The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to Jesus: Lord, Liar, Lunatic…Or Awesome?

Theology for the People

by Tripp Fuller

Christology is crazy. Its rather absurd to identify a first-century homeless Jew as God revealed, but a bunch of us do anyway. In this book, Tripp Fuller examines the historical Jesus, the development of the doctrine of Christ, the questions that drove christological innovations through church history, contemporary constructive proposals, and the predicament of belief for the church today.

Recognizing that the battle over Jesus is no longer a public debate between the skeptic and believer but an internal struggle in the heart of many disciples, he argues that we continue to make christological claims about more than an event or simply the Jesus of history. On the other hand, C. S. Lewiss infamous liar, lunatic, and Lord scheme is no longer intellectually tenable. This may be a guide to Jesus, but for Christians, Fuller is guiding us toward a deeper understanding of God. He thinks its good newsgood news about a God who is so invested in the world that God refuses to be God without us.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Religion

194 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp is a trip. Smart as a whip. I'm curious about his Christology. Will need to take a look at his "Divine Self-investment" model. I suspect I will find it attractive but not ultimately one I can ultimately accept as the best description of the God we meet in Jesus. I'm sure it's a heck of a lot better of a Christology than many others' out there though.

Lots of other good stuff in here as well. Really nerdy...I do wonder about Tripp's social location and experience re: the oppressed he talks about. Anyways, it's short. Worth a read

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is nothing too spectacularly special about this book. It sells itself as a sort of primer for developing your own faith but seems to fall short in a lot areas. There is a lot of good references to historical development of Christianity but that’s about it.

There are some failings, specifically his explanation (I haven’t read the book he references) regarding the “Sophia” of God which is explained in almost anachronistic fashion.

There are some good thoughts in the book, specifically the constant urging to work out your own faith and better understanding of Jesus. I wouldn’t recommend this to baby Christians or those with deep-seated questions about their faith.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author makes some good points, especially in regard to Jesus' ethnicity and faith. We so often think of Jesus as a white man with blond hair. Knowing what we do of genetics and what history tells us, we know that is not the case. Rather He is Jewish, most likely with a darker complexion and dark hair. He also points out how as followers of Jesus we are to be mindful of the environment as we are stewards, not the owners and committed to seeking justice.

However, I have to take exception with some other things. For instance, the author notes that him and his wife taught their son to pray "our mother" at the beginning of the Lord's prayer. While I believe understand their intent, who are we to change the words that were given to us by God Incarnate?

This book was a quick read, though at times I had to put it down as some of what is written caused me me to have an emotional reaction. However, while I think the author has a progressive faith, whereas I lean towards a conservative faith (although I view myself as a moderate - i.e., I agree with Tripp's stance on the environment and social justice), it caused me to think about my faith, which is a good thing.

I'd recommend this book to those who have a progressive faith as it will encourage you and to those who are conservative or evangelical if you want to be challenged and grow in your faith.

[dp · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to Jesus is an informative, inspiring, and hilarious book. I especially appreciate Tripp Fuller's Christological take because of how seriously he takes the multifaceted challenges of postmodernity, not just brushing them aside and defaulting to the go-to Christian position of, "Well, the Bible says ...". He articulates a living, relational faith for the 21st century, in a Jesus who is truly love incarnate.

I deducted a star because I felt like the book seemed slightly rushed and unfocused at times, but even by looking at its slim size, it's clearly supposed to be an introduction of sorts. In light of that, it's fantastic. I know Tripp is currently writing a bigger book that incorporates aspects of his dissertation, so I'm looking forward to that after having this as a taster.

This is a book I highly recommend, and one I would give to friends across the spectrum of belief, for a refreshing look at an ancient, polarizing dude.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a number of popular and college level material on the Gospels and Christology I have something to compare this to. I dove into this book right after watching Messiah on Netflix because that experience was enough to challenge me existentially and after years I was eager to reopen some reading here and with other books. This simple book is one of the best introductions to Christology I have ever read. It treats the reader like an adult while patiently guiding with humor the reader through the labyrinth of biblical studies, historical and contemporary theology, issues, gospel studies and constructive Christology in our present situation of gross social injustice and planetary degradation and crisis. It isn't comprehensive but does enough in its presentation to give a particularly zesty Christology and theologians and their works as a next step in reading for the eager learner.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a confessed "theology nerd", this book is prophetic. Written by a member of the Fuller family of Fuller Seminary in LA, Tripp is a progressive evangelical philosopher, theologian, PODcaster, blogger, author, and professor of the philosophy of religion. He is a true renaissance man, who loves beer. Tripp isn't a part of the Westar Project (Jesus Project, Christianity Project, God Project) - but he interviews every theologian or Christian personality he can get to come on his podcast. The book ends calling on Christians to be heretics! That's me; a Christian who "can never be content with what already is, and that is exciting.". Thanks, Tripp. You've got a big fan now in me.
We the elders must rely on those coming behind us to reshape the community called Christians and rescue Christianity from nationalism and destruction.

[emco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book on my shelf for a couple of years now, and I'm so glad I finally read it. It's hard for me to sum up the contents, because it's kind of like going to a potluck for just kale salads (or whatever dense, nutritious food you like). You get a little dollop of lots of different variations, and each one is just a little nibble that builds into one overarching taste. Okay, I will stop dragging out this belabored metaphor. But that's what it's like. This is a Christology that is rigorous and one that believes, which is important for me. It's also unapologetic in its values—who knew that religiously conservative = politically radical?

[Stephen Propps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book

I’ve been looking for a book like this for a while now. After leaving my faith a number of years ago, I’ve continued to wrestle with God and Jesus. Tripp Fuller addresses many of my concerns in a very accessible way. This book is perfect for anyone looking for depth without needing a theological/academic background. If you’re struggling with your faith but are interested in a serious and fresh way to think about Jesus, check this book out.

[James Fennell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing and Revitalizing

The authors conversational style made for an easy read of an important topic. I always love looking at familiar things in different ways and from different perspectives, and this book does not fail. Its a great way to breathe new life into your faith, and makes me want to read more of the series and seek out the author's podcasts.

[Matt Sears · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serious look at Jesus for those who have looked at him for so long he's become background noise. Or for those non jesus folks who assume he's as obnoxious as many of his followers. The last chapter bumped it up a star for it's discussion of a Jesus I can get behind, one concerned with the planet and it's poor, not the systems we have in place that create and prolong the misery of both.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read/listen to Tripp Fuller talking about Jesus, all day long. Fuller will make you feel his passion for Jesus in this book. I don’t know how you read a book like this and NOT become a more ardent Christian.

[Jared Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars just because I appreciate how enthusiastically Tripp talks about Jesus. In all seriousness though this book is a great introduction to many theological concepts. I feel like it's a great place to start of you're interested (or want to get interested) in Christology.

[Krisdeep Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an agnostic dude I read this book out of curiosity and found a well written book about Christ and Christ-otology. This book's way of writing about Jesus and his love for all is pretty amazing and I will def read more about the subject.

[Steve Thomason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing overview of a Christology that can actually help the world, right here and now.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Homebrewed Christianity. Tripp Fuller is refreshing, fun, profound & quite hopiliscuous for people of all ages. Where was this book when I was in my 20's? I'd hand this zesty Jesus guide book to a senior in high school, a young pastor who is deconstructing the church, his faith & a post-post-post world, a middle aged dude who is rethinking Christianity & anyone willing to give Jesus a try for the 1st time or the 100th time. Tripp covers everything from Moltmann's Crucified God to Johnson's feminist theology, from John Cobb's process theology to Sobrino's Liberation Theology & then some... You'll tackle the 1st Century homeless dead Jew & the nuances of 2nd Temple Judaism. This book will help the average Joe & the previous seminarian (who has forgotten a lot) unravel the mystery of atonement theories, reconsider the possibilities of skeptical belief & believing skepticism in a New World, unpack Christology from below and above, & reengage Christ with fresh eyes through environmental concerns, poverty issues, community and much more! Read this book. It's a hell of a good ride, and incredibly helpful & deep for such a quick read! & don't forget... Share the brew!

[Joel Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding introduction to current, progressive Christology.

What I love about Tripp is his passion, and this is infused throughout his short introduction to Jesus. He's a brilliant thinker, with a razor-sharp wit, and is not afraid to engage with pressing questions that face current people of faith. In this book, he gives the reader permission to be honest about their faith, and the inherent absurdity of the Christian claim that the Creator of the Universe walked around as a homeless, Jewish rabbi in the 1st century. All the while, he manages to weave together a readable, and accessible, engagement with current philosophy, feminism, and suffering (John Cobb, Elizabeth Johnson, and Jurgen Moltmann, respectively).

Also, the book is really funny.

I highly, highly recommend this to anyone. Lifelong Christians may find a refreshing outlet for their doubts, or possibly new ideas about Jesus that they have never interacted with. Skeptics will find an engaging, funny, passionate account for relevant faith in our post-modern context. It's that good.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tripp has written a very readable and sometimes humorous introduction to Christology for the layman. He believes it is possible to be passionate about Jesus Christ all while wrestling with difficult issues that have arisen in biblical scholarship and religious pluralism. I would hand this to people at my church without hesitation, but I'm not sure this is the best book for the skeptic who does not have any scriptural frame of reference. Tripp pretty much assumes the reader is very familiar with Jesus and the Gospel stories. For that type of person, perhaps James
Martin's Jesus: A Pilgrimage would compliment this work rather nicely.

[Mark Wendland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to historical Jesus studies, New Testament criticism, and Christology in the style of the podcast. The book is personal, humorous, and a bit deeper than you would expect at points. Tripp keeps to the main highway most of the time, and then veers off into process thought near the end as an example of the kind of theological moves that make the most sense to him. The nice thing about being a thoroughgoing postmodern is that since every viewpoint is a chosen narrative, you get to choose the one that fires up your imagination the most.

[Brekke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reminds me of Marcus Borg's "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time." Perhaps because the Jesus that Tripp describes is a Jesus that is unfamiliar to much of contemporary American Christianity. This book continues the conversational tone of the podcast, and is insightful and hilarious (especially the 4 voices that add their insights thought the book). I would use this with my university students as a great introduction to how to think Christologically as progressive, thoughtful Christians.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of a podcast and I was surprised and pleased that I book has came from the podcast. I really enjoyed the book. I loved how the point of the book was not to tell you how did believe but reported you to structures and language for you to believe or you want to. it was nice to see the journey of how the author has developed his theology. I would say the point of the book is to demonstrate how different theological ideas affect how we relate to the world.

[Stasi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for a Christian curious about progressive ideas about Jesus. Mr. Fuller isn't the clearest communicator and sometimes his ideas get confused in his prose. As an MDiv myself, I was able to follow most of the thoughts and while there wasn't anything earth-shatteringly new to me, I find myself a week later still sharing some of his metaphors or thinking more deeply about a few things he said.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sassy, insightful and occasionally irreverent look at Christology. Any irreverence isn't toward the Christ but toward the weird ways in which believers sometimes play Christian. The author, Tripp Fuller, is host of the Homebrewed Christianity podcast. If you are familiar with that podcast you will hear Tripp's voice in this book. That's a good thing as he's more interested in telling us what he thinks than in playing it safe.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book on Christology. It's a very different book in that it reflects Tripp's often satirical wit. But don't let the wittiness of this small book throw you off. Tripp is a very fine theologian, and there is much to learn in this book.

The book is a spinoff of Tripp's very popular Homebreweed Christianity podcasts, and the first book in a series of theological guidebooks.

[Nathan Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic Book on Jesus!

Tripp Fuller has painted an incredibly beautiful portrait of the risen Jesus in this short and incredibly accessible book. There are of course some theological nerd-outs in this title but they help you grow in your walk as a follower of Jesus and as a human. Chapter 8 alone is a quotable goldmine. Zesty indeed!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Pending

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vintage Tripp Fuller. Lots of good conversation starters and I will be giving it to my teenagers.

[Yanxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a must-read for anyone interested in Jesus at all. It's at once funny, witty, accessible, and insightful. This will be my go-to book on intro Christology for a long time to come

[Maxij · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and fabulous little exploration of past and current thinking on the life and person of Jesus.