From Publishers Weekly
Arterburn and Felton, co-authors of Toxic Faith, here supplement the warnings of their previous book with a more positive vision. In the past, Arterburn, in particular, has invited controversy by confronting problems of spiritual abuse and manipulation in evangelical churches and homes. This sequel focuses less on "toxic churches" and the extremes of spiritual abuse and more on the need for promoting "healthy faith" in evangelical faith communities. Arterburn and Felton describe healthy faith as one that is centered on the person of Jesus, reflecting His example of mature love, respect for individuals and realism about human weakness. The book takes a compassionate but firm tone, warning against the subtle pressures many evangelicals feel to maintain the appearance of being "good Christians" even at great spiritual expense to themselves and their families, making it "easy to either give up or to get weird trying to earn God's favor." Like Philip Yancey in What's So Amazing About Grace?, the authors criticize distortions in evangelical religious expression while affirming what evangelicals recognize as their most important commitments--to the person of Christ and the message of the Bible. Although this book can be read as an individual self-help resource, it also has strong potential for study groups and as training material for church leaders. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Now those bound by legalism can experience God's grace anew and avoid the pitfalls of a toxic faith. A decade ago, best-selling authors Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton exposed the dangers of what they termed "toxic faith" - a religion based on legalism and works. As a result they helped countless believers to understand and overcome their religious misconceptions. Now, drawing upon an additional ten years of experience and observation, the authors go one step further, offering new insights and a positive approach to the dilemma in this long-awaited follow-up to their groundbreaking work. Readers will be set free from manmade rules, "churchianity," and legalistic faith. They will learn to recognize serious misinterpretations of vital biblical concepts such as "accountability." They will pursue other-focused living (loving and serving others) as a hallmark of authentic faith. And they will return to the roots of a strong, obedient, yet grace-filled relationship with their Creator. To all who want to enter into deeper joy, stronger 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 a toxic faith.
