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Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs
In our world, there is no shortage of false christs. Like the Elvises who roam the streets of Vegas, these counterfeit christs look and sound like Jesus, but they couldn’t be further from the real deal.
In Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs, author Matthew Richard exposes these false christs for what they are . . . mere impostors. Richard reveals to readers who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but also reveals to us twelve false christs who are embraced, loved, promoted, and revered, even by well-meaning Christians.
“My hope is that readers will connect with the different stories in this book, but will do so in a way that they can see how people’s false theology and bad presuppositions lead to taking up false christs,” says Richard. “In other words, this book attempts to combine the art of story and the discipline of theology, so that the reader can see flesh-and-blood examples of how easy false theology can lead someone into idolatry.”
In Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? 12 False Christs, author Matthew Richard exposes these false christs for what they are . . . mere impostors. Richard reveals to readers who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but also reveals to us twelve false christs who are embraced, loved, promoted, and revered, even by well-meaning Christians.
“My hope is that readers will connect with the different stories in this book, but will do so in a way that they can see how people’s false theology and bad presuppositions lead to taking up false christs,” says Richard. “In other words, this book attempts to combine the art of story and the discipline of theology, so that the reader can see flesh-and-blood examples of how easy false theology can lead someone into idolatry.”
270 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 21, 2018
You might be surprised to find out that your notion of who the real Jesus is has been a presupposed special edition that you have crafted in your own mind. Or you may have discovered that friends and family have discussed with you their idea of who Jesus is and it is different from yours, or even... (gasp)... different from the biblical Jesus. This is not new. It’s called idolatry and it’s the reason we have been given the first commandment: you shall have no other gods before you.
Pastor and author Matthew Richard has written an excellent book describing what may be your false christ or one of someone you know and love. “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs” is Pastor Richard’s title and reading it can open your eyes to the idolatry that pervades Christianity today. In this book, he presents twelve different types of a crafted Jesus using profiles of real people he has encountered in his life. You will recognize some traits of all of them. Each chapter presents an idolatrous version of Jesus along with suggestions on how to appropriately respond to the people who worship them. Also, along the way, are interesting and helpful sidebars which explain theology in everyday layman's terms. The author also reminds us in each chapter, who the real Jesus is.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book mainly because it is presented in nice, everyday language, not too heavy on the theology language that can often frustrate and turn off the reader. A real intellect has the ability to put his thoughts in language everyone can understand. I believe Pastor Richard has done this in addition to making his readers be more thoughtful about their own forms of idolatry and be better educated on the ways to confront false christs in their encounters while serving in their vocations in this life. It provides a great education on the true doctrine of Christianity. Well done, Pastor Matthew Richards. I highly recommend the book for all who are serious about the REAL JESUS.
Pastor and author Matthew Richard has written an excellent book describing what may be your false christ or one of someone you know and love. “Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs” is Pastor Richard’s title and reading it can open your eyes to the idolatry that pervades Christianity today. In this book, he presents twelve different types of a crafted Jesus using profiles of real people he has encountered in his life. You will recognize some traits of all of them. Each chapter presents an idolatrous version of Jesus along with suggestions on how to appropriately respond to the people who worship them. Also, along the way, are interesting and helpful sidebars which explain theology in everyday layman's terms. The author also reminds us in each chapter, who the real Jesus is.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book mainly because it is presented in nice, everyday language, not too heavy on the theology language that can often frustrate and turn off the reader. A real intellect has the ability to put his thoughts in language everyone can understand. I believe Pastor Richard has done this in addition to making his readers be more thoughtful about their own forms of idolatry and be better educated on the ways to confront false christs in their encounters while serving in their vocations in this life. It provides a great education on the true doctrine of Christianity. Well done, Pastor Matthew Richards. I highly recommend the book for all who are serious about the REAL JESUS.
June 26, 2017
Probably the best book I've read all year (to-date) and I highly recommend it. Sound analysis of the false christs/idols in our current culture and how to make sound apologetics work to bring the Real Jesus Christ to bear in our conversations.
April 24, 2018
I really got a lot out of this book, and I think it's a good read for individuals as well as groups. Most Christian books talk about our beliefs in a bubble or compare them to beliefs of non-Christians. This book is unique in explaining common disagreements or misconceptions among Christians regarding who Christ is. I appreciate the Scriptural explanations, and I like that the reader is also given constructive ways in which he or she might respond to these misconceptions.
September 3, 2022
A wonderful and useful book. Simple enough to understand. I really appreciate the author’s humility in the conclusion as well.
August 14, 2018
Jesus stood up. That’s an amazing thing, conjuring a physical reality and strength we can all marvel at. Yet, so often we overlook the God-Man to see various who, what, and hows that make us more comfortable. That’s a shame and the book, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up: 12 False Christs, is an excellent antidote for all of our own fallen perceptions and tendencies.
Pastor Matthew Richard has done an excellent job laying out 12 perspectives of Christ that creep into our thoughts and cultural assumptions. These aren’t just 12 innocent missteps, but powerful, persuasive, prowling lies eager to turn us away from Scripture and the revelation God has given to us.
This is a well-written book set up as either a read alone with reflection questions or a group/Bible study setting. There is a leader’s guide in the back and questions following each chapter.
For the most part, I really appreciated the use of textboxes to include additional information about topics, expressions, and related material.
One highlight of the book was the tremendous care in the first chapter not to demonize someone who was falling for less-than-the-truth. Remember that for the following chapters and years to come! These are all people for whom Christ died, as are all people we encounter through our days!
I do wonder if a single Sunday Bible class might contain proponents of each of the 12 impersonations! So, um, that makes me both a little squirmy and very grateful that this book was written, both for people recognizing the struggle to let Jesus be Jesus as the Bible presents Him and for church workers who benefit from reading succinct summaries with a few conversation steps forward to keep in mind.
Meanwhile, as a homeschooler, I wonder at what age my kids could read this. Part of me even thinks this could be a really good follow-up to confirmation or a congregational gift for those entering high school. By college, so many assumptions are swimming around in heads!
I’m thankful for this book and can happily recommend it!
Pastor Matthew Richard has done an excellent job laying out 12 perspectives of Christ that creep into our thoughts and cultural assumptions. These aren’t just 12 innocent missteps, but powerful, persuasive, prowling lies eager to turn us away from Scripture and the revelation God has given to us.
This is a well-written book set up as either a read alone with reflection questions or a group/Bible study setting. There is a leader’s guide in the back and questions following each chapter.
For the most part, I really appreciated the use of textboxes to include additional information about topics, expressions, and related material.
One highlight of the book was the tremendous care in the first chapter not to demonize someone who was falling for less-than-the-truth. Remember that for the following chapters and years to come! These are all people for whom Christ died, as are all people we encounter through our days!
I do wonder if a single Sunday Bible class might contain proponents of each of the 12 impersonations! So, um, that makes me both a little squirmy and very grateful that this book was written, both for people recognizing the struggle to let Jesus be Jesus as the Bible presents Him and for church workers who benefit from reading succinct summaries with a few conversation steps forward to keep in mind.
Meanwhile, as a homeschooler, I wonder at what age my kids could read this. Part of me even thinks this could be a really good follow-up to confirmation or a congregational gift for those entering high school. By college, so many assumptions are swimming around in heads!
I’m thankful for this book and can happily recommend it!
June 6, 2017
As Lutherans, we understand what Dr. Luther wrote about the 2nd Commandment:
The Second Commandment
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
A part of this is understanding that we do not lie about who Christ is or what He has done for us. Rev. Dr. Richard does a marvelous job laying out 12 of these lies about who Christ is. In an age where truth has been made relative, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs will point you towards the eternal truth, the Savior of the world who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
*Disclaimer - I am employed by the publisher, Concordia Publishing House. I was not asked for this review and it is my own opinion.
The Second Commandment
You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
A part of this is understanding that we do not lie about who Christ is or what He has done for us. Rev. Dr. Richard does a marvelous job laying out 12 of these lies about who Christ is. In an age where truth has been made relative, Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs will point you towards the eternal truth, the Savior of the world who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
*Disclaimer - I am employed by the publisher, Concordia Publishing House. I was not asked for this review and it is my own opinion.
May 5, 2018
Poorly written, juvenile, and besides the point, this book is well worth passing.
The basic premise is simple - Some person enters the pastors life, he corrects them somehow, they get offended somehow, and then we discuss. The pastor then makes wild, unsubstantiated conclusions based on these encounters, which last about 3 pages each. Maybe he had reason in his real encounters (I'm in no way calling him a fraud) but he completely, utterly fails to explain either his opponents position or his own in any meaningful way.
Furthermore, the author takes to a very literal, very simplistic interpretation of the Bible. Complexity, contradiction (that is, in a sophisticated truthful way), context, meaning, and beauty in the Bible are ignored. This is this and that is that; there just can't be any more to it than that in this author's mind. Using this thought to hammer ideas into people clumsily is why Christianity is failing in the western world. I fear this author is a small part of that failing thought, but I digress.
Don't get me wrong, some central premises of Christianity are indisputable and should be held steadfast in the face of contradiction. The Bible repeats these things over and over again. So why over-apply it in the edges? And you're so proud and confident in your knowledge that you'd condemn someone who disagrees with you as a false Christ? Indeed, some (or many) in this book might be. Certain others I'm very skeptical of the author's assessment. But I'd never use such a label, and I'd definitely be more gentle.
And in all the cases, I'd be more well reasoned.
But it gets 4.5 stars on this site. So maybe I'm wrong. Either way, you've been warned.
The basic premise is simple - Some person enters the pastors life, he corrects them somehow, they get offended somehow, and then we discuss. The pastor then makes wild, unsubstantiated conclusions based on these encounters, which last about 3 pages each. Maybe he had reason in his real encounters (I'm in no way calling him a fraud) but he completely, utterly fails to explain either his opponents position or his own in any meaningful way.
Furthermore, the author takes to a very literal, very simplistic interpretation of the Bible. Complexity, contradiction (that is, in a sophisticated truthful way), context, meaning, and beauty in the Bible are ignored. This is this and that is that; there just can't be any more to it than that in this author's mind. Using this thought to hammer ideas into people clumsily is why Christianity is failing in the western world. I fear this author is a small part of that failing thought, but I digress.
Don't get me wrong, some central premises of Christianity are indisputable and should be held steadfast in the face of contradiction. The Bible repeats these things over and over again. So why over-apply it in the edges? And you're so proud and confident in your knowledge that you'd condemn someone who disagrees with you as a false Christ? Indeed, some (or many) in this book might be. Certain others I'm very skeptical of the author's assessment. But I'd never use such a label, and I'd definitely be more gentle.
And in all the cases, I'd be more well reasoned.
But it gets 4.5 stars on this site. So maybe I'm wrong. Either way, you've been warned.
February 2, 2021
I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to rate this. I read it by myself (not part of a group or bible study) and I read it slowly across several months. Reading something so slowly would usually indicate that I wasn’t enjoying a book. But that wasn’t the case here.
It was very thought provoking and honestly hard to take in at times, just because I could see myself so well in some of the chapters. It’s easy to say, ooh yeah that sounds like this one person I know. But another thing altogether to realize that something else reflects a just-as-wrong false Christ in your own life.. eek, cringe.
Here is a little section that I think sums up the book well:
“The Christian faith is not one where we venture off to discover Jesus. The Christian faith is not us conjuring up faith that might somehow reach out and find Jesus. No! The Christian faith is you and me being pursued by the God of the universe whose Word stops us dead in our tracks, painfully exposes our deadness, and pours newness of life into our very souls. It is about stopping, listening, and receiving. The Christian faith is revealing the real Jesus as the real Jesus reveals Himself and gives Himself to us in His Word and Sacraments. Christianity is about receiving the real Jesus by faith, as the real Jesus draws near to us.”
Like a good sermon, this book gives us both the Law and Gospel. I will remember this book.
It was very thought provoking and honestly hard to take in at times, just because I could see myself so well in some of the chapters. It’s easy to say, ooh yeah that sounds like this one person I know. But another thing altogether to realize that something else reflects a just-as-wrong false Christ in your own life.. eek, cringe.
Here is a little section that I think sums up the book well:
“The Christian faith is not one where we venture off to discover Jesus. The Christian faith is not us conjuring up faith that might somehow reach out and find Jesus. No! The Christian faith is you and me being pursued by the God of the universe whose Word stops us dead in our tracks, painfully exposes our deadness, and pours newness of life into our very souls. It is about stopping, listening, and receiving. The Christian faith is revealing the real Jesus as the real Jesus reveals Himself and gives Himself to us in His Word and Sacraments. Christianity is about receiving the real Jesus by faith, as the real Jesus draws near to us.”
Like a good sermon, this book gives us both the Law and Gospel. I will remember this book.
April 19, 2020
I’m not a real hungry reader. I’ll pick up books, put them down, do enough reading to gather information about a topic I’m writing about. I’m trying to change that. So the first book I’ve finished in a real long time is this one.
“Will the real Jesus please stand up?” is a terrific book. Its user-friendly and nearly any Christian jargon in the book that might be hard to grasp is explained by the author. It’s a good introduction to apologetics while also helping you recognize where you may go wrong in your understanding of who Jesus is.
The examples of people who have differing views of Christ are based on real life experiences. In my opinion, they are a bit too caricatured into stereotypes, but I can’t lie, As I read, i couldn’t help by think, I knew some of these same people in my life.
There is a great study guide at the end of each chapter and a leaders guide which makes it a perfect resources for church or group bibles study.
Definitely a book that both explains the problems of misunderstanding who Jesus is while at the same time, gives us the true picture of the risen savior.
I highly recommend it.
“Will the real Jesus please stand up?” is a terrific book. Its user-friendly and nearly any Christian jargon in the book that might be hard to grasp is explained by the author. It’s a good introduction to apologetics while also helping you recognize where you may go wrong in your understanding of who Jesus is.
The examples of people who have differing views of Christ are based on real life experiences. In my opinion, they are a bit too caricatured into stereotypes, but I can’t lie, As I read, i couldn’t help by think, I knew some of these same people in my life.
There is a great study guide at the end of each chapter and a leaders guide which makes it a perfect resources for church or group bibles study.
Definitely a book that both explains the problems of misunderstanding who Jesus is while at the same time, gives us the true picture of the risen savior.
I highly recommend it.
June 27, 2024
Did anyone ever tell you that Jesus was just one of many ways to heaven?
That he wanted to bring justice for the oppressed?
That he was a good teacher or a great example?
This book delves in to the way Jesus is made into 12 false Christs, and how a Christian can learn to recognize these errors and refute them using Scripture. The postmodern world is full of ideas of who Jesus needs to be to really accomplish something for humanity, but those ideas are based on man's ideas instead of God's revealed Word.
Richard begins each chapter with an example of a conversation or experience he's had that really don't sound too bad, but in reality are making Jesus into much less than what he is, the Savior of the whole world. All people need a Savior, and all need to hear both the law and the gospel. A false Christ will let people down in the end.
At the end of each chapter, there is a section on how to answer and talk to those who "believe" in that particular kind of false Christ, plus a series of questions that are great for Bible class discussions.
That he wanted to bring justice for the oppressed?
That he was a good teacher or a great example?
This book delves in to the way Jesus is made into 12 false Christs, and how a Christian can learn to recognize these errors and refute them using Scripture. The postmodern world is full of ideas of who Jesus needs to be to really accomplish something for humanity, but those ideas are based on man's ideas instead of God's revealed Word.
Richard begins each chapter with an example of a conversation or experience he's had that really don't sound too bad, but in reality are making Jesus into much less than what he is, the Savior of the whole world. All people need a Savior, and all need to hear both the law and the gospel. A false Christ will let people down in the end.
At the end of each chapter, there is a section on how to answer and talk to those who "believe" in that particular kind of false Christ, plus a series of questions that are great for Bible class discussions.
August 12, 2017
This was a great way to present a problem in the Christian world today. People make their own gods all around us. The author did a great job describing these 12 false christs and the presuppositions that people who "worship" them have. Not being Lutheran I found myself getting distracted by the Sacraments. I don't believe that any ritual that we do in a physical way should be held up as equal as the truth of God's Word. I don't see that anywhere in scripture. I hope that as a Lutheran the author doesn't believe that only Lutherans can worship the real Jesus because I do. That said, other than the very "Lutherany" tone, the book had a lot of great points in how to help people meet the real Jesus. It was also a great reminder that we have a mission field right here at home. Sometimes in our own churches.
February 21, 2023
This book is a great resource for us all as we go out and face false christs daily. The twelve false christs presented are familiar and often touted by people all over. Richard gives excellent explanation of these false christs: what makes them false, how to spot them, and how to *lovingly* respond to those who would argue these false christs.
Richard has the tendency throughout this book to forget that he's writing to the general public and occasionally gets too technical which leaves me (a regular laywoman) confused (thanks, pastor husband for guiding me). When he stays on track, his writing is very clear and understandable. There are just a few sections that left me scratching my head.
Also, I was super not a fan of the title. The Eminem reference just made me cringe... however, it served its purpose.
Richard has the tendency throughout this book to forget that he's writing to the general public and occasionally gets too technical which leaves me (a regular laywoman) confused (thanks, pastor husband for guiding me). When he stays on track, his writing is very clear and understandable. There are just a few sections that left me scratching my head.
Also, I was super not a fan of the title. The Eminem reference just made me cringe... however, it served its purpose.
November 12, 2017
This book should be on your "to read" list. Hands down.
I found this book incredibly enlightening and educational. I thought the author was very good at capturing the personalities and descriptions of the people and their false christs in each chapter. Despite obvious concern for the viewpoints he encounters, the author remains gentle in his communication with how to respond to these situations. Each chapter causes you to take a step back and turn inward as you think about the false christ (or pieces of many false christs) you carry in your own mind. The author sets the record straight on who the real Jesus is and even continues with discussion points and verses from the Bible after each chapter.
In summary, this was an excellent read.
I found this book incredibly enlightening and educational. I thought the author was very good at capturing the personalities and descriptions of the people and their false christs in each chapter. Despite obvious concern for the viewpoints he encounters, the author remains gentle in his communication with how to respond to these situations. Each chapter causes you to take a step back and turn inward as you think about the false christ (or pieces of many false christs) you carry in your own mind. The author sets the record straight on who the real Jesus is and even continues with discussion points and verses from the Bible after each chapter.
In summary, this was an excellent read.
August 5, 2023
If I could give a book to my students, and I was guaranteed that they would read it cover to cover, this would be one that I would consider giving to them. Matthew Richard does a great job addressing the false Jesus’ that my students will find in their culture and in their church (and maybe even in their own lives). It is a “soft” apologetics book that shows you how to recognize a fake Jesus, why that Jesus is an imposter, and how to graciously discuss that false Jesus with someone who believes in him. Perhaps the best part of each chapter is the final section where the author shows in theologically beautiful detail why the real Jesus is so much better than the self-created pretend Jesus who cannot rescue and cannot save.
October 22, 2019
Matthew Richard does a wonderful job in this book pointing out the heretical ways that folks view Christ and pointing the reader back to the Jesus who died on the cross to pay for our sin. In each chapter, he introduces the reader to a fictitious person who has a false view of who Christ is, helps the reader understand why that view is false based on Scripture, drawing us to the true Christ. In some chapters you might see your friend, neighbor, relative, but in many chapters you might see yourself. Take comfort in the true Jesus who paid for your sin, who has defeated death and the devil for you!
November 22, 2022
Sometimes the best way to teach the Christian faith is by first teaching what it is not. This book effectively exposes twelve false Christs, and then presents the real Jesus of the Bible. It’s been said that the human heart is an idol factory. This book helped me to see how I have created many false Christs in my heart according to my own imagination and desires. But the only Jesus who truly saves me from sin, death and the devil is the one who is confessed in the creeds. He is the one who suffered, died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, and promises to return in glory on the last day. I highly recommend this book.
January 1, 2019
A few years ago I read the Book "Imaginary Jesus" which explored the various versions of Jesus that we come up with in our minds. The book was engaging and entertaining. It did well in exploring the imaginary Jesuses. However, where it came up short was the "Real Jesus". Pastor Richard's book uses very real stories (although altered for the sake of confidentiality) to explore the false Christ's we create. Most of these are Christ's we do come across. What makes this book great is that it ultimately points us to the Real Jesus and where to find him, namely in word and sacrament.
December 21, 2018
Having read quite a few popular and academic theological works, I have to say that this book by Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard is one of the most illuminating, engaging, accessible, and catechetical books I have ever read. His writing is clear and precise and reads almost like a novel, yet engages the reader, drawing him into the various stories and truths presented within. I highly recommend this book for any and everyone! If only this wonderful text wasn’t hidden behind such a strange cover. Honestly, this is one of those times one should not judge a book by its cover.
September 14, 2018
Well written and an important self examination of if our own expectations and worldview are getting in the way of seeing and understanding who Jesus really is, not who we want him to be or stand for, and the negative effects of this. He discusses trends emerging in American culture, such as the changing meaning of tolerance, postmodern relativism, free will, and so on. There are also discussion points and a section on how to respond to false ideas of Christ.
September 23, 2017
I found this book informative and insightful. I liked that the end of each chapter, Richard, gave some thoughts on how to respond to those who follow a false chirst. In the conclusion he was very forth coming and confessed when he, himself struggle with self-righteousness. He also reminded the reader that when responding to people it is to be done gently and lovingly.
August 14, 2020
While I can appreciate the discussion in the book, far too often the arguments turn into unrealistic straw men that are constructed for the purpose of highlighting the bad in the false christs that Richard discusses. His approach to ministering to these false christs is helpful, but I find comprises too little of the book.
July 9, 2017
One of the best books written on the so-called "christs" that become idols and to whom many even faithful Christians fall prey too. The practical responses to each party was helpful along with how the Real Christ stands up!
July 10, 2017
This is an excellent book that talks about common "False christs" that so-called "believers" construct for themselves so that they can rationalize THEIR view of who Jesus Christ is rather than believe what the Bible says. Convicting but lovingly presented and easy to read.
February 18, 2018
I have always enjoyed Pastor Richard's short informative youtube videos. You can really hear Pastor Richard's distinctive voice come through in his writing. This book is informative, concise and clear. I enjoyed the way that he used text boxes to add more depth to each section.
October 10, 2018
I read this book for my church book club and while I got a lot out of it through the discussion I had with my club I did feel like this book read more like a text book for me. I am a huge reader and sometimes this book had me looking up the terminology more than others do but I’m glad I read it.
June 20, 2020
Richard's book is a quick and easy read. I loved the little vignettes or stories he interspersed into each of the 12 false Christs. I encourage Lutheran and others to read this book and to be aware of the many false Christs in the culture today.
August 6, 2023
good introduction to christian apologetics and made me reflect on the many versions of Christian faith present - a poignant reminder to keep my eyes fixed on what matters and not be deluded by false versions of Jesus
August 26, 2017
A must read for ALL Christians!
March 10, 2018
Excellent for Bible Study!!
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August 5, 2020Readily motivates self-reflection. Viewing other reveals ourselves. This is a keeper.
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