Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe: Ten Misbeliefs That Keep Us from Experiencing God's Grace

by Gary Kinnaman

Gary Kinnaman contends that many Christians are blinded by what he calls "popular and nonbiblical notions" of God. Applying personal anecdotes, stories from the lives of others and a large dose of humor, the author challenges 10 beliefs that are obstacles to the experience of God's love and providence. With a lighthearted touch, the author rescues readers from stubborn religious lies, such "God grades on a curve; the better you are, the bigger the blessing. And whoppers If God leads you to something, everything will work out just great. Witty and engaging, Kinnaman may offend Christians of all tradtions as he provokes them to think more deeply about their faith and their behavior.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

215 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2003

Reviews

[James Frederick]

This book was both good and frustratingly disappointing, at the same time. For one thing, while the title may be attention-getting and buzz worthy, it is the wrong title for the book. The things described by the author are not "dumb things." In the introduction, the author talks about "blind spots." I think that most of the items he discusses in the book are blind spots. They are things that people either have not considered, or not considered fully. People can EVEN consider these things and reasonable minds can differ as to how people should feel about them.

So it is just wrong to call these notions "dumb things." It may be wrong...and I agree with the author on a few of his arguments. But just because someone doesn't agree with the author's position, it does not make them dumb, Christian or not.

That is probably my biggest gripe. The author was going for a glitzy title, but it just is wrong.

As for the "mistaken beliefs," which is what he calls them in the book, not "dumb beliefs," a lot of them seemed to blend and merge together. Many of the chapters were not distinct enough from the others to prove the author's point.

One area I really DID like was his discussion on whether Jesus' sacrifice was enough, or whether there is something else needed beyond that. That was a very good discussion and dealt with a topic that very serious Christians often wrestle with. The writer could have addressed a number of these deeper spiritual topics. Instead, he focused much of the book on why bad things happen to people and whether there is anything they can or should do about it.

I was very excited to read this because I think it is great for all people to think about and consider issues of faith; even challenging ones. Ultimately, I was very disappointed with the execution of this, however. I gave it 3 stars because of the premise and the discussion on Jesus' sacrifice. The remainder of the book was repetitive and even though I found myself highlighting passages, left and right, I also found myself wishing there had been so much more.

The author scored points for his honesty and openness in detailing many of his struggles. That added depth that would otherwise not have been apparent. I wish there had been more done around this.

As someone who considers himself a student of faith and someone seeking a deeper understanding and connection with God, I was disappointed and I felt the book fell well short of its potential.

[Susan]

3.5 stars. It did have a few new ideas to mull over, but much I had heard before.

[Beth]

While I disagree with Kinnaman's more fundamentalist leanings (rantings against secular humanism, etc.), he offers good advice on how to get over one's self and to acknowledge the role of God's grace in one's life.

[Rachel]

Pretty good and gave me some interesting things to think about. The beginning ones are pretty basic (like the misconception "God loves me, so he will forgive anything I do"), but as you get further into it the deeper and more difficult the topics get.

[Michaelbatte]

Every Christian should read this expecially those who think they are right