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The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle?
Like the first-century Pharisees, we've reduced Christianity to a set of propositional beliefs. Truth is, we've gotten away from what it really means to be a Christian. In The Jesus of Suburbia , Mike Erre reveals that we've created a Jesus in our own image. In a fresh, startling manner, Erre helps us understand that the real Jesus is calling us to live, act, and think in ways that overturn the status quo. "Expect no sugar-coated sweetness about 'felt needs' and in-church coffee bars from Erre, pastor of teaching at Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, Calif. Expect instead compelling discussion of how the Christian church has lost sight of the revolutionary teaching and love of Jesus. 'Much of the message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream,' he says. American Christians, he claims, have reduced Jesus to a study of risk management; we want him to be 'predictable and safe.' Erre also uses the adjectives 'insecure, threatened, naive, simplistic, mean and shortsighted' to describe many of today's churches. He lambastes our love of theology instead of Jesus, our contentment with 'simply knowing about him instead of knowing him.' While this protest continues in the vein of other recent books that take a hard look at Jesus and the church (Jesus Mean and Wild; Out of Your Comfort Zone), it offers a fresh look at how the American church must begin 'demonstrating the message of Christ,' not merely explaining it. After all, says Erre, 'if you follow Jesus, you follow the most radical man who ever existed.'"--Publishers Weekly
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
20 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 7, 2012
I know that I am not giving much info at all about this book...but, while the whole book was good and engaging the last two chapters in particular (The Redemption of Culture, Show and Tell) were worth the price of the book alone. He said many things that I have been coming to terms with over the last decade or so but said them with some mind blowing clarity that made me sit back in my chair a number of times and simply try to get my mind wrapped around the complexity of the simple truth he was presenting.
April 27, 2020
This is a dense book! If your a Christian It challenges the way you live your daily life. Which in our day and age we need! I will definitely be reading this again. But the most important part of this book is allowing it to challenge and change your perspective. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
January 20, 2024
This is an excellent book for anyone looking to reignite their passion for following the Lord. His writing style is clear and concise. Every chapter left me feeling convicted, even if he was relating truths I already knew. I would especially recommend this book to anyone who “grew up Christian” and didn’t have to wrestle with their faith. This book will bring you out of that dull slump.
September 7, 2013
* Not done yet but what a great read so far.
For the first time I am teaching CFF/catechism in the fall. I had real reservations about taking on this task but knew this year would be critical in our eldest's faith. He is in sixth grade & has a better grasp of the bible and being Catholic more than I ever had. I also knew I would be forcing myself to address my own tough questions I've had about God, Christianity, and spirituality all my life.
At the same time I am excited to explore my faith with the youth. Who else is going to be more brutally honest than a class of 12 year olds?
I found this book at the library and while his discourse is nothing new to many of the reviewers, it's new to me. I hope it stays new.
For the first time I am teaching CFF/catechism in the fall. I had real reservations about taking on this task but knew this year would be critical in our eldest's faith. He is in sixth grade & has a better grasp of the bible and being Catholic more than I ever had. I also knew I would be forcing myself to address my own tough questions I've had about God, Christianity, and spirituality all my life.
At the same time I am excited to explore my faith with the youth. Who else is going to be more brutally honest than a class of 12 year olds?
I found this book at the library and while his discourse is nothing new to many of the reviewers, it's new to me. I hope it stays new.
August 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book and found it enlightening. It was an easy read and truly eye opening.
January 25, 2009
Review Format
4 Outstanding Quotes
3 Big Points of the Author
2 Critical Thoughts from Other Thinker/Authors
1 Significant Personal Life Lesson
4 Outstanding Quotes/Topics
Suburban Jesus
“The suburban Jesus would never be so offensive as to demand that we do what we say: he is more interested in the security, comfort, and prosperity of his followers. The message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream.” “…we have gotten comfortable with a watered-down, whitewashed, religiously safe version. Like many other, I have begun to realize my own idolatry and cowardice in this regard (p. xv).”
“We must constantly guard against the counterfeit Jesus who pervades our culture and churches. The real one is far bigger and more dangerous than we realize (p. 3).”
“I think the real Jesus would call us to something far more dangerous: to actually live the truth we say we believe (p. 96).”
“The reason Christ has had diminishing influence on the church is because the church has accepted a diminished Christ (p. 192).”
Purpose of Church
“The purpose of the church is to live the purposes of Christ; to seek and save the lost and to give its life as a ransom for many. This has radical implications for the mission and function of the church (p. 148).”
“The fact that culture shapes us is good and bad.” “We can use culture to affect the world around us. We work in entertainment, political, legal, and academic fields because we know that to change culture is to change how people really live (p. 154).”
“He (Jesus) did not withdraw from culture (like the Essenes), nor did he seek to embrace it (like the Sadducees). He did not advocate armed revolution (as did the Zealots). He simply sought to redeem culture wherever he found it (p. 157).”
Mystery Missing
“Mystery, reverence, and paradox are what are needed in our churches, not more information or steps. An appreciation of the majesty, vastness, goodness, and providence of our holy God would serve us better than yet another book on the Rapture (p. 119).”
“We are not huge fans of true mystery and paradox. We like mysteries that resolve themselves neatly at the end. We don’t like tension; we like resolution. l we like the comfortable clarity of the Jesus of Suburbia over the ravenous wonder and fear the real Jesus brings (p. 124).”
“We don’t like mystery because mystery forces us to trust and wait and be patient. Mystery is painful. Mystery and patience are certainly not the American way (p. 132).”
Movement vs. Institution
“God intended is church to be a movement guided and powered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission of Christ on the earth, which is to make disciples of all nations n to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (p. 137-8).”
“The church has seen and still should be a revolutionary community attempting to subvert and redeem the culture around it (pp. 138-9).”
3 Essential Points of the Book
1. Our cultures desires for good baseball, good movies, good restaurants, good neighborhoods all have very little to do with becoming comfortable with the Savior and Author of the universe.
2. The church, being the people, has the job of redeeming our culture.
3. There is something great, awesome, bigger and overwhelming about being a follower of God. He has called us to participate in being his bride.
2 Points of Comparison with Other Author/Thinkers
1. Dorthy Sayers writes in her book, The Diminished Church about this same topic of the churches’ inadequacy to accomplish much of anything if it serves to merely hold people’s hands and suggest a menu for the next potluck. She is in agreement with Erre’s points and I believe would enjoy his sermons and attending his church.
2. “God is certainly not tame” is a reoccurring theme for the writing of C. S. Lewis. There is something very uncomfortable about placing our trust, decisions, self merits, etc, in the hands of one so beyond our control. While some would see this as a sign of weakness, others recognize profound trust and love.
1 Life Lesson for My Life
I loved the book. Not only for its content. Not only for the honest style. Not only for a willingness to share the shortcomings of the author. Not only because I loved what he said and agree with. Mostly, because I have attended the church where Mike Erre teaches and leads and see his consistency. For 2 ½ years I have watched and scratched my head about many things that I have longed for but have seen lacking in the church. Rock Harbor has touched my life through its people. These are people hungry for the wild, untamed, mystical, transcendent, power God and care to love the community where they live in ways I have never seen before in the church. It is provoking and nurturing and wonderful. For several years i labored as a leader in a few "suburban" churches and i desperately want more now.
Another quote from the book that has been on my heart for weeks now is the statement Mike makes, "we regularly call people (the church) to serve within the church, but when do we tell them to go and serve the poor." This has been so fun to discuss with many friends and find out that some are ahead of me in this. I'm praying about visiting an aids clinic in Costa Mesa that I delivered a turkey dinner to at thanksgiving as part of a thanksgiving dinner donation project i signed up for at church. They weren't to sure what to do with the church folks bringing them food for their distribution group. It was clear that not often does the church come by to offer help. I hope they'll accept my help if i go back. The adventure of the movement of following Jesus ... continues.
Other Good Quotes
Suburban Jesus
“We are drawn to the Jesus of Suburbia – the tame, whitewashed, milquetoast Jesus who s primarily interested in our security and comfort and oblivious to the dangerous and wild Jesus of Nazareth who beckons u beyond the safety of our small lives. We must constantly guard against the counterfeit Jesus who pervades our culture and churches. The real one is far bigger and more dangerous than we realize (p. 3P).”
Someone wrote, “The American church has been educated far beyond its willingness to obey. The Jesus of Suburbia would have s believe that what we need is more doctrine – if people just knew their Bibles better, we would have stronger Christians. Perhaps. I think the real Jesus would call us to something far more dangerous: to actually live the truth we say we believe (p. 96).”
“The reason Christ has had diminishing influence on the church is because the church has accepted a diminished Christ (p. 192).”
Relationship with the Author
“We preach Christianity, but do we really preach Christ? We all people to serve the church, but do we call them to serve the poor? We teach them to know sound doctrine, but do we teach people to center their whole lives (and not just their intellectual knowledge) of him? Do we teach people to have a commitment to the Bible or to a relationship with its author (p. xii)?”
Weak Invitation
“We have turned the ruthless and demanding invitation of Jesus of Nazareth into a safe and weak invitation to follow the counterfeit Jesus of Suburbia? Jesus consistently and frequently warned his followers about the cost of being his disciple. Why don’t we do the same thing today (p. 37).”
The Righteous Mission Christ
“Here’s the crazy thing: Jesus told the Pharisees they were missing him because of their religiousness. Religion got in the way of finding and following Jesus Christ. They were so focused on doing the right things and avoiding the wrong things, keeping score and pronouncing judgment on others that they missed Jesus entirely (pp 43-4).”
Grace
“The religious system of the day taught that you had to be ceremonially clean in order to approach God. Jesus reversed this. He demonstrated that his kingdom was so “at hand” that you could approach God as you were and he made you clean. This was a revolution of grace! Look at those to whom Jesus ministered: the paralyzed, blind, lame, dear, demon-possessed, Samaritans, Gentiles, Romans, women – anyone who was Am Ha-Ertz (dirty). Jesus was drawn to them and they to him (p. 68).“
“Since when is the church a place for people who are supposed to have it all together? When id it cease being a community for the screw-ups and the Am Ha-Eretz of today’s society? Why do we feel that we have to have our addictions cured, our doubts answered, and our religious lives in order before we can come and fall at the feet of Jesus? When did the church become a place for those who aren’t desperate and unclean (p. 72)?”
Care for Poor and Sick, p. 94
Sacred vs. Secular, pp. 98, 111
Legalism, p. 111
Addressing the Moral Objections, pp. 177-9
4 Outstanding Quotes
3 Big Points of the Author
2 Critical Thoughts from Other Thinker/Authors
1 Significant Personal Life Lesson
4 Outstanding Quotes/Topics
Suburban Jesus
“The suburban Jesus would never be so offensive as to demand that we do what we say: he is more interested in the security, comfort, and prosperity of his followers. The message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream.” “…we have gotten comfortable with a watered-down, whitewashed, religiously safe version. Like many other, I have begun to realize my own idolatry and cowardice in this regard (p. xv).”
“We must constantly guard against the counterfeit Jesus who pervades our culture and churches. The real one is far bigger and more dangerous than we realize (p. 3).”
“I think the real Jesus would call us to something far more dangerous: to actually live the truth we say we believe (p. 96).”
“The reason Christ has had diminishing influence on the church is because the church has accepted a diminished Christ (p. 192).”
Purpose of Church
“The purpose of the church is to live the purposes of Christ; to seek and save the lost and to give its life as a ransom for many. This has radical implications for the mission and function of the church (p. 148).”
“The fact that culture shapes us is good and bad.” “We can use culture to affect the world around us. We work in entertainment, political, legal, and academic fields because we know that to change culture is to change how people really live (p. 154).”
“He (Jesus) did not withdraw from culture (like the Essenes), nor did he seek to embrace it (like the Sadducees). He did not advocate armed revolution (as did the Zealots). He simply sought to redeem culture wherever he found it (p. 157).”
Mystery Missing
“Mystery, reverence, and paradox are what are needed in our churches, not more information or steps. An appreciation of the majesty, vastness, goodness, and providence of our holy God would serve us better than yet another book on the Rapture (p. 119).”
“We are not huge fans of true mystery and paradox. We like mysteries that resolve themselves neatly at the end. We don’t like tension; we like resolution. l we like the comfortable clarity of the Jesus of Suburbia over the ravenous wonder and fear the real Jesus brings (p. 124).”
“We don’t like mystery because mystery forces us to trust and wait and be patient. Mystery is painful. Mystery and patience are certainly not the American way (p. 132).”
Movement vs. Institution
“God intended is church to be a movement guided and powered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the mission of Christ on the earth, which is to make disciples of all nations n to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth (p. 137-8).”
“The church has seen and still should be a revolutionary community attempting to subvert and redeem the culture around it (pp. 138-9).”
3 Essential Points of the Book
1. Our cultures desires for good baseball, good movies, good restaurants, good neighborhoods all have very little to do with becoming comfortable with the Savior and Author of the universe.
2. The church, being the people, has the job of redeeming our culture.
3. There is something great, awesome, bigger and overwhelming about being a follower of God. He has called us to participate in being his bride.
2 Points of Comparison with Other Author/Thinkers
1. Dorthy Sayers writes in her book, The Diminished Church about this same topic of the churches’ inadequacy to accomplish much of anything if it serves to merely hold people’s hands and suggest a menu for the next potluck. She is in agreement with Erre’s points and I believe would enjoy his sermons and attending his church.
2. “God is certainly not tame” is a reoccurring theme for the writing of C. S. Lewis. There is something very uncomfortable about placing our trust, decisions, self merits, etc, in the hands of one so beyond our control. While some would see this as a sign of weakness, others recognize profound trust and love.
1 Life Lesson for My Life
I loved the book. Not only for its content. Not only for the honest style. Not only for a willingness to share the shortcomings of the author. Not only because I loved what he said and agree with. Mostly, because I have attended the church where Mike Erre teaches and leads and see his consistency. For 2 ½ years I have watched and scratched my head about many things that I have longed for but have seen lacking in the church. Rock Harbor has touched my life through its people. These are people hungry for the wild, untamed, mystical, transcendent, power God and care to love the community where they live in ways I have never seen before in the church. It is provoking and nurturing and wonderful. For several years i labored as a leader in a few "suburban" churches and i desperately want more now.
Another quote from the book that has been on my heart for weeks now is the statement Mike makes, "we regularly call people (the church) to serve within the church, but when do we tell them to go and serve the poor." This has been so fun to discuss with many friends and find out that some are ahead of me in this. I'm praying about visiting an aids clinic in Costa Mesa that I delivered a turkey dinner to at thanksgiving as part of a thanksgiving dinner donation project i signed up for at church. They weren't to sure what to do with the church folks bringing them food for their distribution group. It was clear that not often does the church come by to offer help. I hope they'll accept my help if i go back. The adventure of the movement of following Jesus ... continues.
Other Good Quotes
Suburban Jesus
“We are drawn to the Jesus of Suburbia – the tame, whitewashed, milquetoast Jesus who s primarily interested in our security and comfort and oblivious to the dangerous and wild Jesus of Nazareth who beckons u beyond the safety of our small lives. We must constantly guard against the counterfeit Jesus who pervades our culture and churches. The real one is far bigger and more dangerous than we realize (p. 3P).”
Someone wrote, “The American church has been educated far beyond its willingness to obey. The Jesus of Suburbia would have s believe that what we need is more doctrine – if people just knew their Bibles better, we would have stronger Christians. Perhaps. I think the real Jesus would call us to something far more dangerous: to actually live the truth we say we believe (p. 96).”
“The reason Christ has had diminishing influence on the church is because the church has accepted a diminished Christ (p. 192).”
Relationship with the Author
“We preach Christianity, but do we really preach Christ? We all people to serve the church, but do we call them to serve the poor? We teach them to know sound doctrine, but do we teach people to center their whole lives (and not just their intellectual knowledge) of him? Do we teach people to have a commitment to the Bible or to a relationship with its author (p. xii)?”
Weak Invitation
“We have turned the ruthless and demanding invitation of Jesus of Nazareth into a safe and weak invitation to follow the counterfeit Jesus of Suburbia? Jesus consistently and frequently warned his followers about the cost of being his disciple. Why don’t we do the same thing today (p. 37).”
The Righteous Mission Christ
“Here’s the crazy thing: Jesus told the Pharisees they were missing him because of their religiousness. Religion got in the way of finding and following Jesus Christ. They were so focused on doing the right things and avoiding the wrong things, keeping score and pronouncing judgment on others that they missed Jesus entirely (pp 43-4).”
Grace
“The religious system of the day taught that you had to be ceremonially clean in order to approach God. Jesus reversed this. He demonstrated that his kingdom was so “at hand” that you could approach God as you were and he made you clean. This was a revolution of grace! Look at those to whom Jesus ministered: the paralyzed, blind, lame, dear, demon-possessed, Samaritans, Gentiles, Romans, women – anyone who was Am Ha-Ertz (dirty). Jesus was drawn to them and they to him (p. 68).“
“Since when is the church a place for people who are supposed to have it all together? When id it cease being a community for the screw-ups and the Am Ha-Eretz of today’s society? Why do we feel that we have to have our addictions cured, our doubts answered, and our religious lives in order before we can come and fall at the feet of Jesus? When did the church become a place for those who aren’t desperate and unclean (p. 72)?”
Care for Poor and Sick, p. 94
Sacred vs. Secular, pp. 98, 111
Legalism, p. 111
Addressing the Moral Objections, pp. 177-9
June 11, 2017
Excellent, easy read with thought provoking principles that make me think carefully about what it really means to be a Christian in action and being, not just name and religion.
Funny story, I read this book 75% of the way, underlining and writing in the margins, and then I left it on an airplane :( Distraught over my lost journaling within its pages, I bought a second copy and marked it up similarly.
What I loved in this book: All things are spiritual, trusting God means more than doing what your religious culture says to, Jesus life turned everything upside down culturally and it might do that for us too when we TRULY follow him instead of the Christian norm, the real test of spiritual maturity is how we love, Jesus meets us where we are - we don't have to get cleaned up first, the Prodigal Son story is really about the righteous brother who stayed behind, the Pharisees have so so much in common with culturally religious (focus on outward behaviors)
Favorite quote: "Walking with Jesus (otherwise known as discipleship) becomes not a matter of learning to do a bunch of new religious things; rather, it means doing the things I have always done but doing them differently. I still eat, drink, work, play, drive, shop, and love, but I do those things from a new perspective. I thank God for all his gifts; knowing the Giver makes the gifts all the better. I learn to do things with excellence "in the name of the Lord Jesus," knowing he is with me at all times and is pleased when I offer my ordinary life to him for his glory. I being to pay attention, for the whole earth is bathed in God's glory, and I recognize there is nowhere I will be that he hasn't been first. Following Jesus becomes learning to recognize and worship him in the small avenues and adventures of real life."
I could say so much more about what I loved in this book. Note to self - go thumb through the underlines to remind yourself <3
Funny story, I read this book 75% of the way, underlining and writing in the margins, and then I left it on an airplane :( Distraught over my lost journaling within its pages, I bought a second copy and marked it up similarly.
What I loved in this book: All things are spiritual, trusting God means more than doing what your religious culture says to, Jesus life turned everything upside down culturally and it might do that for us too when we TRULY follow him instead of the Christian norm, the real test of spiritual maturity is how we love, Jesus meets us where we are - we don't have to get cleaned up first, the Prodigal Son story is really about the righteous brother who stayed behind, the Pharisees have so so much in common with culturally religious (focus on outward behaviors)
Favorite quote: "Walking with Jesus (otherwise known as discipleship) becomes not a matter of learning to do a bunch of new religious things; rather, it means doing the things I have always done but doing them differently. I still eat, drink, work, play, drive, shop, and love, but I do those things from a new perspective. I thank God for all his gifts; knowing the Giver makes the gifts all the better. I learn to do things with excellence "in the name of the Lord Jesus," knowing he is with me at all times and is pleased when I offer my ordinary life to him for his glory. I being to pay attention, for the whole earth is bathed in God's glory, and I recognize there is nowhere I will be that he hasn't been first. Following Jesus becomes learning to recognize and worship him in the small avenues and adventures of real life."
I could say so much more about what I loved in this book. Note to self - go thumb through the underlines to remind yourself <3
July 12, 2018
LOVED this book so much!
The whole books felt like a culmination of thoughts from many of my favorite books like “Radical” and “The Explicit Gospel” and I loved that!
I love Mike Erre’s honestly in pointing out our cultures (and our) lack of getting to know the REAL Jesus, as the man who walked among sinners and came to earth to start a revolution!
Jesus of Suburbia addressed so many of the issues and questions I have about Christianity and modern religion today is such straightforward ways I was constantly left convicted, inspired, and agreeing with what I was reading.
This book is about reminding us of the radical life God has called us to live and the revolution Jesus started that we are meant to carry out!
Couldn’t recommend it more!
The whole books felt like a culmination of thoughts from many of my favorite books like “Radical” and “The Explicit Gospel” and I loved that!
I love Mike Erre’s honestly in pointing out our cultures (and our) lack of getting to know the REAL Jesus, as the man who walked among sinners and came to earth to start a revolution!
Jesus of Suburbia addressed so many of the issues and questions I have about Christianity and modern religion today is such straightforward ways I was constantly left convicted, inspired, and agreeing with what I was reading.
This book is about reminding us of the radical life God has called us to live and the revolution Jesus started that we are meant to carry out!
Couldn’t recommend it more!
September 20, 2017
It very much reminded me of other books I read in the past by Bell and Driscoll - until I realized many of his sources were Rob Bell and Mark Driscoll. Along that same genre. Although this was pre-"Love Wins" by Bell, so wasn't yet as controversial.
A rather stock book for this genre - although a much needed lesson and reminder. Not deeply theological and some points could have been expressed in many less pages.
I did enjoy it though - love his chapter on finding Biblical truth outside of the Gospel and using that to win believers. Also enjoyed his explanation of how the Gospel is meant to be culturally-relevant while still staying theologically pure.
A rather stock book for this genre - although a much needed lesson and reminder. Not deeply theological and some points could have been expressed in many less pages.
I did enjoy it though - love his chapter on finding Biblical truth outside of the Gospel and using that to win believers. Also enjoyed his explanation of how the Gospel is meant to be culturally-relevant while still staying theologically pure.
January 3, 2018
A well written book that makes some very good points regarding the various ways we have domesticated Jesus and his gospel. It is written at a popular level but is built upon some decent and sound theology so that his arguments are credible and convincing. There is some passion in the delivery, but it is based more in his own past shortcomings than an outward anger toward "worldly" Christians, so that the overall tone is not not condemnatory (an impression one might falsely take from the title of the book). I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a popular level book on an extremely important subject.
January 29, 2018
I did not finish this book. After reaching page 11 and seeing the sentence identifying Rachel as Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau, this amrchair theologian decided that this book by a degree theologian isn't worth reading. While I am sure Mr. Erre's message is a good one, I can't get past a blatant error that he and his editor made.
By the way, Rachel was one of Jacob's wives. Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob.
By the way, Rachel was one of Jacob's wives. Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob.
March 18, 2023
It’s interesting in 2023 to see how long mike erre has been thinking about and struggling with some of the thoughts sighing this book. As a big fan of the voxology podcast, i can see how some of his own views may have evolved (though rarely in contradictory ways) from his beliefs in 2006 when this was published. If anything I feel he is more convicting and forceful now than he was when writing this book.
March 17, 2020
Thought provoking
A book that challenges what we think we know about Jesus. I especially liked the comparison of getting to really know Jesus as moving past the gift shop into the vastness of the Grand Canyon. When we think we understand all there is to know about Jesus, we only have religion but not revolution.
A book that challenges what we think we know about Jesus. I especially liked the comparison of getting to really know Jesus as moving past the gift shop into the vastness of the Grand Canyon. When we think we understand all there is to know about Jesus, we only have religion but not revolution.
March 4, 2024
This was a great book…easy-to-read style that packs a punch with every chapter. It’s a message I need to be reminded of, as well as the broader Church, as we can so easily fall into cramming Jesus back into a box that allows us to life safe, comfortable, self-focused lives. I really enjoy listening to Mike’s Voxology podcast and it continues to convict me and make me think outside my safe boxes.
August 19, 2019
Erre gets it. And he's not afraid to put it bluntly and ask some hard questions of the American church. There were one or two points I'd consider a quibble, but the majority of the book (and all his main points) are solid. Definitely recommend.
April 8, 2018
Loved this book. Jesus is far greater than we make Him out to be. Discover the true Son of God.
August 7, 2014
The subtitle says it all.
If you're reading this, you probably know that I'm pretty open-minded and that I love to read about and discuss viewpoints with which I (sometimes vehemently) disagree. And I often recommend books that fit this description, so I don't want anyone to think that my failure to recommend this book has anything to do with my feelings about Mike's point of view (I know, I spoiled the ending. Read on anyway, please.)
I have two major problems with The Jesus of Suburbia. The first is that Mike argues that one cannot truly love, know, and "come to" Jesus unless one is the modern American equivalent of a leper or Roman tax collector. He is dead wrong. I have the privilege of knowing several people who have never come close to that, and they are some of the truest disciples of Jesus I have ever encountered. I consider it an insult to them and to myself (although I admit I am by no means that mature in my faith). It strikes me as the most craven form of judgement, precisely the opposite of the teachings of Jesus. I'll move on now, before I start writing nasty things.
The second major complaint (I have lots of little ones, but since I promise to keep things short, I'm just sharing the big two) is a characteristic of many books of this type, which is to claim to know what God wants. Mike says over and over (with the Bible passages for support) that we can never truly know or understand God. But he also writes repeatedly about what God wants us to do, also quoting from the Bible. He speaks with such authority, which just really drives me nuts. Which is it, Mike? I personally would not presume to preach to others about what God wants anyone else to do. Of course, there is a lot of guidance in the Bible, but not enough, in my opinion, to support he kinds of details and assertions in The Jesus of Suburbia.
The Holy Spirit guides us all differently. That's the beauty of faith. Now go find something else to read.
Leave It
If you're reading this, you probably know that I'm pretty open-minded and that I love to read about and discuss viewpoints with which I (sometimes vehemently) disagree. And I often recommend books that fit this description, so I don't want anyone to think that my failure to recommend this book has anything to do with my feelings about Mike's point of view (I know, I spoiled the ending. Read on anyway, please.)
I have two major problems with The Jesus of Suburbia. The first is that Mike argues that one cannot truly love, know, and "come to" Jesus unless one is the modern American equivalent of a leper or Roman tax collector. He is dead wrong. I have the privilege of knowing several people who have never come close to that, and they are some of the truest disciples of Jesus I have ever encountered. I consider it an insult to them and to myself (although I admit I am by no means that mature in my faith). It strikes me as the most craven form of judgement, precisely the opposite of the teachings of Jesus. I'll move on now, before I start writing nasty things.
The second major complaint (I have lots of little ones, but since I promise to keep things short, I'm just sharing the big two) is a characteristic of many books of this type, which is to claim to know what God wants. Mike says over and over (with the Bible passages for support) that we can never truly know or understand God. But he also writes repeatedly about what God wants us to do, also quoting from the Bible. He speaks with such authority, which just really drives me nuts. Which is it, Mike? I personally would not presume to preach to others about what God wants anyone else to do. Of course, there is a lot of guidance in the Bible, but not enough, in my opinion, to support he kinds of details and assertions in The Jesus of Suburbia.
The Holy Spirit guides us all differently. That's the beauty of faith. Now go find something else to read.
Leave It
November 19, 2010
I think that The Jesus of Suburbia was a great read. It really opened my eyes up to the perpspective on how we often sell out the true faith to the consumer substitute of today's society. We as, faithfull people tend to mix in values dont belong. Erre mentions in this book that this is called syncretism, which is a big mistake, that we need to change. Christianity has become "sugar-coated" he says. The book explains that the christian church has lost track of revolutionary teachings and love for jesus.
I think this was a great book to read. It had many valid points and made me think twice about how i was acting and how i was letting religion effect my life. I thought it was good in the sence that it questioned alot of things we are doing today. Is our religion becoming a different watered down version of what it once was? Are we losing track of what we have? It made me understand that i need to actively live out my relationship with christ. But also i really didnt understand why Mike mentions that christians in america are too Educated, Too Intellectual, and too personable, which i belive is wrong. We never know enough about Christianity. You can always learn more with love you are given. You can never bee too personable with god. Its just impossible. Its when you start treating him like a friend when you have problems. Although there were a mix of emotions through this book it kept me reading, and wondering what he was gonna mention next.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is of the christian faith and is sick of this blan stereotypical relationship with god, and wants more. If your willing to listen, and think. You will like this book. Even if you don't belive what hes saying is right, you will still enjoy the insight and the bright new relationship with god.
I think this was a great book to read. It had many valid points and made me think twice about how i was acting and how i was letting religion effect my life. I thought it was good in the sence that it questioned alot of things we are doing today. Is our religion becoming a different watered down version of what it once was? Are we losing track of what we have? It made me understand that i need to actively live out my relationship with christ. But also i really didnt understand why Mike mentions that christians in america are too Educated, Too Intellectual, and too personable, which i belive is wrong. We never know enough about Christianity. You can always learn more with love you are given. You can never bee too personable with god. Its just impossible. Its when you start treating him like a friend when you have problems. Although there were a mix of emotions through this book it kept me reading, and wondering what he was gonna mention next.
I would recommend this book to anyone that is of the christian faith and is sick of this blan stereotypical relationship with god, and wants more. If your willing to listen, and think. You will like this book. Even if you don't belive what hes saying is right, you will still enjoy the insight and the bright new relationship with god.
January 6, 2010
This book had me nodding my head (in confession) the entire time. I read it in 2 days and plan to re-read it again. Can the world even see Jesus when they look at me? Who do they say that He is? If it is based on seeing my life, what kind of Jesus will they see?
From Publisher’s Weekly:
“Compelling discussion of how the Christian church has lost sight of the revolutionary teaching and love of Jesus. “Much of the message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream,” he says. American Christians, he claims, have reduced Jesus to a study of risk management; we want him to be “predictable and safe.” Erre also uses the adjectives “insecure, threatened, naive, simplistic, mean and shortsighted” to describe many of today’s churches. He lambastes our love of theology instead of Jesus, our contentment with “simply knowing about him instead of knowing him.” While this protest continues in the vein of other recent books that take a hard look at Jesus and the church it offers a fresh look at how the American church must begin “demonstrating the message of Christ,” not merely explaining it. After all, says Erre, “if you follow Jesus, you follow the most radical man who ever existed.”
From Publisher’s Weekly:
“Compelling discussion of how the Christian church has lost sight of the revolutionary teaching and love of Jesus. “Much of the message of American Christianity presents Jesus as the purveyor of the American Dream,” he says. American Christians, he claims, have reduced Jesus to a study of risk management; we want him to be “predictable and safe.” Erre also uses the adjectives “insecure, threatened, naive, simplistic, mean and shortsighted” to describe many of today’s churches. He lambastes our love of theology instead of Jesus, our contentment with “simply knowing about him instead of knowing him.” While this protest continues in the vein of other recent books that take a hard look at Jesus and the church it offers a fresh look at how the American church must begin “demonstrating the message of Christ,” not merely explaining it. After all, says Erre, “if you follow Jesus, you follow the most radical man who ever existed.”
June 21, 2016
This book takes a look at what has become of the Jesus of the Bible as He has been slowly turned into the Jesus of Suburbia where comfort and protection are the priorities of his followers. With many believing that faith in Jesus is supposed to result in a trouble-free life, readers may be disappointed to learn that trials and tribulation are actually the rule of the day (even today) if one follows the Jesus of the Bible and joins His revolution.
The author touches on many topics including the concepts of “Christian” labels and where “Truth” can be found which are extremely relevant in today’s society. Attempting to keep the “spiritual” separate from the “material” caused problems for the early church and it still does today, leading to New Gnosticism.
Despite finding the author’s presentation interesting, I was bothered by the lack of any mention of the Holy Spirit and His impact (or lack thereof) on the church today. The author does list the Trinity in his church’s doctrinal statements but he goes no further, not even mentioning the lack of anyone discussing, learning, relying on the third part of the Trinity today despite Jesus informing his followers after He left, the Comforter would come. (John 16:7)
The author touches on many topics including the concepts of “Christian” labels and where “Truth” can be found which are extremely relevant in today’s society. Attempting to keep the “spiritual” separate from the “material” caused problems for the early church and it still does today, leading to New Gnosticism.
Despite finding the author’s presentation interesting, I was bothered by the lack of any mention of the Holy Spirit and His impact (or lack thereof) on the church today. The author does list the Trinity in his church’s doctrinal statements but he goes no further, not even mentioning the lack of anyone discussing, learning, relying on the third part of the Trinity today despite Jesus informing his followers after He left, the Comforter would come. (John 16:7)
December 1, 2020
What an eye opening book. In Church or Christian groups we like to remind ourselves of the kind, soft, passive Jesus who wouldn't say boo to a goose. This book reminds us that Jesus was just as much or even more so the controversial, hard, aggressive and intense man that we don't like to remember. The reason we don't like to remember; as then we need to do something, we need to speak out for his name, we need to spread the good news, stand up for injustice, etc. I fully recommend this book to all Christians to remind us of who Jesus really was.
December 16, 2007
This book had a lot of good things to say about the way people treat Christianity and more importantly Jesus in our day and time. As I was reading it I was able to take a step back and really evaluate my relationship with Christ. I felt like the last two chapters could have done more to hit his argument home a little better-but overall it is a book that I would recommend to anyone seeking a genuine relationship with Christ.
January 30, 2008
This was a great Christmas present to receive, especially before a long road-trip. Although I had heard and been taught "Love your neighbor as yourself," part of this book taught me what that truly meant (as opposed to the easy version).
This book was inspiring to read after I had just finished writing my own research essay on "Does God want Christians to be rich?" for a class.
This book was inspiring to read after I had just finished writing my own research essay on "Does God want Christians to be rich?" for a class.
February 25, 2009
This is a powerful reflection on the state of Christianity in the world that we live in today. An honest and somewhat skeptical view of the current state of the church, but this is balanced with a strong sense of Hope in the future of Christianity and the church, as long as we are willing to examine ourselves and be aware of the world we live in, not just afraid of it.
September 17, 2011
I've been struggling with concept of the modern institution that we call "The Church" so I really enjoyed Mike Erre's perspective. I doubt if Jesus of Nazareth would fit into the American church. I'll let Mike sum up his own book in one statement.
"Jesus never called us to be believers - he called us to be followers who believe."
"Jesus never called us to be believers - he called us to be followers who believe."
July 30, 2011
It's strongest when the author uses historical examples, especially about the two kingdoms. Overall, it's good, and he brings up some good points. Others have made the same points better, but the title's illustration earns another point. Any Jesus who just wants us to be comfortable is a different Jesus. This is a good reminder.
September 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and the careful insight Mike put into it. My perception of Jesus (and following Jesus) has become more three-dimensional, though it will never be perfect this side of Heaven. The timing of my reading of this book was almost perfect. It's been a great companion piece to Mike's sermon series through Luke.
January 3, 2015
A good and quick read and one that I think many Christians should dialog with in their personal devotions and in their church communities. The question of "have I remade God in my own image" is one that is critical to our modern-day Christian experience and one that deserves deep reflection and confession.
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August 9, 2016Read this book years ago, but never posted a Goodreads review, for some odd reason. Maybe it was before I joined?
At the time, I recall liking the book a lot. However, with several additional years of church life behind me, I might feel differently about it now. Therefore, I'm not going to rate it.
At the time, I recall liking the book a lot. However, with several additional years of church life behind me, I might feel differently about it now. Therefore, I'm not going to rate it.
June 6, 2008
We just read through this book with our lifegroup, and I gained some great things from it. Mike Erre is a little repetetive, and writes, kinda like he probably preaches, but the subject matter is worth reading the book!
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