More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship

by Stephen F. Arterburn

One decade ago, best-selling authors Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton exposed the dangers of what they called "toxic faith," helping countless believers to understand and overcome their religious misconceptions.

Now, drawing upon an additional ten years of observation and experience, these authors go one step further, offering new insights and a positive approach to the dilemma in this long-awaited follow-up to their ground-breaking work.

Be set free from man-made rules, "churchianity," and legalistic religion.

Learn to recognize serious misinterpretations of vital biblical concepts such as "accountability."

Return to the roots of a strong, obedient, yet grace-filled relationship with your Creator.

To all who want to enter into deeper joy, fuller obedience, greater influence, and a healthier experience of God, More Jesus, Less Religion points the way back to the grace of the Lord and shows what it takes to avoid the pitfalls of toxic faith.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Faith, Spirituality

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2000

About the author

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries—the nation's largest faith-based broadcast, counseling, and treatment ministry—and is the host of the nationally syndicated New Life Live! daily radio program aired on over 180 radio stations nationwide, Sirius XM radio, and on television. Steve is also the founder of the Women of Faith conferences, attended by over 4 million women, and of HisMatchforMe.com.
Steve is a nationally known public speaker and has been featured in national media venues such as Oprah, Inside Edition, Good Morning America, CNN Live, the New York Times, USA Today, and US News & World Report.
In August 2000, Steve was inducted into the National Speakers Association's Hall of Fame. A bestselling author, Steve has written more than one hundred books, including the popular Every Man's series and his most recent book, Healing Is a Choice. He is a Gold Medallion–winning author and has been nominated for numerous other writing awards.
Steve has degrees from Baylor University and the University of North Texas as well as two honorary doctorate degrees. Steve is a teaching pastor at Northview Church in suburban Indianapolis and resides with his family in Indiana.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

"We do not serve to gain our freedom; we are free, and therefore we serve."

"C.S. Lewis said his biggest problem with Christianity was Christians." I am inclined to agreee. Christians seem to put up this wall that tells people, if you're not with us, you're against us. And that doesn't line up with my beliefs, and it's hurting the perception of Christianity. "Healthy faith allows us to express faith as individuals, not just as conformists to some rigid religious system."

1 John 4:20-21 says "Whoever loves God must also love his brother." Some Christians have lost sight of this commandment. But, this is what I want for my faith.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you wonder why people don't go to church. And reading this book I see why. We get so caught up in some of the most stupid stuff in the name of religion. I to is guilty of this. Some people are so passionate about rituals, politics, and what a person is suppose to wear they alienate people who do want to worship. I don't define my love for Lord because of religion, but because God is above all petty things, because he loved me first and saved me with his grace. I don't define my moral codes under a political backing. I define my moral code align with God and what God says. I agree more Jesus and Less Religion! This was a excellent read.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the book that had the greatest impact on my faith as an immature believer - and a refreshing re-read years later! This was a follow up from the book: Toxic Faith. It deals with the view of many believers that Christianity is about 'religion' instead of about Jesus. Religion is Man's search for God - Jesus is God's search for man - that thought and this book will make a huge impact on how you live your life as a Christian.

[Athabile]

looking forward reading this book

[Erin Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a year to finish, but I really really liked this book & what the authors had to say.

[Mammu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for Christians tired of legalism! It's supposed to be a sequel to a book by the same authors, "Toxic Faith", which I haven't read yet. This book debunks all other Pharisaical rules that most organized religions have added to keep Christ's followers in line. It hangs on the greatest commandment Jesus spoke of in Matthew 22: 34-40 which is summarized in one word: Love. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Neither of these 2 commands stand alone: they are just one commandment. This book is a must read for anyone hurt by too many church rules and regulations and who were told to jump to too many hoops to get to heaven or have eternal life.

[Larksinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will be adding this book to my library at home for sure. It is a clearly thought out book relating to the issues of today's churches having to do with the pressure put on believers to have a perfect faith and then the result of our faith having been formed by man made rules, rather than allowing Christ to form our hearts. This can happen for a number of reason. Leaving believers depressed, anxious, sad, and striving when Christ says, "You have already been welcomed into my kingdom, let me love you!" Good overview of what it means to be in a toxic faith system and church and then what to look for when in a healthy, grace based, Jesus based church without the rules and regulations integrated into religion and todays churches by man.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arterburn takes you through 16 chapters setting forth the attributes of a healthy faith. This would be an even more meaningful book for someone who is in or has come out of a church which is unhealthy for your faith. I am glad I haven't had that experience. Great reminder of what is important for your faith though.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. There are some parts of the book that feels it was meant for me. It's nice to know how to address issues that you have seen around you and your family. Definitely a book that every one should read once in their lifetime.

[Corrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another formative book in my understanding of grace. I highly recommend it to anyone who has grown up in a legalistic church environment.

[Dorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we need to have more Jesus and less religion as Christians today. This was a refreshing read.

[Amy Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the down to earth, biblical perspective of this book. Reminded me again that we get way too caught up in issues when we just need to get caught up on Christ.

[Elio Nakouzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This matter is very subjective so I cannot say much. Definitely a very useful book. Not really novel ideas, but it is nice to have them collected and clearly written.

[Ginger Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on what it means to be to truly follow Jesus and not get caught up in the politics of religion. Freeing book on living the Gospel out loud with no entanglements!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

he makes some good points...

[Ike Unger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. In many ways a reminder of what should be common sense as a Christian. But yet so easily forgotten.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about developing a relationship with Christ instead of simply following the set rules and traditions of a denomination.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes spirituality back to the point where it should be...our relationship with Jesus Christ.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

definately worth a read...albeit a bit slow