Out Into the Desert: Thriving Outside Organized Religion

by Karl Forehand, Laura Forehand, Keith Giles (Foreword)

Sometimes, when we begin to question our faith or have doubts about our tradition it can feel like we are wandering out into the desert. When we take a step back and honestly evaluate organized religion in the 21st century, many times it doesn't make any sense. The more we cling to it and try to save it, the worse it becomes. In addition, widespread abuse, cover ups and victim-shaming causes some of us to question whether it will ever be right again.

Out Into the Desert is an honest survey of Western Christianity, along with Karl and Laura's personal story as they journeyed through 20-plus years of ministry. Let the Forehands be your guide as they examine these questions and more ... 

Is it okay to take some time off from religion and do this assessment?Are there things we can't see because we're too close?Where else can we find community?Is it possible to thrive outside of organized religion?If Jesus were physically here, would he go to church? 

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2022

Reviews

[Joe Machuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and bought a kindle copy as well. A must—read book that examines the journey from leadership in evangelical Christianity to leaving the organized institutional church.
Their journey into the desert took them from shallow, pat answers, to asking profound questions. They find the desert encouraging, and well worth the time it takes to take this journey.

[Saundra Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Karl and Laura seemed to have written much of my own journey into the deconstruction many of us have found ourselves in. Their calm and contemplative voices soothed some of the broken pieces that are still deep within me. It's a beautiful moment when you realize you're not alone in the desert. I'm seen, I'm heard, I'm here. Thank you, thank you! ❤️

[DaCosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Guide for the Deconstructing

Karl and Laura Forehand share their stories about their deconstruction that resonates in me. We have questions in our spiritual journey, yet it's good to know there are those who went on before.

The desert can be a great place to be.

[Reggie Byrum · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Rating is Generous

So I checked out on this book in Chapter 8, “How Religion ruins Sex”. There had been “flags” here and there up to this point (Laura referring to God as a woman), but this chapter put the nail in the coffin. This book is about as far-left liberal and “hyper-grace” as you can get. If you are used to reading Watchman Nee, Francis Chan, A.W. Tozer, Leonard Ravenhill, Jon Zens, Brother Yun, Frank Viola, and Wolfgang Simson, among others then this book will REPULSE you. If you like Joseph Prince, and thought "The Shack" was theology sound, then by all means read it. But in my estimation, these people are lost - mentally and spiritually. There are many, many good books out there about living outside institutionalized religion. This isn’t one of them. Stick with Viola, Zens, and others. If I sound mad, I am. We don't just toss the Word of God and set our own rules, do what feels good or make this stuff up as we go along. Thankfully, I was able to return it and get my purchase price back.

[JANICE GURULE · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the reader that said it could have been an essay rather than a book. Biblically, there are some absolutes (sound theology) JESUS and His truth and those needed to be addressed. Instead, a long tangent about what is wrong with the church, mostly based on add-on nonabsolutes (not unlike the Jewish Pharisees with there 1000's of "rules". We are all created differently and when people, religion, or authority desires to put others in their little box eventually you have revolt and a split.
My prayer, especially for Laura, is that she seeks Jesus, His Word and then truth. She has experienced a lot of pain. I think it is really important for people to establish boundaries in relationships. I do not get the sense that she did that. Also, Karl should have been aware of her pain and suffering and this should have been addressed long before the time when they left the organized church regardless of the consequences.

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get an advance copy of this book for review. I enjoyed reading about the experiences of walking with God outside the walls of organized religion. Having grown up in the church yet later leaving it, I found myself relating to many of the feelings and experiences written about in this book. We are taught many things and go through various experiences within the church system that turns out to be different from what God intended. Sometimes it takes leaving the system and walking in the desert to begin to see what God really intended for us as his followers. I feel this book shows us that it is not wrong to leave the religious organization with all its rules, programs and exclusion of others, to focus on finding a meaningful walk with God and true fellowship with others. It is not easy, but I am finding it is well worth the time. This book has been uplifting and encouraging, knowing that I am not alone in this endeavor.

[Rennie M · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could have been an essay. Sooooo much repetition. Though there are chapters, the content lacks structure, especially the parts written by Laura. I also felt that the true starting point - whether Scripture is infallible and truly the Word of God - was not addressed. So what results is a laundry list of their problems and awful experiences in church, and how they are changing their choices as a result of that. While I appreciate the encouragement for independent thinking and evaluation, I considered this to be mostly a waste of time.

[Asim Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who is in search of greater truth, who dares to question traditions and is seeking an inner perspective into the worlds of Religions.

[Lavada Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an elixir for the soul. All church leaders need to read this book to learn how minister, from the heart, to our hurting world.

[Erzsie DeRichmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read. I'm familiar with the topics because I deconstructed from protestant Christianity. My only complaint is they equate gender with anatomy and assume binary genders.