Growing Up Born Again: Or a Whimsical Look at the Blessings and Tribulations of Growing Up Born Again

by Patricia S. Klein

Excellent Book

Genres: Humor

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Lisa Rathbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book years ago, I was a little unsure of myself: I wondered if I SHOULD be laughing at these things! Then I realized that the book doesn't scoff at Christian beliefs but rather at some of the unusual social manifestations of those beliefs: pot-luck suppers, VBS, little tacky trinkets with Bible verses on it, etc. I found I could relate to 99% of what the author described, and sometimes I laughed until I cried! This book really seemed to fit my childhood years of the 70s and early 80s (I don't know if people from the 60s would also find it relevant). I think younger folks wouldn't relate as much (for example, there's no mention of homeschooling which today is a HUGE part for many kids "growing up born again".) Of course, the author makes it clear at the beginning that no one REALLY grows up "born again" since you must make a conscious decision to follow Christ. From comments about how roller skating with the youth group to wondering if the pastor would hold you under the water for an extra long time during your baptism because he remembered all the times you were passing notes in the back row during the sermon, this book is FUNNY for those of us who grew up going to a Bible-believing church.

[Alice Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1987 when I was in my 30s, I found it then quite funny and a bit sacriligious (because I came from a pretty legalistic born-again background.) I just dug it out of a pile and re-read it. It's still funny, but also a trip down memory lane as so many things have changed. I'm not sure current Jesus followers would be familiar enough with the contents of the book to find it funny, but for those of us growing up in the 60s and 70s at least, there are lots of chuckles to be had. Take a look if you're that age. (I wonder what the authors would write if they updated the book today!)

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious book. I bought it at least 20 years ago. I still have my copy and read it on occasion. I bought and gave a copy to the youth pastor at my Baptist Church. And he absolutely loved it