Dude, great opening discussion, Iʻm into this book without yet reading a word. Challenging traditional thinking gives us a chance to weigh our beliefs and see if theyʻre full or found wanting.
BibleDude
· 3 months ago
Amen! I couldn't agree more with your statement, "Challenging traditional thinking gives us a chance to weigh our beliefs..."
There are things in this book that I'm still not sure what to think about (neither agree nor disagree), but it has done an amazing job of making some great points that I cannot ignore! Great read so far!
mikesgateway
· 3 months ago
I'll check it out. But, there is an Emergent movement that isn't based in Truth, but based rather in a slight alteration of it that makes it more palatable to everyone. Not sure who the author is, I'll research more before I engage the book. I do like that he used a solid exegesis to back up points...
Hope you are doing well Bibledude.
Mikesgateway
BibleDude
· 3 months ago
The one thing that I really appreciate about this book is that it makes you think... AND that he uses solid interpretation practices. As we work through this project, I'm not asking people to agree with the author, but I do ask people to let this discussion make them think.
I think that in this book, Andrew Farley seems to be giving us the straight truth, and not conjuring up something for the sake of making people (or himself) feel good. The Truth brings freedom, and that's what the Truth in this book does...
I encourage you to follow along with this project over the next week or so and get into this discussion!
Dean Caraway
· 3 months ago
The book is described as the truth you may never hear in church. Which is probably true when speaking about most chuches. I wouldn't describe it as chapter-by-chapter assault on the church but, I can see why some might draw that conclusion. It does give a fresh look at Bible Scripture, but if you're looking for all worship and praise you're probably better off with another read.
I don't think that this book is intended to be a chapter-by-chapter assult on the church, but it does challenge 'traditional' Christian thinking, and I think that is a good thing.
As far as worship and praise is concerned, this is not a book that is really about that anyway. BUT I certainly can see how getting some of Farley's points in this book might lead one to a greater intimacy with God.... which is worship!
I appreciate you stopping by Dean! I look forward to hearing what you think as others post their thoughts here on each chapter of the book!
Dean Caraway
· 3 months ago
As I wrote, I would not describe it as chapter-by-chapter assault on the church either, but some people do. As far as worship and praise go, some Christians expect every mention of God to be unquestioned and can become quite defensive. I just wanted to point out that if a reader is looking for bible verses and feel good, prosperity writing they won't find it in this book. I personally like the ideas.
These are some great points! I appreciate your follow-up, and agree that some folks may get defensive reading some of this book. I believe that it is good for Christians to have their thinking challenged every once in a while. Even if one doesn't agree completely, it still forces them to better understand (and defend) what it is that they do believe.
Thank you @urbanminister! I appreciate you being a part of this conversation!
donfperkins
· 3 months ago
Dude, Dean,
Not that there's anything wrong with that. 2 Cor. 13:5 says "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
It reminds me of what singer Keith Green used to say about authenticity: "Just going to church doesnt make you a christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger."
As members of the body of Christ, Paul reminds us that we should question ourselves with one goal in mind: to see whether we are in the faith. After all, if it was a problem for the Corinthians, it is probably an issue today. Through Paul's writings, we see that he went to great lengths to seperate himself from false doctrine, forget what is behind and focus on "Christ Jesus and Him Crucified."
As with anything else, this book has the potential to make us think; to examine ourselves, as you have pointed out. If anyone chooses to be offended or hurt by it, that's unfortunate, but they have chosen according to what's in their hearts. So I pray that the hearts of readers and indeed all who name the name of Christ would be stirred to self examination by this book.
the book doesn't address churches or church practices in any way. it's just about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the truth that sets us free to enjoy the New. the book may cause some to wrestle, not with their church, but with their own personal belief system, in a way they may never have before.
what do I do when the Scripture is right there in front of me and it says the opposite of what I've been believing lately? now, that's fun. and that's what The Naked Gospel is all about.
BibleDude
· 3 months ago
I love it when the author of the book comments like this! I think that what you just shared is an important perspective that people should have when reading through the book and/or this blog project!
Like I pointed out... It has certainly challenged my thinking, and I believe that is a very good thing that we all need to have happen every once in a while. Great book dude! I'm hoping that this blog project gets LOTS of discussion going around what you've written!
Andy Logan
· 3 months ago
Will have to give it a look. Meanwhile, the book Plugging Into Real Worship is still a best kept secret among Christians
colby howell
· 3 months ago
I just spent yesterday (Sunday) listening to Drew Farley as the guest pastor in our church and then during a Q&A session following the service. Last night I sat up late reading the first half of his book, The Naked Gospel, with both the NASB and the NIV for referencing.
So many questions answered, so many sticking points that have made my Christian walk bumpy and unfulfilling explained. I don't know why I should be surprised that so much Bible teaching is taken out of context; the news media couldn't exist without it.
Personally, I feel free and am actually experiencing some Christian joy this morning. And did I mention relief? Thank you, Dr. Farley!
BibleDude
· 3 months ago
This is one of the best ways to approach the study fo something like this! I appreciate the desire to dig deep and discover the truth! This book has been a great study for me as well. There is some stuff that I am actually still on the fence with, but one thing that I certainly take away from all of this is the idea that Jesus came so that we could experience freedom, not bondage. And that is probably one of the most powerful truths of Christianity! I'm glad that you are discovering it as well!
All Comments
There are things in this book that I'm still not sure what to think about (neither agree nor disagree), but it has done an amazing job of making some great points that I cannot ignore! Great read so far!
Hope you are doing well Bibledude.
Mikesgateway
I think that in this book, Andrew Farley seems to be giving us the straight truth, and not conjuring up something for the sake of making people (or himself) feel good. The Truth brings freedom, and that's what the Truth in this book does...
I encourage you to follow along with this project over the next week or so and get into this discussion!
Interesting post, bibledude.
thanks,
urbanminister
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/urbanminister
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http://urbanminister.me
As far as worship and praise is concerned, this is not a book that is really about that anyway. BUT I certainly can see how getting some of Farley's points in this book might lead one to a greater intimacy with God.... which is worship!
I appreciate you stopping by Dean! I look forward to hearing what you think as others post their thoughts here on each chapter of the book!
Thanks bibledude, keep up the great writing!
urbanminister
http://twitter.com/urbanminister
Thank you @urbanminister! I appreciate you being a part of this conversation!
Not that there's anything wrong with that. 2 Cor. 13:5 says "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?"
It reminds me of what singer Keith Green used to say about authenticity: "Just going to church doesnt make you a christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger."
As members of the body of Christ, Paul reminds us that we should question ourselves with one goal in mind: to see whether we are in the faith. After all, if it was a problem for the Corinthians, it is probably an issue today. Through Paul's writings, we see that he went to great lengths to seperate himself from false doctrine, forget what is behind and focus on "Christ Jesus and Him Crucified."
As with anything else, this book has the potential to make us think; to examine ourselves, as you have pointed out. If anyone chooses to be offended or hurt by it, that's unfortunate, but they have chosen according to what's in their hearts. So I pray that the hearts of readers and indeed all who name the name of Christ would be stirred to self examination by this book.
Don F Perkins
http://ShizukaMura.blogspot.com
what do I do when the Scripture is right there in front of me and it says the opposite of what I've been believing lately? now, that's fun. and that's what The Naked Gospel is all about.
Like I pointed out... It has certainly challenged my thinking, and I believe that is a very good thing that we all need to have happen every once in a while. Great book dude! I'm hoping that this blog project gets LOTS of discussion going around what you've written!
So many questions answered, so many sticking points that have made my Christian walk bumpy and unfulfilling explained. I don't know why I should be surprised that so much Bible teaching is taken out of context; the news media couldn't exist without it.
Personally, I feel free and am actually experiencing some Christian joy this morning. And did I mention relief? Thank you, Dr. Farley!