Product Description Jake Colsen, an overworked and disillusioned pastor, happens into-a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance (in manner)-to the apostle John. A number of encounters with John as well as a family crisis lead Jake to a new understanding of what his life should be like: one filled with faith bolstered by a steady, close relationship with the God of the universe. Facing his own disappointment with Christianity, Jake must forsake the habits that have made his faith rote and rediscover the love that captured his heart when he first believed.Compelling and intensely personal, SO YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH ANYMORE relates a man's rebirth from performance-based Christianity to a loving friendship with Christ that affects all he does, thinks, and says. As John tells Jake, "There is nothing the Father desires for you more than that you fall squarely in the lap of his love and never move from that place for the rest of your life."
Helped me outDecember 1, 2008 This book helped me out a lot! I was one of those people who felt like that. I left a Church where the leadership was controling and prideful and manipulating. I served a on the leadership team there. This book showed me so much. I don't agree with everything but it sure did help.
Left With a QuestionNovember 29, 2008 I agree that the american church has a lot to do with power trips as well as being hung up on performance/entertainment, etc but I was left wondering why this book doesn't address the role of pastors, teachers, evangelist, or other servant type offices in the church, etc. This book leaves me with the impression that one should live a christian life outside of any type of any biblical order of authority.
So You Don't Want to Go to Church AnymoreNovember 25, 2008 This is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. The authors illustrate the problems in the "machine" church in a loving and insightful manner. This book is enlightening without being a threat to those involved in legalism and literalism. I have highly recommended it to several of my friends and relatives; it is a must read for the spiritually hungry.
An exceptional book!November 25, 2008 Another exceptional book by Wayne Jacobsen that addresses one of the most profound issues in modern society: Why does going to church makes us feel so empty and unfulfilled after a while, and why is there so much bickering and coercion in what is supposed to be a haven of Grace and fellowship? Fascinating story of one man's seach for a relationship with God and fellowship with others, guided by a mysterious man with some pretty profound advice. I enjoyed the story and went back and underlined my way through it a second time. Its well worth studying and thinking through the implications for modern religious life and how we can have the relationships we always wanted with both God and other believers. [...]... Great book, outstanding topic, highly recommended!!
Amazing Book!November 24, 2008 This may be a life-changing book for you, especially if you have become somewhat disillusioned by the institutional church. This book was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be a "church bashing" book, and a proponent for "house" churches, as the only viable way to have church. Man, was I wrong! It's riveting - I couldn't put it down until I finished it! I then gave it to my wife to read. Her reaction was much the same as mine. I have since sent the book to several of my family and friends. I have now read it twice, because the principles are not easy to integrate into life immediately, though they are easily understood. I have to allow them to percolate for awhile to even begin to learn to live them out.
I highly recommend this book, especially for those of us who have been hurt and feel disappointed in our experiences with the organized church - including "house" churches. It makes it clear that the Body of Christ is about relationships, not programs and buildings and "professional Christians." It doesn't condemn any of these. It shows us if we substitute these for authentic relationship, we are missing the mark of what God had in mind.
