The Gospel According to Breaking Bad

by Blake Atwood

This unique book takes a thoroughly Christian look at the show, delving into weighty theological issues such as identity, death, justice, power, fate, free will, and the gospel itself. As a fan of the show, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the series and its universal themes. Follow the journeys of Walter White and Jesse Pinkman, two complex characters on vastly different paths, and explore the question of whether they are ultimately redeemed by the series' end. The Gospel According to Breaking Bad is more than just an entertaining read or a one-of-a-kind companion guide to the series; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience and our reactions to the stories we see onscreen.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction, Religion

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2013

About the author

Blake Atwood partners with nonfiction authors (like James Clear and Jefferson Fisher) to craft life-changing books. He is a book coach, developmental editor, ghostwriter, and author.

Reviews

[Nancy Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Breaking Bad TV series, and I very much enjoyed this book. It is written from a Christian perspective, and with incredible insight. It was in no way blasphemous or sacraligious, but only expounded on the ideas of good and evil, Christ and Satan in our current world. It was funny at times, and altogether enjoyable. It only served to highlight the incredible writing and acting that was Breaking Bad.

[Shayla Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, Smart, and Convicting

Wow, wow, wow!

I never thought I would love this book as much as I do. After binge-watching the Breaking Bad series, I grabbed a copy of Blake Atwood's book and feverishly read it, even taking photos of some of the best parts in his book.

My favorite chapter was Chapter 3: Blue, Yellow, Pink, Whatever, Man, in which Blake explains how colors play a major role in the series. It was fascinating!

Highly recommend this book for fans of the series and for Christ followers who see the spiritual connection in one of the greatest shows of all time.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically an analysis of the show Breaking Bad from character costume colors to motivations over time.

[kylajaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! Through both this book and Breaking Bad, of course. It goes without saying that BB has more to mine from it than any other show on television. I wasn't sure how looking at it through a Christian lens would pan out, but I wasn't disappointed. One thing I really enjoyed is that Blake Atwood and I both agree about feeling the "off" nature of the finale. He mentions it was theorized that Walt was actually dead throughout that episode, having died in the Volvo. Sadly, it seems Vince Gilligan promptly shut that down. I am surprised that he doesn't want to leave the finale open for interpretation. Nevertheless, I think I will go into it from now on with the knowledge that Walter's redemptive acts are a fever dream. Though, on the other hand, do we really want to live with the knowledge that, if it all was a dream, Jesse was stuck with the Neo-Nazis in the real world? I don't! This book, of course, speculates a lot on redemption. I found these to be the most interesting parts. Atwood writes that even Walter White can be redeemed in God's eyes, yet as the finale crept closer, he began to admit that he didn't want to see Walter redeemed. I didn't either. It seemed to go against the grain of everything Gilligan wanted for the series. But maybe we never understood him in the first place. Maybe, to accept the finale, we DO have to believe, as Vince Gilligan surely does, that even a man like Heisenberg can find some redemption. I never sympathized with Walter. I hated him from moment one. I watched for Jesse, and for Mike, and for Gus. So of course I sat on my high horse believing there was no hope left in the mortal world for Walter White. I think I see that a bit differently now. I have to thank Blake Atwood for this new perspective, and for being one of the many to delve into this mind-blowing show.

[Sonnet Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you were a fan of "Breaking Bad", you will certainly enjoy delving deeper into the many moral themes of the show through this book. The author tackles questions such as why was the character of put-upon chemistry teacher turned meth cook and drug lord Walter White so compelling? Why was his seemingly lackadaisical assistant Jesse Pinkman someone audiences grew to care deeply about? The book explores the carefully changing characters, the incredibly detailed scenes, and why a show which almost never got made ended up becoming one of the best in television because of it's exploration of right, wrong, and redemption.

In recent years it's become popular to have protagonists who are clearly doing bad things yet pull on the viewer's/reader's sympathies because of extenuating circumstances. This begs the question: is life like "Frankenstein" - a good being who is forced to do bad things by society - or is it like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" - a man who releases his inner demons and falls deeper into their control by his own will? It's a fascinating question, and this book does an excellent job of exploring all the moral aspects (and other meticulously crafted details you may have missed or not known) of a stellar show.

[Gp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Breaking Bad and while I figured out a lot about the symbolism in Breaking Bad myself; Blake Atwood made me see an even deeper meaning behind this great show.

The chapter are maybe a little bit random and are thoughts about certain themes from the series. Some ideas came back in multiple essays, but still there is enough new stuff on each page that it is a quick read.

Atwood connects multiple fundamental themes from the Bible with this great show. It is bad that you have people to watch more than 2900 minutes of great TV, before you can talk with them on these great subjects. But if you convinced your friends that watching Breaking Bad is a great time investment, this books also helps to start a deeper conversation.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this on Audible. I tink Blake does a great job at going into detail in some areas where the show does not. For example, Blake gives very descriptive use of meth and it's side effects. I loved the comparison with the gospel that he outlined as well. He really put the show into perspective for me. I loved the show, but I think I loved the book even more than the show. Great job Blake! I'll read another Gospel according to, if you were to write another one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We heard about this book when we visited a church presenting a series on what modern television says about our beliefs. We grabbed it immediately. The best way I can describe how much we enjoyed this book is to say that my older teen has read it three times and recommends it to anyone she meets. Blake Atwood's writing style is thoroughly enjoyable, and the nuggets he pulls will make you think. Highly recommended.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title made me a bit sceptical, thinking it would be a watered-down take on my favorite show. But I was so pleasantly surprised. Atwood's attention to the show's details and deep understanding of the Gospel of Grace blew me away, especially how he integrated the two. Highly recommend this for any Breaking Bad fan.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up because it was free and I thought it might be interesting. It was. It's heavy on the Breaking Bad and light on the gospel. I thought the book was an interesting analysis of the show, at least for people like me who don't normally think these things through very much.

[Teresa Perrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! So many interesting insights into the characters and their behaviors. Especially loved the last chapter and the reasons he came up with to justify how the writer of the show ended the show.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gospel Seen Thru FreshEyes

My favorite sow and favorite book all together! I thoroughly enjoyed this take on the series. In particular I liked learning the power of the character names and how these are reflected in the Bible. Awesome stuff.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read. I enjoyed it very much and it helped me analyze some of the themes of the best show on television.

[Lauren Horst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't great writing, but I really enjoyed the content.

[John Willett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into Breaking Bad

A quick and insightful read from one Breaking Bad fan to another from a biblical perspective. R
eaching at times

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well crafted

I found this book to be full of thoughtful parallels to scripture. Lots of fascinating tidbits for the uberfan as well.

[Sundi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the work put into this. It's a piece of art, really. Breaking down a characters life that is far too real, all the while showing the consequences of pride. Great work!

[Mark Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book that really makes you think about many different aspects of the TV series. I received a free copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.

[Preston Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well done, Mr. Atwood! So much detail mentioned about the show that I didn't even know. Looking forward to seeing more from you.