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A review by panda_incognito
The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living As If He Doesn't Exist by Craig Groeschel
2.0
Although this book did an adequate job of pointing out the differences between genuine Christians and "believers" who have not truly experienced God, it fell short of facilitating genuine heart-change. Since the book was targeted towards nominal Christians, I tried to read it with that mindset, taking in the parts that applied to me, but mostly thinking through it theoretically. The further I got into the book, the more I sensed that something was missing: the gospel. Though the author explained the gospel story and referenced it throughout the book, it was insufficiently applied to the Christian walk, leaving each chapter little more than self-help tripe. If I were a nominal Christian reading this book, instead of feeling convicted that I did not know God at all, I would merely sense that in order to be Varsity-level Christian, I needed to sin less, give more, worry less, and not trust in my money.
The Biblical principles were sound, but by glossing over the truth of gospel change, the book offers nothing more than life advice. While offering a clear view of what constitutes "true believer behavior" and what does not, the book explains nothing about how to have the kind of relationship with God that empowers you to live that way. Although everything the book preached was sound, the missing core message makes it dangerous, threatening both genuine believers and "Christian atheists" by placing the emphasis on their behavior. Someone can have genuine faith without perfectly following the signs outlined in each chapter, and a book which is ultimately nothing more than a well-intentioned to-do list risks leading a true follower of Christ into doubt and insecurity about their faith. On the other hand, a nominal Christian is led away from challenging their presuppositions about Christianity, and will walk away with the misconception that attending church more often and giving more money will qualify them as sincere believers.
The pastor who wrote this clearly expresses throughout the book that faith comes by grace alone, but his practical application does not mesh with his theology. You will find some good insights and spiritual thoughts here, but nothing that explains what it means to be truly transformed, able to sincerely love God and desire righteousness. For an explanation of how to get past works-based behavior and how to really know and experience God, skip this book and read one or all of the following:
"Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary," J.D. Greaar
Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved," also by J.D. Greaar
"Am I Christian?" by Mike McKinley
The Biblical principles were sound, but by glossing over the truth of gospel change, the book offers nothing more than life advice. While offering a clear view of what constitutes "true believer behavior" and what does not, the book explains nothing about how to have the kind of relationship with God that empowers you to live that way. Although everything the book preached was sound, the missing core message makes it dangerous, threatening both genuine believers and "Christian atheists" by placing the emphasis on their behavior. Someone can have genuine faith without perfectly following the signs outlined in each chapter, and a book which is ultimately nothing more than a well-intentioned to-do list risks leading a true follower of Christ into doubt and insecurity about their faith. On the other hand, a nominal Christian is led away from challenging their presuppositions about Christianity, and will walk away with the misconception that attending church more often and giving more money will qualify them as sincere believers.
The pastor who wrote this clearly expresses throughout the book that faith comes by grace alone, but his practical application does not mesh with his theology. You will find some good insights and spiritual thoughts here, but nothing that explains what it means to be truly transformed, able to sincerely love God and desire righteousness. For an explanation of how to get past works-based behavior and how to really know and experience God, skip this book and read one or all of the following:
"Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary," J.D. Greaar
Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart: How to Know for Sure You Are Saved," also by J.D. Greaar
"Am I Christian?" by Mike McKinley