This book is about the reasons men (and young women 18-35) don't go to Christian church. The percentage of men participating in church grows smaller each year. The US Congregational Life Survey concurs: “While the U.S. population is split fairly evenly between men and women, there are more women (61%) than men (39%) in the pews." Young men and women are not all turning athiest. While other religions are increasing their male membership and spirituality is very interesting to the youth of today, people are just choosing other places to practice their spirituality. Of the planet’s great religions, only Christianity has a consistent, worldwide shortage of male practitioners.
I loved this book. It was a super interesting, thought-provoking read. And on top of that, I feel the conclusions the author draws are pretty accurate. The reason my friends and I do not go to church are outlined in this book - church is too shallow and not relevant to me. Here are some of my favorite snippets from this book that sum up the general ideas from this book:
If you asked them their religion, they would confidently reply, “Christian.” They would even admit to feeling a strong connection with God. All three would say they’re trying their best to follow Jesus. Yet they do not go to church.
- I can worship God better at home than in a church building.
- I don’t feel like I need to go to a church to be a good kind Christian.
- I’ve found church rather boring and irrelevant to my life.
But church isn’t on their radar. They’ve tried it. It didn’t work for them. Their time is precious, and church just doesn’t provide the return on investment they’re looking for.
“Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you’re getting.” What if church is built to reach women, children, and elderly folks? Not sure you agree? The US Congregational Life Survey pegged the typical churchgoer as a fifty-year-old, married, well-educated, employed female.
Most people think of Christ as having the values that come naturally to a woman. To “be like Christ” means always loving, always caring, always compassionate, and always gentle. Jesus does not judge people; he hugs them. Highly involved churchmen often possess the values that are normally considered "feminine". Men who are verbal, studious, musical, and sensitive rise to the top. While the average Joes who lack these soft virtues either leave the church or become passive pew sitters. Men don’t hate God or Christ or the Bible or Christianity. They hate a system that’s perfectly designed to reach someone else - women, children and elderly folks.
Disclaimer: I gave my honest review. I received this book from the publisher but a positive review was not required
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