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10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't, Because He Needs the Job
A sensitive guide for liberal centrist Christians addresses key issues challenging the faith today, providing non-political guidance on a variety of sensitive topics, from the purpose of life and the significance of the Bible to homosexuality and alternate faiths. 50,000 first printing.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2007
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75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 2, 2009
I just don't understand why one would be a Christian minister if one does not believe in the Bible. He must need the job.
December 1, 2016
This book exemplifies everything I think about my religion of Christianity. Far too many people have hijacked (interpreting it incorrectly along the way) it for their own personal gains. As with any other great story, the Bible is meant to be a tool for teaching and understanding, as is the Koran or the Torah. In the end, it comes down to this: no one has any of the answers. Faith is what a person makes of it (or doesn't make of it). The best summation of the Bible I have ever heard goes like this: While the Bible is intended for all, it was written for specific populaces during a set time in history. It is our burden to make sense of it today as our society changes and evolves.
January 21, 2013
The author's note page indicates his main perspective, something few author's do well right at the start. Oliver Thomas writes "But God is also personal. At least the biblical writers thought so." In this way, he foreshadows the main theme of the rest of the book which comes out at the end of chapter 3. The Bible, in Oliver's religion, is only a book.
Oliver puts 10 stakes in the ground and tries to convince us that the Bible has it wrong and he has it right.
1. Thomas contends that creation in the Bible is a poem, not to be taken literally. Darwin, in his opinion, had it right and the Bible has it wrong. He mocks Christians who side with the Bible about this matter.
2. The answer to why we are here is "to be fully human". Since Thomas already discredits the Bible he excludes most of what it says about our purpose.
3. Thomas states the main point at the end of the chapter 3, which is that the Bible is just a book. He believes it is untrue, contradictory, authored by illiterates, translated by liars and generally unreliable.
4. Strangely contradictory, Oliver Thomas says that the miracles in the Bible are lies, yet at the end of the chapter references a teaching of Jesus about the final judgement as if it is doctrine. How does he discern what is true or false in the Bible?
5. How do I please God? Without believing the Bible, Thomas searches it anyway for an answer. He takes us on a winding and unclear path to a strange ending. The final sentence made no sense. "Martin Luther said it best: Make peace with God and sin on bravely."
6. Thomas follows his own question, "What about Women", with a more specific question, "Why don't some Christians allow women to be pastors?", and ends with a suggestion to women, he says do 90% of all the work in the church, "Have you considered going on strike?" His main point is that many churches do not follow the hiring practices that non-religious institutions have to follow and use the Bible to justify their "illegal sex-discrimination" and all manner of "shabby treatment" of women, that he implies that the Bible prescribes. There may be some poorly educated church leaders that follow such rubbish, but those who are fully trained in the Bible and that actually believe it honor women and men equally as both deserving of the eternal life that Jesus Christ purchased when He died for every human being on a cross and was raised to life, to offer eternal life to all people of both genders.
7. Thomas defends homosexuality as a God-ordained activity, no different than a married man and woman. One defense he gives is that the apostle Paul was wrong on this matter and other matters. He does not address that Jesus explains that God joins a man and a woman in marriage, confirming what Genesis 2:24 says about the reason why a man and woman become one flesh and should remain married for life.
8. "What about other faiths?" is summed up in Thomas' interpretation of Jesus' words in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." Thomas rejects that Jesus said those words. Because Thomas disagrees what Jesus' actually said, he has to come up with an explanation of why he rejects it. His explanation is that some devious Christian inserted those words later. He further explains that Jesus is not the only way, and that any other belief may be just as valid.
9. He answers the question, "What happens after we die," by explaining that there is no punishment in hell.
10. He answers the question, "How Will It All End," with the answer that "Jesus was mistaken" in Matthew 24:34.
So here I am at the end of a book that is against the Bible in almost every way. I have to clarify the real and normal meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ by every Christian I know, in case you were duped. The gospel of Jesus is that God sent Jesus into the world to die in our place, for the forgivness of our sins, and then to be resurrected by God's power just as all of us who believe in Him will also be resurrected to eternal life. John the Baptist introduces Jesus in John 1: 29-34 as the "Son of God" and "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus tells Lazarus' sister Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Then, to prove His power to resurrect the dead, Jesus called Lazarus, who came out from the tomb alive. - from John 11:17-26. For those of you who have believed Thomas's many deceptions about the Bible, consider that most pastors teach that the Bible is a harmonious collection of books from many authors who were all inspired by God. Most churches do not need to debate Thomas on these matters because they believe that the Bible is God's message to the world. Don't be deceived by Thomas' feel-good fake gospel. The real gospel of God actually has the power to grant you abundant life and eternal life.
Oliver puts 10 stakes in the ground and tries to convince us that the Bible has it wrong and he has it right.
1. Thomas contends that creation in the Bible is a poem, not to be taken literally. Darwin, in his opinion, had it right and the Bible has it wrong. He mocks Christians who side with the Bible about this matter.
2. The answer to why we are here is "to be fully human". Since Thomas already discredits the Bible he excludes most of what it says about our purpose.
3. Thomas states the main point at the end of the chapter 3, which is that the Bible is just a book. He believes it is untrue, contradictory, authored by illiterates, translated by liars and generally unreliable.
4. Strangely contradictory, Oliver Thomas says that the miracles in the Bible are lies, yet at the end of the chapter references a teaching of Jesus about the final judgement as if it is doctrine. How does he discern what is true or false in the Bible?
5. How do I please God? Without believing the Bible, Thomas searches it anyway for an answer. He takes us on a winding and unclear path to a strange ending. The final sentence made no sense. "Martin Luther said it best: Make peace with God and sin on bravely."
6. Thomas follows his own question, "What about Women", with a more specific question, "Why don't some Christians allow women to be pastors?", and ends with a suggestion to women, he says do 90% of all the work in the church, "Have you considered going on strike?" His main point is that many churches do not follow the hiring practices that non-religious institutions have to follow and use the Bible to justify their "illegal sex-discrimination" and all manner of "shabby treatment" of women, that he implies that the Bible prescribes. There may be some poorly educated church leaders that follow such rubbish, but those who are fully trained in the Bible and that actually believe it honor women and men equally as both deserving of the eternal life that Jesus Christ purchased when He died for every human being on a cross and was raised to life, to offer eternal life to all people of both genders.
7. Thomas defends homosexuality as a God-ordained activity, no different than a married man and woman. One defense he gives is that the apostle Paul was wrong on this matter and other matters. He does not address that Jesus explains that God joins a man and a woman in marriage, confirming what Genesis 2:24 says about the reason why a man and woman become one flesh and should remain married for life.
8. "What about other faiths?" is summed up in Thomas' interpretation of Jesus' words in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me." Thomas rejects that Jesus said those words. Because Thomas disagrees what Jesus' actually said, he has to come up with an explanation of why he rejects it. His explanation is that some devious Christian inserted those words later. He further explains that Jesus is not the only way, and that any other belief may be just as valid.
9. He answers the question, "What happens after we die," by explaining that there is no punishment in hell.
10. He answers the question, "How Will It All End," with the answer that "Jesus was mistaken" in Matthew 24:34.
So here I am at the end of a book that is against the Bible in almost every way. I have to clarify the real and normal meaning of the gospel of Jesus Christ by every Christian I know, in case you were duped. The gospel of Jesus is that God sent Jesus into the world to die in our place, for the forgivness of our sins, and then to be resurrected by God's power just as all of us who believe in Him will also be resurrected to eternal life. John the Baptist introduces Jesus in John 1: 29-34 as the "Son of God" and "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Jesus tells Lazarus' sister Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Then, to prove His power to resurrect the dead, Jesus called Lazarus, who came out from the tomb alive. - from John 11:17-26. For those of you who have believed Thomas's many deceptions about the Bible, consider that most pastors teach that the Bible is a harmonious collection of books from many authors who were all inspired by God. Most churches do not need to debate Thomas on these matters because they believe that the Bible is God's message to the world. Don't be deceived by Thomas' feel-good fake gospel. The real gospel of God actually has the power to grant you abundant life and eternal life.
October 28, 2018
Outstanding book! This is the type of Christianity I grew up with (liberal-yet-Christian upstate New York) - one that can believe in both God and science; one that can follow Christ yet not hate Muslims and homosexuals; one that sees women as equally worth serving in senior positions within the church; etc. This should be required reading for all evangelicals, if only to help them see that there are Christian alternatives to strict literalism. Cannot recommend this highly enough; have already gone to eBay and bought several copies to use as future gifts.
January 13, 2016
Another book for my religious CRAP section. It's filling up fast. I need to stop reading this stuff - I'm feeling like the Einstein of liberal theology. Are these folks really this dumb? YES! I'll have to put it into some kind of math equation.
I can understand if somebody wants to be totally liberal: Yaaayyy Humanism and materialistic naturalism ("Boo divine Jesus and eternal King"). But religiously and spiritually branching into...Science will someday answer ALL of your questions and desires and bring about an absolute Utopian dreamland of tolerance and mockery of all conservative Bible loving beliefs. Maybe those literal Bible lovers will actually be raptured away and liberals can live in peace and harmony with all the Buddhists, atheists and Moderate Muslims who really just want peace and the Greater Good. And liberals can have a hippy Jesus Guru that accepts everyone's sin and general debauchery. A liberal "Golden Calf Jesus" sure knows how to party at Pride Parades and doesn't tolerate those annoying babies that really need to be aborted - disposed of and forgotten about, liberal Jesus is all about women's rights protesting against anything that upsets their raging feminism.
So where were we? Oh yeah, Rev. Oliver "Buzz" (is that a marijuana/alcohol thing??? Probably not) Thomas has scribbled out the 100th Anti-Biblical, literal propaganda pamphlet that i've suffered through. NO reason to read this book - But I just thought maybe i'll read ONE MORE conservative Christian bashing book just to be sure I get their Old Testament God hating points clear. This is no different than Peter Enns or his buddies babblings. (although it was joyful shorter!!!). Now if only Ehrman, Spong and Armstrong could keep their crap this short.
If people hate the Jesus (and God) of the Bible so much: Why do they insist on proudly and obnoxiously boasting about their christianity? Like all liberal books - buzz didn't really tell us anything useful about his Eco-Hippy jesus. Buzzy Thomas really doesn't need a Savior, or Redeemer, or King of Kings, or Eternal loving Father...and He certainly doesn't need anyone to die for his sins (liberals really don't sin. They just make personal life adjustments) Only Conservative Fundamentalists REALLY sin. Liberal Jesus would gag and drag them through the streets in His GLBT approved Debauchery parade.
Hmmm...? Am I that far off the truth? Not from the Youtube videos I've experienced. "We know, We know; they just want to be considered NORMAL in a gay village people porn sort of way."
So why do I bother? Because I love the Jesus of the Bible. It is my source and Trustworthy Gift from God to fallen man. I will joyfully defend it at all times. And we all know how much the Bible tells us to stand strong against all false prophets and general buttheads.
2nd Peter 2
False Prophets
…2Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;…
But we need to be more clear. Some liberals are very slow to see themselves in a clear light. So here we go:
1) How did it all begin: Very simply - Genesis 1:1 In the Beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.
The problem is - nobody can figure out exactly when a liberals Bible becomes factual. They don't like page 1...or 2...or 3...or 1134...or Revelation 20... But for some freakin' strange reason they like some Buddha Jesus they pieced together around page 1300. But they don't like 90% of the stuff He did or said.
2) Why are we here?: Hint, it's all about Jesus. Liberals hate that idea. They insist it's all about them. They think God already has enough Glory, maybe it's time He share it with more poor GLBT loving humans.
3) What is the Bible?: It's what happens when the Holy Spirit and some special people get to writing about what God finds important and useful throughout history and thought. Liberals hate the Holy Spirit (and often sweep Him under the religious carpet when any scholastic Biblical academics and thinking pop up. What's the Holy Spirit really good for anyway: except reminding people of the literal and factual Jesus of History. Sheeesh!
4) Miracles: Liberals don't need no stinkin' miracles. Just humanistic tolerance and socialism. There are no gay miracles - gay folks ARE a miracle.
5) How to please God: Be a liberal. Except Jesus was very specific about what he requires from us. There's no such thing as a fully Just liberal King. There will be nothing liberal about Jesus' kingdom. Even the Thief on the cross shows us this: Luke 23
39One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Yes, it's all about Jesus.
6)What about those liberal women? Sorry women, but maybe it's best if you shut up at certain times and do as the God of the FREAKIN' UNIVERSE asks you. Just stating what the Bible says. The Bible is very clear about Women. Most liberals are too lazy to read the WHOLE THING. Don't get all proud and boasty - men have endless commands from God as well...at least women aren't animals lining up at the altar to be sacrificed (God had no problems with that scenario.)
7)What about Homosexuality? And all liberals wish they were Gay or gender confused - they feel so emotionally left out at those parades... Like it says in South Park: "Sit, stay, Don't be GAY!" But it didn't work there either. Anyway, we all have life issues that need to be conformed to the requests of a Holy God. And you can't take your Gay to Heaven - Sorry. But don't get excited: apparently you can't take your Heterosexual nastiness there either. God is GOOD!
8) What about other Faiths: Sorry, Hell is HOT! Remember Elijah and the prophets of Baal? That was a good Bar-B-Que.
Joshua 24
Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”...
16Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed...
19But Joshua said to the (LIBERAL) people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.
9)What happens after we die?: Simply Heaven or HELL! Boy will Liberals be shocked. But Joshua won't be the slightest surprised. Neither will I. But thankfully there's still time. Except for that one verse that says:
2 Peter: first the good news
" 13But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Then the liberal bad news...
False Prophets and Teachers
1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8(for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
But what the Hay - liberals don't believe in: Noah (big floating Zoo boat), Sodom & Gomorrah (Big Gay...?), Angels and Demons (flaming swords and talking donkeys), despising God's authority, and just nasty lusty passions. Oh Yeah! And Hell (that flaming garbage dump).
So what exactly DO liberals believe in? Ummmh...? Mostly Hating conservatives and those who really take the Bible and its Jesus seriously. Yep, they Believe in that all right - no tolerance there.
And finally...
10) How will it all end?: Why judgement day of course. Even Jesus mentions that. Or is that another verse that liberal's toss to the curb when they were making their Golden Calf Tree-huggin Eco-Jesus of Science?
John 5:
…21"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.…
and just because liberals are slow (and don't really read what the Bible says about Jesus)
Acts 17:31
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
Hebrews 1:2
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
_____________________________________
This has been my nastiest review. (liberals are really getting on my nerves lately). I guess the more I love the Bible the more I despise liberal theology. (Is there really such a thing as liberal theology? Nah.) But this sums up how it all ends perfectly: With Jesus.
The Judgment of the Dead
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
No need to worry: Liberal's believe Death and Hades (and Satan and the False Prophets) were actually just tossed into the Gehenna garbage dump...which laughingly Rev. Oliver "Buzzy" Thomas is very sure (cross his fingers behind his back and pinky swear) is no longer a burning garbage pit but a nice little campsite with a few boulders and some grass. Yep - that's the Social Gospel Liberal understanding of Cosmic Justice and a Mighty Savior's protection of His chosen Bride "New Jerusalem".
Of course if Oliver gets really bored in his Campsite, I'll request God throw down the Epic Series "Left Behind" Just for some light reading during the first billion years. Am I a nice guy or WHAT? See - no reasons liberals and Conservatives can't be friends.
People: Please don't totally confuse being liberal with being a liberal christian. Same goes for being Conservative and a Conservative Christian. Same goes for being gay vs being a gay christian. That is a whole nother topic. Although Ann Coulter Seems to have her mind carefully made up. May God Bless her efforts somewhat.
I have liberal and GLBT friends. But they don't seem to mess with my Bible. Thankfully.
I can understand if somebody wants to be totally liberal: Yaaayyy Humanism and materialistic naturalism ("Boo divine Jesus and eternal King"). But religiously and spiritually branching into...Science will someday answer ALL of your questions and desires and bring about an absolute Utopian dreamland of tolerance and mockery of all conservative Bible loving beliefs. Maybe those literal Bible lovers will actually be raptured away and liberals can live in peace and harmony with all the Buddhists, atheists and Moderate Muslims who really just want peace and the Greater Good. And liberals can have a hippy Jesus Guru that accepts everyone's sin and general debauchery. A liberal "Golden Calf Jesus" sure knows how to party at Pride Parades and doesn't tolerate those annoying babies that really need to be aborted - disposed of and forgotten about, liberal Jesus is all about women's rights protesting against anything that upsets their raging feminism.
So where were we? Oh yeah, Rev. Oliver "Buzz" (is that a marijuana/alcohol thing??? Probably not) Thomas has scribbled out the 100th Anti-Biblical, literal propaganda pamphlet that i've suffered through. NO reason to read this book - But I just thought maybe i'll read ONE MORE conservative Christian bashing book just to be sure I get their Old Testament God hating points clear. This is no different than Peter Enns or his buddies babblings. (although it was joyful shorter!!!). Now if only Ehrman, Spong and Armstrong could keep their crap this short.
If people hate the Jesus (and God) of the Bible so much: Why do they insist on proudly and obnoxiously boasting about their christianity? Like all liberal books - buzz didn't really tell us anything useful about his Eco-Hippy jesus. Buzzy Thomas really doesn't need a Savior, or Redeemer, or King of Kings, or Eternal loving Father...and He certainly doesn't need anyone to die for his sins (liberals really don't sin. They just make personal life adjustments) Only Conservative Fundamentalists REALLY sin. Liberal Jesus would gag and drag them through the streets in His GLBT approved Debauchery parade.
Hmmm...? Am I that far off the truth? Not from the Youtube videos I've experienced. "We know, We know; they just want to be considered NORMAL in a gay village people porn sort of way."
So why do I bother? Because I love the Jesus of the Bible. It is my source and Trustworthy Gift from God to fallen man. I will joyfully defend it at all times. And we all know how much the Bible tells us to stand strong against all false prophets and general buttheads.
2nd Peter 2
False Prophets
…2Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; 3and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;…
But we need to be more clear. Some liberals are very slow to see themselves in a clear light. So here we go:
1) How did it all begin: Very simply - Genesis 1:1 In the Beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.
The problem is - nobody can figure out exactly when a liberals Bible becomes factual. They don't like page 1...or 2...or 3...or 1134...or Revelation 20... But for some freakin' strange reason they like some Buddha Jesus they pieced together around page 1300. But they don't like 90% of the stuff He did or said.
2) Why are we here?: Hint, it's all about Jesus. Liberals hate that idea. They insist it's all about them. They think God already has enough Glory, maybe it's time He share it with more poor GLBT loving humans.
3) What is the Bible?: It's what happens when the Holy Spirit and some special people get to writing about what God finds important and useful throughout history and thought. Liberals hate the Holy Spirit (and often sweep Him under the religious carpet when any scholastic Biblical academics and thinking pop up. What's the Holy Spirit really good for anyway: except reminding people of the literal and factual Jesus of History. Sheeesh!
4) Miracles: Liberals don't need no stinkin' miracles. Just humanistic tolerance and socialism. There are no gay miracles - gay folks ARE a miracle.
5) How to please God: Be a liberal. Except Jesus was very specific about what he requires from us. There's no such thing as a fully Just liberal King. There will be nothing liberal about Jesus' kingdom. Even the Thief on the cross shows us this: Luke 23
39One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Yes, it's all about Jesus.
6)What about those liberal women? Sorry women, but maybe it's best if you shut up at certain times and do as the God of the FREAKIN' UNIVERSE asks you. Just stating what the Bible says. The Bible is very clear about Women. Most liberals are too lazy to read the WHOLE THING. Don't get all proud and boasty - men have endless commands from God as well...at least women aren't animals lining up at the altar to be sacrificed (God had no problems with that scenario.)
7)What about Homosexuality? And all liberals wish they were Gay or gender confused - they feel so emotionally left out at those parades... Like it says in South Park: "Sit, stay, Don't be GAY!" But it didn't work there either. Anyway, we all have life issues that need to be conformed to the requests of a Holy God. And you can't take your Gay to Heaven - Sorry. But don't get excited: apparently you can't take your Heterosexual nastiness there either. God is GOOD!
8) What about other Faiths: Sorry, Hell is HOT! Remember Elijah and the prophets of Baal? That was a good Bar-B-Que.
Joshua 24
Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”...
16Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods, 17for it is the LORD our God who brought us and our fathers up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight and preserved us in all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed...
19But Joshua said to the (LIBERAL) people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins.
9)What happens after we die?: Simply Heaven or HELL! Boy will Liberals be shocked. But Joshua won't be the slightest surprised. Neither will I. But thankfully there's still time. Except for that one verse that says:
2 Peter: first the good news
" 13But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."
Then the liberal bad news...
False Prophets and Teachers
1But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
4For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; 5if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; 6if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes he condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 7and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked 8(for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); 9then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, 10and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority.
But what the Hay - liberals don't believe in: Noah (big floating Zoo boat), Sodom & Gomorrah (Big Gay...?), Angels and Demons (flaming swords and talking donkeys), despising God's authority, and just nasty lusty passions. Oh Yeah! And Hell (that flaming garbage dump).
So what exactly DO liberals believe in? Ummmh...? Mostly Hating conservatives and those who really take the Bible and its Jesus seriously. Yep, they Believe in that all right - no tolerance there.
And finally...
10) How will it all end?: Why judgement day of course. Even Jesus mentions that. Or is that another verse that liberal's toss to the curb when they were making their Golden Calf Tree-huggin Eco-Jesus of Science?
John 5:
…21"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22"For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.…
and just because liberals are slow (and don't really read what the Bible says about Jesus)
Acts 17:31
For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead."
Hebrews 1:2
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
_____________________________________
This has been my nastiest review. (liberals are really getting on my nerves lately). I guess the more I love the Bible the more I despise liberal theology. (Is there really such a thing as liberal theology? Nah.) But this sums up how it all ends perfectly: With Jesus.
The Judgment of the Dead
11Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
No need to worry: Liberal's believe Death and Hades (and Satan and the False Prophets) were actually just tossed into the Gehenna garbage dump...which laughingly Rev. Oliver "Buzzy" Thomas is very sure (cross his fingers behind his back and pinky swear) is no longer a burning garbage pit but a nice little campsite with a few boulders and some grass. Yep - that's the Social Gospel Liberal understanding of Cosmic Justice and a Mighty Savior's protection of His chosen Bride "New Jerusalem".
Of course if Oliver gets really bored in his Campsite, I'll request God throw down the Epic Series "Left Behind" Just for some light reading during the first billion years. Am I a nice guy or WHAT? See - no reasons liberals and Conservatives can't be friends.
People: Please don't totally confuse being liberal with being a liberal christian. Same goes for being Conservative and a Conservative Christian. Same goes for being gay vs being a gay christian. That is a whole nother topic. Although Ann Coulter Seems to have her mind carefully made up. May God Bless her efforts somewhat.
I have liberal and GLBT friends. But they don't seem to mess with my Bible. Thankfully.
January 7, 2012
This book, written by an apparently professing Christian, reads more like an attack on Christianity than an embracing of it. Therefore, I can think of one group who this book would be useful for. This book is not written towards knowledgeable and intelligent followers of the Bible who are well versed in what it says and in defending it. You get the feeling reading it that Thomas must not believe that such people exist. Rather, it is aimed at the youth group member, the teenager who is a Christian by birth and had never really read the Bible or had to answer a hard question. This would be a useful book for them SO THAT their faith can be challenged, they can seek out answers and have their faith can be strengthened.
Why do I say that? First off all, this "reverend" goes far beyond denying Biblical inerrancy. Even some big names in conservative theology (like Martin Luther and John Calvin) did that. No, he sums it up (as most professing unbelievers do) as man's attempt to connect to God. He then gives a number of what he views as contradictions, all of which have been addressed by Christian apologists probably hundreds of times throughout history. When addressing how preachers have dealt with these apparent issues, he says some ignore it, and some rely on "progressive revelation" (a term that is probably more often abused that used for good). He fails to mention that some, ya know, have answers for such Bible dilemmas...
You get the feeling while reading this book that everyone who actually has studied the Bible or gone to seminary or been a minister knows that the Bible isn't even accurate on a lot of things, and they just go along with dogma and ignorance because that's what their parishioners want. In other words, they don't believe it, but as the title explicitly says, they need the job...It's not that other people who have studied these issues as much (and probably a lot more) than Thomas have reached different conclusions. No, they are all either liars or do not know better.
The worst part is, it is not a though this book has nothing good in it. It gives good perspective on women in the church. It points out, quite accurately, that by standards of the time Jesus and His followers were in many ways quite liberal. Thomas is right that not everything in the Bible is meant to be taken absolutely literally. Of course, I would appreciate it if Thomas took that attitude about the sun rising - if taking something literally makes the Bible wrong (even when people use that language figuratively even today), then it is being literal...
And tied in with what is good is something wrong. For example, the fact that people before Jesus were saved having never heard of Him means (an astute observation) means not only that God can save without explicit faith in Jesus, but that you can reject Jesus today and still be save. Never mind John 14:6; John just made that up anyway, as he is known to take "liberties."
It's full of a lot of troubling statements and ideas. Should we not coerce people into believing? Of course. Does that mean that Jesus is not the only way to God? Apparently (and remember John 14:6?). The resurrection is not even mentioned (whether or not he even believes it I am not sure), because what really mattered to Jesus was how we treat each other (which matters very much, but it isn't the only thing). Why do Christians not follow all of the rules in the Old Testament? Is it because of the nature of the Law and how it is applied outside of the kingdom of Israel and all the intricacies and its multiple purposes (stuff addressed throughout much of the New Testament, especially Romans and Galatians)? Of course not. It's because Christians sin too and don't follow all of the rules, and that's okay. I'd point to passages like Hebrews 10:26 about willfully and knowingly sinning, but those probably were just something a teacher made up to truly to scare his followers into behaving...
Oh, and Jesus was mistaken about things, such as the end of the world (which didn't occur in that "generation") (Matthew 24:32). Because, after all, nobody has ever given a reasonable explanation for this (e.g. R.C Sproul, Hank Hanegraaff, Kenneth Gentry, any "partial-preterist"…).
Either Thomas never bothered to see if these arguments to his points have been made by more conservative Christians (by which I mean pretty much every person who claims to be a Christian except maybe John Shelby Spong), or he is aware of them, and doesn't even mention them. Either way, it's not a good thing. He acts like the reader will be shocked and convinced at everything he says, which is true, for any reader who has never read the Bible or had to answer a hard question about it.
Lastly, I do find it a little ironic (and infuriating) that someone who holds these views is a Baptist minister. As one commentator named Jim aptly said:
"I just don't understand why one would be a Christian minister if one does not believe in the Bible. He must need the job."
Why do I say that? First off all, this "reverend" goes far beyond denying Biblical inerrancy. Even some big names in conservative theology (like Martin Luther and John Calvin) did that. No, he sums it up (as most professing unbelievers do) as man's attempt to connect to God. He then gives a number of what he views as contradictions, all of which have been addressed by Christian apologists probably hundreds of times throughout history. When addressing how preachers have dealt with these apparent issues, he says some ignore it, and some rely on "progressive revelation" (a term that is probably more often abused that used for good). He fails to mention that some, ya know, have answers for such Bible dilemmas...
You get the feeling while reading this book that everyone who actually has studied the Bible or gone to seminary or been a minister knows that the Bible isn't even accurate on a lot of things, and they just go along with dogma and ignorance because that's what their parishioners want. In other words, they don't believe it, but as the title explicitly says, they need the job...It's not that other people who have studied these issues as much (and probably a lot more) than Thomas have reached different conclusions. No, they are all either liars or do not know better.
The worst part is, it is not a though this book has nothing good in it. It gives good perspective on women in the church. It points out, quite accurately, that by standards of the time Jesus and His followers were in many ways quite liberal. Thomas is right that not everything in the Bible is meant to be taken absolutely literally. Of course, I would appreciate it if Thomas took that attitude about the sun rising - if taking something literally makes the Bible wrong (even when people use that language figuratively even today), then it is being literal...
And tied in with what is good is something wrong. For example, the fact that people before Jesus were saved having never heard of Him means (an astute observation) means not only that God can save without explicit faith in Jesus, but that you can reject Jesus today and still be save. Never mind John 14:6; John just made that up anyway, as he is known to take "liberties."
It's full of a lot of troubling statements and ideas. Should we not coerce people into believing? Of course. Does that mean that Jesus is not the only way to God? Apparently (and remember John 14:6?). The resurrection is not even mentioned (whether or not he even believes it I am not sure), because what really mattered to Jesus was how we treat each other (which matters very much, but it isn't the only thing). Why do Christians not follow all of the rules in the Old Testament? Is it because of the nature of the Law and how it is applied outside of the kingdom of Israel and all the intricacies and its multiple purposes (stuff addressed throughout much of the New Testament, especially Romans and Galatians)? Of course not. It's because Christians sin too and don't follow all of the rules, and that's okay. I'd point to passages like Hebrews 10:26 about willfully and knowingly sinning, but those probably were just something a teacher made up to truly to scare his followers into behaving...
Oh, and Jesus was mistaken about things, such as the end of the world (which didn't occur in that "generation") (Matthew 24:32). Because, after all, nobody has ever given a reasonable explanation for this (e.g. R.C Sproul, Hank Hanegraaff, Kenneth Gentry, any "partial-preterist"…).
Either Thomas never bothered to see if these arguments to his points have been made by more conservative Christians (by which I mean pretty much every person who claims to be a Christian except maybe John Shelby Spong), or he is aware of them, and doesn't even mention them. Either way, it's not a good thing. He acts like the reader will be shocked and convinced at everything he says, which is true, for any reader who has never read the Bible or had to answer a hard question about it.
Lastly, I do find it a little ironic (and infuriating) that someone who holds these views is a Baptist minister. As one commentator named Jim aptly said:
"I just don't understand why one would be a Christian minister if one does not believe in the Bible. He must need the job."
July 10, 2022
I generally liked this presentation, but I think Bart Ehrman's presentation on similar subjects is more academically sound.
I suggest reading "The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon" and/or "The New Testament" by Bart D. Ehrman.
I suggest reading "The History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon" and/or "The New Testament" by Bart D. Ehrman.
February 17, 2016
When I picked up 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't Because He Needs the Job, by Oliver Thomas I thought I was picking up a Christian, Biblical look at hard answers that no one wants to hear. I couldn’t have been farther from the truth. “10 Things” is decidedly not Biblical (the author apparently doesn’t trust the Bible) and other than for people who believe the Bible, it is exactly what people want to hear. Can someone say 2 Tim 4:3?
First off, the Title; 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't Because He Needs the Job – emphasis on “Your.” Well, I have been around for quite some time and have drawn close to most of the ministers I’ve been under, and I can without reservation state that none wanted to tell me or anyone else the things in this book. The cover describes Oliver Thomas as a Pastor and Constitutional Lawyer. I would think that as a pastor he would be concerned about the truth of God; he doesn’t appear to be. To Thomas it seems that that truth can be anything man decides it is. In his role as a lawyer I would expect that Thomas would focus on weaving together consistent and logical arguments to make his case; he doesn’t do that either.
He thrives on constructing straw men through misrepresentation of others’ views and then dismantling them. His arguments are not new. Atheists and humanists have been putting out the same propaganda for decades. Although he doesn’t entirely dismiss the Bible, he views it as a book written by men doing their best to describe God’s working through history. No divine inspiration is credited. If you don’t like what it says, just say it isn’t real or doesn’t fit. Never actually had someone do that with John 14:6 before.
One of my biggest issues with “10 Things” is the premise that societal norms should trump scripture. He repeatedly says, “No one accepts that today.” Being that he doesn’t accept scripture as holy, there’s nothing to keep us from selecting what makes sense to us and dismissing those things that make us uncomfortable, or worse, that convict us. And, by the way, according to the author if the Biblical event cannot be explained by science (a floating axe head) or if it appears in other ancient writings (virgin birth, walking on water), then it didn’t really happen. It’s just there to make a point. If I were to summarize the author’s view of the Bible based on what I read here, I’d say he views it as a moral document that needs to adapt and change with the times. This of course puts man in charge of determining what God says or desires.
Now I don’t want to leave the impression that there are no redeeming qualities to “10 Things”. The author does at times strike some pretty solid chords. He openly acknowledges that everyone, including himself, approach the Bible with personal biases. He uses some hard historical examples of times when actions based on these biases were detrimental to the world, although he seems fine with applying biases when the results are in his view, benevolent. And, although I may disagree with the path that he took to get there, he correctly identifies the plague of “faith without works” that ravages our self-centered churches today.
I’ve read other books by pastors with whom a have serious disagreement, like Jim Wallis for instance, and when I’ve finished those books, although I disagree, I will generally end my review with “I’m glad I read it.” Unfortunately, the best I can do for 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't Because He Needs the Job is, “I’m glad it only took up 2 ½ hours of my life.”
First off, the Title; 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't Because He Needs the Job – emphasis on “Your.” Well, I have been around for quite some time and have drawn close to most of the ministers I’ve been under, and I can without reservation state that none wanted to tell me or anyone else the things in this book. The cover describes Oliver Thomas as a Pastor and Constitutional Lawyer. I would think that as a pastor he would be concerned about the truth of God; he doesn’t appear to be. To Thomas it seems that that truth can be anything man decides it is. In his role as a lawyer I would expect that Thomas would focus on weaving together consistent and logical arguments to make his case; he doesn’t do that either.
He thrives on constructing straw men through misrepresentation of others’ views and then dismantling them. His arguments are not new. Atheists and humanists have been putting out the same propaganda for decades. Although he doesn’t entirely dismiss the Bible, he views it as a book written by men doing their best to describe God’s working through history. No divine inspiration is credited. If you don’t like what it says, just say it isn’t real or doesn’t fit. Never actually had someone do that with John 14:6 before.
One of my biggest issues with “10 Things” is the premise that societal norms should trump scripture. He repeatedly says, “No one accepts that today.” Being that he doesn’t accept scripture as holy, there’s nothing to keep us from selecting what makes sense to us and dismissing those things that make us uncomfortable, or worse, that convict us. And, by the way, according to the author if the Biblical event cannot be explained by science (a floating axe head) or if it appears in other ancient writings (virgin birth, walking on water), then it didn’t really happen. It’s just there to make a point. If I were to summarize the author’s view of the Bible based on what I read here, I’d say he views it as a moral document that needs to adapt and change with the times. This of course puts man in charge of determining what God says or desires.
Now I don’t want to leave the impression that there are no redeeming qualities to “10 Things”. The author does at times strike some pretty solid chords. He openly acknowledges that everyone, including himself, approach the Bible with personal biases. He uses some hard historical examples of times when actions based on these biases were detrimental to the world, although he seems fine with applying biases when the results are in his view, benevolent. And, although I may disagree with the path that he took to get there, he correctly identifies the plague of “faith without works” that ravages our self-centered churches today.
I’ve read other books by pastors with whom a have serious disagreement, like Jim Wallis for instance, and when I’ve finished those books, although I disagree, I will generally end my review with “I’m glad I read it.” Unfortunately, the best I can do for 10 Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You: But Can't Because He Needs the Job is, “I’m glad it only took up 2 ½ hours of my life.”
May 2, 2009
I love this book. I am a person who has struggled my whole life with matters of spirituality, religion, and God. I admit I am liberal minded and progressive in my thinking (or at least I believe myself to be). That is my biggest problem with matters of religion- fundalmentalist, closed minded, black/white, all or nothing thinking.
This book is written by Baptist minister. It is a refreshing book, because he is not afraid to admit- parts of the Bible are not to be taken literally. That sometimes the Bible contradicts itself. It is part poetry, part family saga, etc. It is Ok to keep in mind the fact the Bible should be considered in the CULTURAL context of the time it was written.
Some of my favorite quotes are as folows:
"When religion and science stick their respective realms, all of society benefits. Science helps us understand the world around us, and religion helps us makes sense of it all." (in regards to the fight over creationism and evolution)
"The final and most important way we that we love God, though, isn't throguh prayer or praise, as important s these may be. It is by loving other people, especially whom Jesus referred as "the least of these"- the homeless alcoholic, convicted felon, battered wife, hungry child, or AIDS victim. "Love these," said Jesus, "and you have loved me."
"Miracles are in the eye of beholder. They can only be seen through the eyes of faith."
"Being religious isn't the same as being Christian, and satsifying the dictates of a religion may not satisfy God."
I have more that I really liked. Overall, this book was a pleasant surprise.
This book is written by Baptist minister. It is a refreshing book, because he is not afraid to admit- parts of the Bible are not to be taken literally. That sometimes the Bible contradicts itself. It is part poetry, part family saga, etc. It is Ok to keep in mind the fact the Bible should be considered in the CULTURAL context of the time it was written.
Some of my favorite quotes are as folows:
"When religion and science stick their respective realms, all of society benefits. Science helps us understand the world around us, and religion helps us makes sense of it all." (in regards to the fight over creationism and evolution)
"The final and most important way we that we love God, though, isn't throguh prayer or praise, as important s these may be. It is by loving other people, especially whom Jesus referred as "the least of these"- the homeless alcoholic, convicted felon, battered wife, hungry child, or AIDS victim. "Love these," said Jesus, "and you have loved me."
"Miracles are in the eye of beholder. They can only be seen through the eyes of faith."
"Being religious isn't the same as being Christian, and satsifying the dictates of a religion may not satisfy God."
I have more that I really liked. Overall, this book was a pleasant surprise.
February 22, 2013
The author glorifies himself (or tries to) by going against the grain and taking religion to task for failing to tackle the tough questions in the Bible as masterfully as he does. But his reading of the Bible is shockingly elementary. As an example he plainly concludes that the Bible condones the brutal institution of slavery based on a single sentence in one of Paul's letters while apparently forgetting an entire book of the Bible describing God's saving a nation from the brutalities of slavery. This is just one example. If the goal was to look smarter than everyone else in the room he failed. If it was to give true insight into the Bible he failed again.
April 13, 2008
thought provoking. It helps identify the big picture message VS getting stuck on the specific details that people want to argue over
August 23, 2025
Glad I read it. Some reverse judgmental attitude while trying to convey a message of acceptance. Some reverse justifying of positions/stances.
Plain English explanations of how the Bible came to be, some context for some unusual passages, a path to bring forward into 21st century (no place for slavery, subjugation of women, sequestering during menstruation, homosexuality, etc.) or reconcile evolution and creation and other religions, trying to debunk the threat of the perpetual tortures of a hell especially for innocents. (Even though I agree religion can flex and is for all, for some assertions, I am taking with a grain of salt/Need additional proof. Also agree it is wrong to go to war over religious differences.)
I liked the letter asking about stoning their neighbors, smiting, etc. if Leviticus etc. had to be taken literally.
Also, I am intrigued if Revelation is symbolic and code for persecution that already happened and taking the fear out of 666 of 616. If so, probably shouldn’t have made the cut to add to the Bible.
Similarly intrigued that trinity isn’t in the New Testament and the concept was forced into an interpretation. I recall Trinity Sunday shortly after Easter (Holy Spirit) so will have read my notes.
Overall message of live in the here and now doing good and helping neighbors and needy. Faith is required. Had only tiny tiny sprinkling of power of prayer and miracles. Could have used a little more “here is support for having a relationship with God, why it makes sense and how wonderful it can be”. Also a bit about the Bible has some divine inspiration (that faith thing).
Plain English explanations of how the Bible came to be, some context for some unusual passages, a path to bring forward into 21st century (no place for slavery, subjugation of women, sequestering during menstruation, homosexuality, etc.) or reconcile evolution and creation and other religions, trying to debunk the threat of the perpetual tortures of a hell especially for innocents. (Even though I agree religion can flex and is for all, for some assertions, I am taking with a grain of salt/Need additional proof. Also agree it is wrong to go to war over religious differences.)
I liked the letter asking about stoning their neighbors, smiting, etc. if Leviticus etc. had to be taken literally.
Also, I am intrigued if Revelation is symbolic and code for persecution that already happened and taking the fear out of 666 of 616. If so, probably shouldn’t have made the cut to add to the Bible.
Similarly intrigued that trinity isn’t in the New Testament and the concept was forced into an interpretation. I recall Trinity Sunday shortly after Easter (Holy Spirit) so will have read my notes.
Overall message of live in the here and now doing good and helping neighbors and needy. Faith is required. Had only tiny tiny sprinkling of power of prayer and miracles. Could have used a little more “here is support for having a relationship with God, why it makes sense and how wonderful it can be”. Also a bit about the Bible has some divine inspiration (that faith thing).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
Not really impressed with the book. I thought it would deal with pastoral items or issues related to the preachers work. Instead, the book is heavily doctrinal, and he takes a series of positions opposed to fundamentalism. He assumes his readers are all fundamentalist. He goes further by assuming preachers don't believe any "conservative" positions, and they are only hiding that fact to keep their jobs. Maybe I'm reading too much into the title, which was maybe used to grab attention. He makes some valid points, but there are a lot of assumptions about other preachers and his readers.
September 18, 2017
This book straightened out so many questions for me (10, to be precise). Several reviews for it dismissed it. I think those reviewers read it with an attitude of self-righteousness, of "knowing better", which the author pointed out on more than one occasion is not a desirable attitude. I'm sorry for those readers.
I love this book. As a future pastor, I'm sure I'll refer to it and/or quote from it often.
I love this book. As a future pastor, I'm sure I'll refer to it and/or quote from it often.
August 15, 2022
This one caught me by surprise. Through my audible subscription, this was a suggestion on the home page. The title gripped me, but the contents of this book blessed me. The things that the author puts on the table are hard truths that we need to think about when we study scripture and live our lives.
This is a provocative read that most Christian readers in America won't like, but it's definitely a book that I'll recommend to those serious about studying scripture in context.
This is a provocative read that most Christian readers in America won't like, but it's definitely a book that I'll recommend to those serious about studying scripture in context.
September 5, 2025
Open mind helpful, but not required.
It will be difficult for anyone with an inquiring mind to encounter this book and go away unchanged. Those that do probably have absolutely no opinion on the subject, or are rock-solid-sure they have the correct answers. In either case, they should probably re-read this book. It is not intended to be simple "fireside comfort". Much discussion will, and should, follow.
It will be difficult for anyone with an inquiring mind to encounter this book and go away unchanged. Those that do probably have absolutely no opinion on the subject, or are rock-solid-sure they have the correct answers. In either case, they should probably re-read this book. It is not intended to be simple "fireside comfort". Much discussion will, and should, follow.
August 1, 2019
I feel bad for people who believe this way. God is a loving Father who wants us to learn and grow. He cares about us. He watched over us. He helps us through the hard times. Keep Commandments. Treat others with love. Respect others, especially our ancestors. Then we will end up becoming like God is.
July 26, 2019
A liberal viewpoint of what questions we have about the Bible, as Christians. While it is humorous and from a liberal point of view he mentions Southern Christians also known as the Bible belt. It's a short audio book and perhaps I will listen again.
July 7, 2020
Ugh. Bad writing all over.
An attempt to quickly explain years of liberal theology. Thomas uses double standards in his logic all over the place. He essentially wants to jettison Christianity for utopia.
An attempt to quickly explain years of liberal theology. Thomas uses double standards in his logic all over the place. He essentially wants to jettison Christianity for utopia.
March 9, 2022
Worth a read or a listen. Definitely goes against the grain and makes a believer think about what has been claimed as normal and actually read their Bible for understanding. Faith should always be personal and requires the commitment to relationship and continued growth.
August 26, 2023
Oliver’s claims about what the Bible teaches and basic facts about the Bible (who its authors were, what is and isn’t poetry, etc.) are false and go against 2,000 years of Biblical teaching. Oliver Thomas cherry-picks to prove his points and takes almost everything he references out of context.
May 16, 2021
An easy and quick read on theology for those who want to live like Jesus, not like the religious. Rev. Thomas's Alabama drawl and southern idioms are icing on this cupcake of a read.
Read
October 28, 2021Very good.
December 15, 2021
The author did nothing to defend or substantiate his views. Simply said the orthodox view was wrong and then stated his own.
Poor views presented poorly
Poor views presented poorly
March 10, 2022
Delightfully down-to-earth, honest, at times unsettling, but don't shoot the messenger.
December 12, 2022
Best book I've read in a minute. Left me feeling like I wasn't crazy after all. Quick uplifting and affirming read if your heart has been kinda hurting for the last handful of years or so.
August 31, 2011
a liberal baptist minister. my head hurts.
This is one of the few books i've stayed w/to the end and rated one star. "liberal baptist minister" should have been a clue.
The bible Rev. Thomas feels most comfortable w/is Jefferson's. take out all those nasty miracles. One example from page 40, "Yet it's hard for any modernday American to believe Jesus literally walked on water..." Really? It's hard to believe that the Son of God, born of a virgin , sight-giver to the blind and man who raises dead peolple from the grave could walk on water? Rev. Thomas finds That to be hard? i think commanding the waves to obey is pretty easy compared to raising people from the dead. Also his statement carries racial and arrogant overtones..."hard for any modernday American to believe" cause unlike them po'r dark folks in Afreka and s.'merica wes Americans is Smart.
From page 41 "What's more is you don't have to believe in the suspension of the laws of nature to be a person of faith." i agree, but when witnesses to the miracles say they happened it takes far more faith to call them liars.
On page 92 Rev Thomas writes "The bottom line is that here is scant scriptural support for the doctrine of eternal damnation-at least as most Christians understand it. True, the Bible teaches judgement. We all reap what we sow. And death to the unbeliever means eternal seperation from God-which is hell enough, if you ask me. But everlasting torment?" Eternal seperation from God. That isn't "hell enough" it is hell. What greater torment can there be? Is fire and brimstone, the devil w/his pitchfork as scary and threatening? God is love. Hell is seperation from love, by choice, no less. If Re. Thomas wants to say the church has done anything to the doctrine of hell he should accuse it of lessening the impact of reality.
Two points of agreement, he reprints the open letter to Dr Laura that was going around a few years ago (an example from it "I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath (literally Saturday). Exodus 35.2 clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? Must I also kill his offspring?") This letter raised fair questions of Dr Laura and people who follow the scriptures and deserves to be answered. (It is on pp 70,71)
the second point i agree with, from p. 104, "I will take the liberty of adding a forth school of interpetation-panmillenialism. I can't recall where i first encountered it, but the essence of it is this: Trust God, and in the end things will all pan out. Now that's good theology."
If this is what my pastors want to tell me, i'll quit church right now and start living as a "good person" and try to do my best on my own. Cause Jesus w/out the miraculous? just another street corner lunatic.
This is one of the few books i've stayed w/to the end and rated one star. "liberal baptist minister" should have been a clue.
The bible Rev. Thomas feels most comfortable w/is Jefferson's. take out all those nasty miracles. One example from page 40, "Yet it's hard for any modernday American to believe Jesus literally walked on water..." Really? It's hard to believe that the Son of God, born of a virgin , sight-giver to the blind and man who raises dead peolple from the grave could walk on water? Rev. Thomas finds That to be hard? i think commanding the waves to obey is pretty easy compared to raising people from the dead. Also his statement carries racial and arrogant overtones..."hard for any modernday American to believe" cause unlike them po'r dark folks in Afreka and s.'merica wes Americans is Smart.
From page 41 "What's more is you don't have to believe in the suspension of the laws of nature to be a person of faith." i agree, but when witnesses to the miracles say they happened it takes far more faith to call them liars.
On page 92 Rev Thomas writes "The bottom line is that here is scant scriptural support for the doctrine of eternal damnation-at least as most Christians understand it. True, the Bible teaches judgement. We all reap what we sow. And death to the unbeliever means eternal seperation from God-which is hell enough, if you ask me. But everlasting torment?" Eternal seperation from God. That isn't "hell enough" it is hell. What greater torment can there be? Is fire and brimstone, the devil w/his pitchfork as scary and threatening? God is love. Hell is seperation from love, by choice, no less. If Re. Thomas wants to say the church has done anything to the doctrine of hell he should accuse it of lessening the impact of reality.
Two points of agreement, he reprints the open letter to Dr Laura that was going around a few years ago (an example from it "I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath (literally Saturday). Exodus 35.2 clearly states that he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself? Must I also kill his offspring?") This letter raised fair questions of Dr Laura and people who follow the scriptures and deserves to be answered. (It is on pp 70,71)
the second point i agree with, from p. 104, "I will take the liberty of adding a forth school of interpetation-panmillenialism. I can't recall where i first encountered it, but the essence of it is this: Trust God, and in the end things will all pan out. Now that's good theology."
If this is what my pastors want to tell me, i'll quit church right now and start living as a "good person" and try to do my best on my own. Cause Jesus w/out the miraculous? just another street corner lunatic.
June 13, 2008
This little book by Rev. Oliver Thomas pretty well reflects a lot of what I've believed for most of my adult life.
Thomas addresses ten major issues that have fueled the so-called culture wars of the past thirty years (including the contradictions within the Bible, creationism, equality of all people regardless of gender or sexual orientation). Some of his comments would probably make Pat Robertson froth at the mouth, but really there isn't much to startle those who fall on the liberal end of Christianity.
Thomas argues that the whole point of Christianity (and other religions, for that matter) is that we love ourselves and each other, and for Christians the Bible should be read through that lens. Thomas dismisses the notion that the Bible justifies homophobia or misogynism. If one accepts the characterization of homosexuality as an abomination against God (made in Leviticus), what should we make of that same book's forbidding of haircuts? Should we also act on the command (found in Exodus) to put people to death for working on the Sabbath?
In Stealing Jesus, Bruce Bawer detailed how a narrow, self-righteous strain of Christianity laid claim to a monopoly on religious truth. Thomas does a good job of laying out the basics of liberal, non-fundamentalist Christianity.
Thomas addresses ten major issues that have fueled the so-called culture wars of the past thirty years (including the contradictions within the Bible, creationism, equality of all people regardless of gender or sexual orientation). Some of his comments would probably make Pat Robertson froth at the mouth, but really there isn't much to startle those who fall on the liberal end of Christianity.
Thomas argues that the whole point of Christianity (and other religions, for that matter) is that we love ourselves and each other, and for Christians the Bible should be read through that lens. Thomas dismisses the notion that the Bible justifies homophobia or misogynism. If one accepts the characterization of homosexuality as an abomination against God (made in Leviticus), what should we make of that same book's forbidding of haircuts? Should we also act on the command (found in Exodus) to put people to death for working on the Sabbath?
In Stealing Jesus, Bruce Bawer detailed how a narrow, self-righteous strain of Christianity laid claim to a monopoly on religious truth. Thomas does a good job of laying out the basics of liberal, non-fundamentalist Christianity.
February 26, 2013
Having been raised Southern Baptist I am fairly confident that none of my ministers wanted to tell me any of this, but if they had I probably would not have walked away when I did. I remember wishing there was some secret Sunday School class where they taught that the creation stories of Genesis and the apocalypses of Daniel and John were never intended to be read literally. That the Bible's statements about slavery and homosexuality and the role of women can only be understood within the historical context in which they were written. That Heaven and Hell are metaphors for a life lived with love, kindness, and generosity as apposed to a life thrown in the garbage in pursuit of materialism and indulgence. That God is a face we project on the universe in hopes of understanding the incomprehensible. But of course there is no such Sunday School class and no one should entertain such mad heresy.
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