Reclaiming Faith: Inclusion, Grace, and Tolerance

by Michael Coren

Christianity has largely been represented in recent social discourse by a relatively small minority of conservatives, and Christians are often viewed as obsessed with single issues such as abortion or sexuality, as saying “no” rather than “yes.” As a result, the perception of the Christian faith in North America and much of Europe is frequently a negative one. For the past five years Michael Coren has written articles and columns in many of Canada’s major newspapers and magazines trying to reinterpret the Christian faith, and to present it in its genuine, vibrant, and liberating form.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2019

About the author

Michael Coren is an English-Canadian columnist, author, public speaker, radio host and television talk show host. He has been the host of the television series The Michael Coren Show for six years. He has also been a long-time radio personality, particularly on CFRB radio.

He has writen more than ten books, including biographies of H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, and C. S. Lewis. His latest book, Why Catholics are Right, will be published in 2011.

Reviews

[Janet Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of essays on faith, Christianity and the Catholic Church. Coren was a devout Catholic, until a few years ago, when he realized that gay men and women were not accepted by the Catholic Church, and that that was neither right nor in accordance with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. The essays cover a variety of topics, most often that of LGBQT people, and their right to worship , be accepted, and marry. It’s really only about love and acceptance - which is what Jesus preached. I quite enjoyed it.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel that his books subject matter pushes it into the 5 star range as I don't expect there are that many authors with similar works or biographies. How many conservative Catholic religious writers become semi-conservative, pro gay and pro women in religious leadership, ordained Anglican writers? My guess is, not nearly enough and certainly not many are as well written and as clear a thinker as Michael Coren. He dismantles many religious misinterpretations founded on narrow readings of biblical passages and gently but firmly asserts a wider view. The view that includes the humanity and compassion that Christianity says it stands for.
Some of these articles repeat the same assertions. One can assume it needed to be said many times before it was actually heard. I value his opinions and his deeply held beliefs and appreciate his willingness to share. There is a cost. It is important that those who can, speak.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of articles written by Michael for a group of magazines and newspapers all written between 2015-2019. As one of the reviewers mentioned "Some of these articles repeat the same assertions. One can assume it needed to be said many times before it was actually heard". Poor Michael was quite attacked for his taking his stand endorsing abortions and equal marriages.
I enjoyed this book more than I had first anticipated. Michael has changed quite dramatically than the early 2000s. Thank you for that.
Favourite lines:
"For I am convinced, as are many believers, that Christianity is challenged as never before." (p35)
"we can be vulnerable, and open, and comfortable with difference and uncertainty." (p47)
"Christianity should be i not by what it opposes, but by what it affirms, not by its anger, but by its joy." (p67). "the quintessential virtues that are at the heart of the Christmas message. For those of us who believe, those virtues are forgiveness, compassion, social justice, economic fairness, stewardship of the planet, care for the marginalized, empathy with the despised" (p88). "The time when certain Christians could comfortably rely on archaic and crassly literal interpretations of words written millennia ago to bolster a reactionary attitude (p121). "I try to live by the teachings of a man ...who was obsessed with love, justice, forgiveness, inclusion, tolerance, economic equality, and the need to turn the world upside down" (p124). "The opposite of unquestioning religious belief needn't be doubt, but faith seeking understanding" (p243). "And faith has to be given voluntarily and never demanded." (p255). "If C.S. Lewis demands anything of modern Christians, it's that we think and struggle with a faith that is never easy." (p257) "As we understand more of the world, our beliefs tend to change" (p261). "The song of the Gospels is justice, hope, compassion, and love; it sings of inclusion and grace and tolerance." (p 265)

[Kathleen M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Michael Coren is such a great writer and a Christian of great faith and honesty. He left the Catholic Church due to its hypocrisy and rigid beliefs regarding gay marriage. He has since been ordained an Anglican minister and his beliefs are more in line with that of Jesus Christ than that of many right wing so-called Christians. He suffered professionally and personally for having the courage of his convictions and really lives the life of a true, loving Christian. His arguments rebutting many of the poisonous beliefs of many right wing Christians are persuasive and humourous and insightful.