From Publishers Weekly
Berry, who recently started going to church after a long absence, attempts in this book to make finding a church easier for those who don't know where to begin. Whether this attempt is successful is an open question, but any failure to give truly helpful information to church-seekers is more than compensated for in her fascinating and accessible account of church history. Without getting bogged down in jargon or details, Berry (girlfriends; Daddies and Daughters) helps readers understand how Christendom began as one church and became what it is today. Her stories of the political intrigue behind the various schisms, and her candid descriptions of the lives of important Christians, actually make church history fun to read. Regrettably, though, in an era in which different branches of the faith regularly borrow practices and traditions from each other, the book offers little of substantive value for those wondering if the church down the street is their cup of tea. While her generalizations will provide some basic help for the uninitiated, Berry does not provide enough concrete information about how a given congregation will dress, behave or worship, preferring instead to emphasize the need for readers to call ahead if they have questions. Despite this problem and other minor foibles-such as distracting, overly long sidebars-this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a lucid, comprehensive primer on the history of the Christian church and faith.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
From Carmen Renee Berry, best-selling author of Girlfriends and Daddies and Daughters, comes The Unauthorized Guide to Choosing a Church-the welcome response to a most urgent spiritual need. Countless postmodern Americans are seeking a spiritual community to call home but find themselves bewildered by the options. How do you know which church is right for you? What can you expect when you walk in the door? What exactly do these people believe anyway?
Berry's practical and compassionate guide meets church-seekers where they are and empowers them to make an informed decision. Wise, approachable, and humorous, The Unauthorized Guide combines compelling personal narratives with a taste of theology and church history to orient the reader to various Christian traditions. Simple, concrete explanations of the history, beliefs, and worship practices of each major denomination (Lutheran to Mennonite, Roman Catholic to Presbyterian) provide a winning and immensely useful outline of the options. Surveys, sidebars, a glossary, and an index make this unique guide interactive and user-friendly, involving, informing, and even entertaining the reader as he or she goes along.
The Unauthorized Guide is perfect for those new to church, returning to church, or for anyone who's been looking for an engaging, feisty explanation of the major Christian traditions.
