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The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith
A church divided?
Emergent theology is raising some of the most provocative and divisive questions in the church today. For some, these ideas embody the true spirit of the gospel, trading tired religion for authenticity and relevance. Others dismiss it as a heresy that compromises the gospel in the name of tolerance and dilutes the truth to attract a jaded generation.
Is there any room for middle ground?
Timothy Stoner thinks so. Join him as he provides an honest response to the postmodern cry for authentic spirituality. Filled with humorous insights and challenging ideas, The God Who Smokes imagines a twenty-first-century church where hope hangs with holiness, passion sits next to purity, and compassion can relate to character.
Timothy celebrates the good within Emergent while providing a balanced and thoughtful critique. Throughout, you’ll discover not only the issues that can divide but also the burning passion that can unite us all.
Emergent theology is raising some of the most provocative and divisive questions in the church today. For some, these ideas embody the true spirit of the gospel, trading tired religion for authenticity and relevance. Others dismiss it as a heresy that compromises the gospel in the name of tolerance and dilutes the truth to attract a jaded generation.
Is there any room for middle ground?
Timothy Stoner thinks so. Join him as he provides an honest response to the postmodern cry for authentic spirituality. Filled with humorous insights and challenging ideas, The God Who Smokes imagines a twenty-first-century church where hope hangs with holiness, passion sits next to purity, and compassion can relate to character.
Timothy celebrates the good within Emergent while providing a balanced and thoughtful critique. Throughout, you’ll discover not only the issues that can divide but also the burning passion that can unite us all.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2008
10 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Timothy J. Stoner
6 books8 followersThe son of missionary parents, Timothy J. Stoner grew up in Chile and Spain.
After graduating from Cedarville University and attending Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Stoner graduated from Cooley Law School in 1987. Tim has been married to Patty Grace Stoner for over thirty years. They have five children, the youngest of which was adopted from Mozambique, Africa. They all live in Grand Rapids.
After graduating from Cedarville University and attending Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, Stoner graduated from Cooley Law School in 1987. Tim has been married to Patty Grace Stoner for over thirty years. They have five children, the youngest of which was adopted from Mozambique, Africa. They all live in Grand Rapids.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 24, 2011
As many other reviewers have noted, a book titled "The God Who Smokes" written by a man with the last name of Stoner is immediately intriguing. However, the title actually comes from the fact that in modern Christianity, many people are painting God as the warm & fuzzy friendly guy who loves and forgives us. While God does indeed love and forgive us, he also has an awesome, powerful, frigthening side as revealed particularly in the old testament (his appearance to the Hebrews at Mount Sinai, for example).
This book is an exploration of modern Christian theology written by a lawyer who has some seminary training, was the child of missionaries, and is a lifelong Christian. He is not a theological scholar. For the most part, I found this to be an excellent book. The auther is very engaging and uses many examples from his life as the childhood in Chile and Spain (his parents were missionaries) and his adult life. I agreed with much of what he said, doctrine wise. He supports a well-reasoned, open-minded faith rather than blind dogmatic belief. That said, he does hold some beliefs as so central to the Christian faith that they cannot be questioned (for example, that Jesus is the Son of God), something I also agree with.
I had two main problems with this book. One is that in order to get the most out of it, one must be familiar with the "emergent" or "emerging" church movement. In particular, it is most helpful to be familiar with the works of Rob Bell, in particular his book Velvet Elvis. A section of the book is devoted to a critique of this book.
The second problem was that based on the back cover, the book is marketing as basically being a bscklash against the emergent church (and again, Rob Bell). In actuality, there is not that much difference between the theology present in this book and Rob Bell's; in fact, the auther is a member of Bell's congregation. This makes the teaser rather misleading. If I been browsing in a book and mortar store, I probably would not have bought it. I picked it up because of reviews online.
This book is an exploration of modern Christian theology written by a lawyer who has some seminary training, was the child of missionaries, and is a lifelong Christian. He is not a theological scholar. For the most part, I found this to be an excellent book. The auther is very engaging and uses many examples from his life as the childhood in Chile and Spain (his parents were missionaries) and his adult life. I agreed with much of what he said, doctrine wise. He supports a well-reasoned, open-minded faith rather than blind dogmatic belief. That said, he does hold some beliefs as so central to the Christian faith that they cannot be questioned (for example, that Jesus is the Son of God), something I also agree with.
I had two main problems with this book. One is that in order to get the most out of it, one must be familiar with the "emergent" or "emerging" church movement. In particular, it is most helpful to be familiar with the works of Rob Bell, in particular his book Velvet Elvis. A section of the book is devoted to a critique of this book.
The second problem was that based on the back cover, the book is marketing as basically being a bscklash against the emergent church (and again, Rob Bell). In actuality, there is not that much difference between the theology present in this book and Rob Bell's; in fact, the auther is a member of Bell's congregation. This makes the teaser rather misleading. If I been browsing in a book and mortar store, I probably would not have bought it. I picked it up because of reviews online.
April 10, 2012
While I don't know that there were any major insights or facts in this book that I hadn't heard before, the over-arching themes and picture of God were helpful to me at this point in my Christian life. Also, while Stoner does address some issues with emergent theology, I wouldn't say the bulk of the book addresses that topic (as we are led to believe by the back cover). I did really love the way he approached and balanced out some of the attitudes and issues present in theologically reformed circles. And again, the way he describes God (which, from my layman's viewpoint, was very Biblical) was beautiful to me.
His writing style is engaging; I finished this book very quickly. I'd recommend it.
His writing style is engaging; I finished this book very quickly. I'd recommend it.
October 6, 2010
Really great insights in this book. Borrowed it from my pastor, and I would read it again if I had the opportunity. Stoner's purpose in writing this book is to distinguish the beliefs of the Emergent church from the emerging church. However, he focuses mostly on the nature of God, drawing primarily from Scripture, and secondarily his own experiences, which ultimately serves his purpose, because once we come to a better understanding of who God is, we consequently understand His will more, and when we understand know these two things, it becomes quite clear what God wants from the Church.
June 8, 2008
A great book for anyone who is familiar with the culture of Reformed faith and loves/struggles with it. I identify with Tim on many levels. The backcover is misleading because very little time is spent on talking about the Emergent faith. I'd say artists will find a couple of chapters in the middle very comforting and inspirational. Don't let the backcover mislead you.
March 16, 2009
I'm actually still reading, but am enjoying it immensely. I think he understands God's majesty/ jealousy/ wrath/ as inseparable from His love better than most. So far nothing has been dishonoring or misleading, which is a relief these days.
Finished the other day--I read all the Notes too. I would recommend; good insight and careful, humble critiques of Emergent writers.
Finished the other day--I read all the Notes too. I would recommend; good insight and careful, humble critiques of Emergent writers.
June 3, 2011
This was the last book I read before I became ill. It was good preparation for what was to come in my life. Stoner is convinced that God doesn't need us to be his spin-doctors, but calls us to not take the mystery out of the God who is “untamed, unfathomable, unpredictable, yet utterly and infinitely good.”
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May 20, 2011This was one the last books I read before becoming ill in 2008. Stoner's words came back to mind throughout my recovery. One basic idea in the book: We don't do ourselves or anyone else any good when we try to sugar coat the hard-to-figure-out aspects of God.
October 31, 2008
Poetic writer. Bounces around a bit - a book of essays. Thoughtful - an author to juxtapose with Rob Bell.
April 9, 2013
Intriguing middle ground theology, enjoyable writing style, excellent language and background.
July 18, 2023
Where to even begin with this... I'd have to write a whole book just to address everything I hate about this one. These meditations are only "scandalous" when you consider that the author was raised with near-Puritan like religious beliefs and didn't once stop to use his critical thinking skills until he was in his mid-forties, at least. So yes, some of the things he writes (like, "Art can be spiritual!") would be revolutionary to him (massive eye roll here). He relies on catchy, Christian buzzword phrases and repetition to drive home a "point", but doesn't actually back that point up with any kind of sound theological reasoning, so I was constantly left wondering what he was trying to say and why I should believe it.
As to the points he's actually making? Trash. His view is deeply rooted in patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, hetero-normativity, and all the violence that comes with that, while explaining that it's all rooted in a God who is violent and terrifying while also really loving and kind; i.e.: God hurts us because He loves us. Theology like the kind presented in this book is what is used to defend the physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse that men perpetrate toward women and children, and organizations toward all people, because it's done "out of love".
It was both traumatizing and healing to read this book. Coming face to face with the horrible things I was taught as a child from teachers and pastors was terrifying, but it feels so good to look it in the eye and reject it wholeheartedly so I can heal.
As to the points he's actually making? Trash. His view is deeply rooted in patriarchy, white supremacy, colonialism, hetero-normativity, and all the violence that comes with that, while explaining that it's all rooted in a God who is violent and terrifying while also really loving and kind; i.e.: God hurts us because He loves us. Theology like the kind presented in this book is what is used to defend the physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse that men perpetrate toward women and children, and organizations toward all people, because it's done "out of love".
It was both traumatizing and healing to read this book. Coming face to face with the horrible things I was taught as a child from teachers and pastors was terrifying, but it feels so good to look it in the eye and reject it wholeheartedly so I can heal.
July 28, 2019
I know, a book about a God who smokes by a guy named "Stoner". Perhaps that's why you haven't seen as many copies of this around as something by T.D. Jakes. But bear with me.
This book answers the question it seems ALL Atheists ask: "Why does God allow _____" (fill in the blank). The common thinking here, of course, is that there obviously ISN'T a God at all since, if he were to exist, he'd have to be a jerk to ignore all the pain and suffering.
Stoner suggests an alternate take. Well worth the read. One of my top 5 of books on Faith.
This book answers the question it seems ALL Atheists ask: "Why does God allow _____" (fill in the blank). The common thinking here, of course, is that there obviously ISN'T a God at all since, if he were to exist, he'd have to be a jerk to ignore all the pain and suffering.
Stoner suggests an alternate take. Well worth the read. One of my top 5 of books on Faith.
December 23, 2017
I’ve read this book off and on, off and on, for a while now. I’m still rereading sections, even now. Fantastic anecdotes. Excellent parallels. So light but so much gravity at the same time. One of the best Christian books I’ve read...on par with Philip Yancey, which is no small compliment.
February 16, 2016
I picked this one up years ago because it had a nifty title, sweet cover, and what I assumed would be some wrestling with American Christian culture. So, five or six years later, I’ve finally gotten around to reading it. The never-ending lesson: don’t judge a book by its cover.
The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith is written by Reformed-Baptist-lawyer Timothy J. Stoner, someone who grew up as a missionary kid in Chile and Spain with 1950’s fundamentalist-evangelical parents, is pushing back on some of his upbringing, and really wants to be a writer. It’s basically autobiographical narrative with quotes primarily from the Bible and C. S. Lewis (or people writing about Lewis). Much of the book rails against Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis, Gregory A. Boyd’s God of the Possible, and Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian, which Stoner uses as his only examples of postmodern Christianity and Open Theism. At the time of writing (published in 2008), much of Stoner’s family lived near, worked for, and/or attended Rob Bell’s church, which appears to have heavily influenced the purpose of writing the book (I think it’s really for his kids). I concur with much of his concern with how he understands these authors, although not having read these works myself and merely working with Stoner’s text and what he has to say in his endnotes, I think he may at times be reading them incorrectly—I don’t know.
Though I am neither “Reformed” or “Baptist” and at times disagree with Stoner, my biggest concern with the book is that it simply has absolutely nothing to do with the title and reads like someone who really wishes he was writing a novel (see above). The idea behind God “smoking” comes from him being on fire, but other than mentioning it at the beginning and end of the book, there’s nothing that I found to actually connect the material to that claim. I’m not sure that even in 2008 most people would consider saying it’s okay to watch movies, make art, dance, and talk about sex to be “scandalous” outside of a few remnants of extreme fundamentalism.
If you know Stoner, then this book may be of interest in learning more about him and his theology; if not, then I find no compelling reason to pick it up (other than misunderstanding the intentionally deceptive title—like me).
The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith is written by Reformed-Baptist-lawyer Timothy J. Stoner, someone who grew up as a missionary kid in Chile and Spain with 1950’s fundamentalist-evangelical parents, is pushing back on some of his upbringing, and really wants to be a writer. It’s basically autobiographical narrative with quotes primarily from the Bible and C. S. Lewis (or people writing about Lewis). Much of the book rails against Rob Bell’s Velvet Elvis, Gregory A. Boyd’s God of the Possible, and Brian McLaren’s A New Kind of Christian, which Stoner uses as his only examples of postmodern Christianity and Open Theism. At the time of writing (published in 2008), much of Stoner’s family lived near, worked for, and/or attended Rob Bell’s church, which appears to have heavily influenced the purpose of writing the book (I think it’s really for his kids). I concur with much of his concern with how he understands these authors, although not having read these works myself and merely working with Stoner’s text and what he has to say in his endnotes, I think he may at times be reading them incorrectly—I don’t know.
Though I am neither “Reformed” or “Baptist” and at times disagree with Stoner, my biggest concern with the book is that it simply has absolutely nothing to do with the title and reads like someone who really wishes he was writing a novel (see above). The idea behind God “smoking” comes from him being on fire, but other than mentioning it at the beginning and end of the book, there’s nothing that I found to actually connect the material to that claim. I’m not sure that even in 2008 most people would consider saying it’s okay to watch movies, make art, dance, and talk about sex to be “scandalous” outside of a few remnants of extreme fundamentalism.
If you know Stoner, then this book may be of interest in learning more about him and his theology; if not, then I find no compelling reason to pick it up (other than misunderstanding the intentionally deceptive title—like me).
April 21, 2013
I think this would make a nice discussion group project. Stoner uses his own life and thought to provoke our thinking on the life of faith. What happens when God lets us down? If God doesn't make good on His promises, as we read them, then what can we believe? I especially enjoyed his own experience of letdown, when in his words, "God most definitely did not come through for me ... I was forced to reevaluate the God I had grown comfortable with. The biblical God I had been taught about was not playing by the rules." (p.59) I identify with that God, and often envy friends who seem to pray with complete confidence.
Stoner closes each chapter with a prayer of blessing for his readers. Like the rest of the book, these prayers can be a bit long on poetry, but maybe God gives us the power to transmit blessings. If so, I'm for it!
The book has interesting notes to each chapter; but I wish that it also had an index. And why not?
Stoner closes each chapter with a prayer of blessing for his readers. Like the rest of the book, these prayers can be a bit long on poetry, but maybe God gives us the power to transmit blessings. If so, I'm for it!
The book has interesting notes to each chapter; but I wish that it also had an index. And why not?
August 10, 2014
This isn't your average pop-commentary. Sure, there were moments when I increased my pace because the writer hadn't, but there were many many more moments I caught myself dog-earing pages because what Mr. Stoner was sharing was so profound. The chapters on the heart and motive of the artist touched me deeply. And the chapter on sex is something I'm going to use to have "the talk" with my own rapidly aging boys. I don't say this often at all, but this is a must read book. This is what the Holy Spirit has been doing in me lately: showing me yet another side of the Father heart of God--the side of Him who is justified in His holy wrath. And the paradox represented in John 3:17. Get this book. And get a highlighter.
July 28, 2013
This is a book I have enjoyed reading three times. I used to fuss at my children for reading things they like over and over. So many books, so little time you know. Then I read this one and had to read it again, twice. His opening chapters are worth the rating alone. He has the courage to buck the trend toward post-modernism and ask some interesting questions. Do yourself a favor and read it for yourself, at least once.
December 27, 2015
Thought-provoking book that challenges empty religious form (e.g., devoid of mercy and justice) without throwing away the church and solid theology in the process.
My impression of the title is that it's a silly, needless attempt to be provocative.
My impression of the title is that it's a silly, needless attempt to be provocative.
February 12, 2014
My now-fiancé loaned me his copy when we were just getting to know each other, so this book holds special memories for me. What I remember about The God Who Smokes four years later is a passionate and yet deftly reasoned view of God. He's "not a tame lion," as Lewis said.
February 18, 2009
I love emerging theology, but this book wasn't what I had anticipated.
November 9, 2011
Loved this book. A great response to where we should be as a church body and as followers of Christ. So good, I read it back to back, I almost never do that...
Currently reading
May 24, 2009read the second chapter last night. v. good, got me to buy the book.
January 6, 2010
interesting title
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July 13, 2010halfway through - need to finish
September 12, 2010
not as progressive as i hoped. he made some nice observations about art and religion, though.
November 11, 2010
Humorous, yet serious approach to explaining what theology should be all about. Great read!
Read
May 23, 2012An interesting read.
February 5, 2009
Great read on the emergant church, also on relationships and building ones faith.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews