference from which he draws the phrase. He personifies each false doctrine, each "rule to be broken", such that the book almost becomes a hagiography of false saints as well as false teachings. His word-pictures are vivid and fun to read. The pages are peppered with vintage-y looking line drawings (think "steam punk" art) and the fonts get switched up and bolded regularly, serving to accent specific points as well as to make for a visually interesting read. I imagine some readers could find this "mash up" kind of style very distracting, but I found it refreshing (although certainly something which could be overdone).

I would recommend this for several audiences: for those readers looking for a better understanding of Christian theology and doctrine from a source that is anything but stuffy; for those feeling like most of the flavors of modern Christianity they've tasted have been bland, dry and under-nourishing; for those looking for a framework to defend their faith against worldly attacks and the attacks of un-Christian world-views; and for those traditional Christians who feel confused and sometimes overwhelmed by the diversity of unscriptural teachings, those looking for something to scribe out some solid ground. I enjoyed this book for all of those reasons and more.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our church is in the midst of a Bible study on this book.
The seven "Christian" rules to break are:
1 - You can find God in your heart: the worship of your emotions. (mysticism)
2 - You can find God in your hands: the worship of your works. (moralism)
3 - You can find God in your mind: the worship of your thoughts. (rationalism)
4 - You can find God in this world: the worship of mammon. (prosperity)
5 - You can find God in churches: the worship of spirituality. (IfWeCanJust)
6 - You can find God in God's absence: the worship of lawlessness. (freedom from...)
*7 - You can find God: the worship of yourself.

The only true Christian rule: Go. You are free. God finds you by sending the words of Jesus.

A tough but excellent read on what is going on in Christian churches today. It boils down to this: Christians can't find God; God finds them. How does he do that? Through his word. It is ALL God and none of us.
Highly recommended

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the amazing free gift of salvation Jesus gave us. We cannot in any way earn it or even seek it on our own. It is given.
I highly recommend this book if you are lost in the midst of so many Christian ideas and ideals.

[Élizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Will need to reread some of its chapters for a deeper application in my own life and ministry and as issues come up in discipleship.

Really outstanding book that clearly differentiates what I may think as "being God" but is the worship of myself. It is really one of a kind, and especially useful for campus ministry and preaching.

Bonus : I highly enjoyed the creativity in the writing and in its artistic doodles on the pages.

A few critiques :
- Spurgeon once said illustrations are like windows on a house. You can have too little or too many. I think this book errs with the latter. I would get lost a quite few times.
- It is thorough but maybe too long of a book. I could not shake the feeling it's message could have been made clearer with a bit less words. I would find myself losing interest toward the end of the chapters.

[Joel Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In “Broken: 7 Christian Rules that Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible” Jonathan Fisk speaks a prophetic word to the church. In this word, he counters the primary philosophic underpinnings of our culture with the Word of God. These philosophical underpinnings have not only come to reign in Western culture in the secular sphere, but they also have slunk their way into the church. Fisk discusses moralism, mysticism, rationalism, prosperity, IfWeCanJust, Lawlessness, and the idea that we can find God on our own. He declares that each one of these ideologies denies the saving grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Word of God. Ultimately, each ideology claims that we can save ourselves. Of particular concern for youth ministry is the fact that these ideologies permeate youth culture and our practice of youth ministry. Yet, youth discover that none of these offer a truly satisfying answer. Therefore, many youth turn away from the church and never discover the fullness of God’s grace and subsequent salvation. Youth ministries need to take to heart much of what Fisk declares. Fisk writes in such a way that the abstract ideologies become accessible. Youth ministries should look to Fisk’s example in discussing these false paths and declare aloud the salvation that only comes through God’s gift of grace in Christ Jesus.

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a summer reading program sponsored by Concordia. While reading the book, I found my reactions alternating between "Tell me something I don't know" and "Huh?" The dense writing and references to sources ranging from "Paradise Lost" to "Star Wars" made the book difficult, rather than easier, for me to understand. I found the most useful parts of the book to be the last page of each chapter, on which the author sums up the main point of the chapter: The rule to be broken is identified in one word and briefly defined.
The author is a Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod pastor, and he writes the book from a strong LCMS position. I've been exploring the LCMS, as I am a disaffected member of another Lutheran denomination, and this book is yet another example of an attitude that I perceive as characterizing his church: It's as important to be LCMS as it is to be Christian. I think my Baptist brother would take strong exception to the author's inclusion of "asking Jesus to come into your heart" as part of a "lie" that characterizes inauthentic Christianity.

[JD Veer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to comment such a dense book. There is so much content. Great content.

It seems like there is much repetition, but there isn't. It's just applying the principle of each chapters to all of the different voices and expressions that are those of mysticism, moralism, rationalism, prosperity, ifwecanjust churchology and lawlessness. This "longness" is actually just superficial, it is actually a real thoroughness.

It brings out a lot of the things that unsettled me in the church. It brought more calm and rest for my soul than any animosity. It made me look into my heart and see its(my) idolatry.

I leave you with this:
"Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." - Mr Beaver; The Chronicles of Narnia.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was suggested to me by a co-worker who knows the author personally and sings his praises. Based on that, I read the book and while it had many good points (seven to be exact!) there were times it could be very difficult to wade through his chapters to extract these points. Please on future books, lay off the crazy fonts! I agree that there is "Counterfeit Christianity" out there with forms of mysticism, moralism, rationalism & prosperity theology as some of the ways that Jesus's true words are impeded. Fisk's main point is that Jesus's promise-his words- were sent by God, for God finds us and frees us.

[Travis Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars because Rev. Fisk could have made the points he made in fewer words. I think he should have made this into a sermon series on you tube, because it reads like he speaks.

That said, this is a masterful work and worth reading by every Christian and non-Christian alike. It gets to the point of Christianity and highlights the fact that Christian faith is all about what Jesus has done for you. Great work!

[Jonathan Rodebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal. Jonathan Fisk does a great job of conveying the message of what is critically wrong with the current state of the church in the US. Complete with in context scripture and contemporary analogies, this book will definitely keep your attention while pointing out rule after rule that needs to be broken. I will recommend Broken to everyone I see.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling read about Law and Gospel from a LCMS Pastor's viewpoint. It took me about 2 chapters to get really in to the book; however, I was intrigued so I kept reading. I am glad that I did. This is a must read for any young person (i.e., college aged), who is questioning his/her faith and may have fallen away from the church.

[Toni Wargula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review

The points were good as well as the last two chapters. otherwise as a nondenominational Christian, his explanations were a little insulting and the scripture that he used didn't really make sense or it didn't fit to what he was explaining.

[Peter Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ideas are provocative and "most certainly true." I just find the zany style a bit too much. There was no momentum to my reading of this book.

[Barbara Muñoz · Rating 1 out of 5]

*Updated for 2021*

Rev. Fisk’s VERY public political rantings of late and conspiracy-theory driven stance on public health has completely ruined this book for me.

[Corrine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful truth which brought me to tears at a couple points - I get so used to people railing against Christianity or to Christians themselves focusing on everything except the actual substance of Jesus’ words that hearing truth spoken in a book so purely felt refreshing and relieving. The only reason I won’t give this book 5 stars is that the style is a little cumbersome...hence why it took me 10 months to finish! Reverend Fisk has a stream of consciousness style that is as beautiful and moving as it is meandering and dense. I loved his use of metaphors, yet also at times found them to be cumbersome. He also had illustrations throughout that I found mostly to be distracting, but sometimes found to enhance his point. Reading this is definitely an experience, and if you can get through the sometimes-confusing, but often profound and beautiful style, you have some doctrinal gold waiting for you at the end.

[Joshua Satterfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book that diagnoses several erroneous beliefs that contemporary Christians are facing. A particular emphasis is placed on the problems with mysticism, emotionalism and related beliefs. Fisk argues that biblical theology and the word of God should be our guide rather than our emotions. My favorite "rule" every Christian should break in this book is the "if-we-can-just" rule. The author gives examples: "if-we-can-just" sing more Psalms, all the problems in the modern church would be fixed. No! the Author argues, there is no quick fix to the issues we face.

Overall, this is a helpful book. A downside is the overemphasis of Lutheran Sacramentalism - although Fisk rightly points out several weaknesses in the modern church, I do not believe Lutheranism is the solution, rather a return to what Luther was trying to return to, the Scriptures, is the answer. The art style is very casual as others have pointed out.

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the book "What this book is about: dissecting the tactics of the thief; the crow that steals the seed; by looking at the lies we've turned into rules."

Pastor Fisk takes us through seven lies, or rather seven things we worship, that get between us and Jesus. And yet, the book isn't an attack on the church, or an insult to the believer.

Ultimately, it's a reminder that our salvation not dependent on us, but on what Christ has already done for us. We don't need extra rules to make us holy because in the end those rules only takes us away from the One who is Holy; Jesus.

Pastor Fisks breaks down the lies, gets us back to the Bible and the words of Jesus, to remind us that Christ has found us, Christ has redeemed us and in Him we are free and the rules we add aren't helping.

[Georgie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic run down on the key practices that have gone wrong in the church. Of course much of it is about how we perceive things and how we forget what Scripture actually says about us and God and the book goes through that. But it also highlights how that ends up in bad practice, legalism and ultimately very poor and unChristian-like thinking.
Really, any denomination of Christian should read this. Some things you may have heard before, but a lot of it is very eye opening and helps piece together just how our modern-day church has ended up where it is. I could say this book is for everyone except those so attached to Pietistic or Esoteric thinking, but really they should read it the most and you should definitely read this book too.