Have you ever felt the pain of betrayal by a brother or sister in Christ? Has a Christian leader ever hurt you deeply in some way? Have you ever encountered harsh legalism or judgmentalism from those in the church? Ever felt out of place or unaccepted in a church setting? Odds are, you answered at least one of the above questions affirmatively. Its even possible that you answered all the questions affirmatively. So for anyone who has experienced pain at the hands of Christians, When Bad Christians Happen to Good People is for you. It will remind you how wrong it is for those with the example of God's love to be unloving.
Author Dave Burchett exposes and analyzes the difference between what we say we believe and how we act toward each other. He also notes the disparity between the life and attitudes of Jesus and those of our own lives. Throughout this thought-provoking book, he calls the church to live up to the high standard it preaches. While recognizing that we will often fail to meet the high standard Jesus has set for us, Burchett is unflinching in his call for us to keep trying, to keep improving.
But Burchett does not simply point out the inconsistencies of the church; he also offers advice on how the church can heal itself, and then set about healing our culture. He writes with a penetrating honesty, acknowledging his own inadequacies and inconsistencies. But he doesn't let his inadequacies prevent him from continuing to try and improve, and he won't let the church do it either.
He notes that it is probable "that everything negative non-Christians have heard or felt about Christians and the church is either partially or even completely true," but maintains that the real issue for non-believers is who Jesus is and what it means for their lives. Lack of love is often one contributing factor in a non-Christian's decision to remain outside of the church, but it is not usually the only one. Conversely, for those Christians hurt by other Christians, the choice to leave a church (sometimes to leave the Church) may be linked (often is) to a painful episode, but the real issue is what faith in Christ means in everyday life and relationships.
Regardless of the real issues keeping people from church, the pain they feel is real, and it is wrong, and it should never be tolerated. While it will take time to change our hurtful ways, Burchett is confident that change is possible, through the power of God. And When Bad Christians Happen to Good People is a great place to begin that healing from.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
4 of 4 Reviews Showing:
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Donna Davis (Harrisonburg, VA), May 27, 2008
It wasn't what I expected, having been through a traumatic, negative experience at the hand of my now-former pastor. I was looking for a "how-to-overcome" guide. BUT I still enjoyed the book because it revealed to me that there's a little bit of "bad Christian" in all of us in our walks!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by christa (maryland), February 13, 2006
As a new, young Christian who was deeply hurt and shunned by others sadly acting in the name of Chirst, I was left struggling in my faith and questioning how Christians could have treated me worse than I had ever been treated by anyone. This book helped me to answer some of my questions. The only reason I didn't give it 5 points is it seemed to be written more for those "in" the church than those who are "out," either by force or choice. I still found it helpful in sorting out my feelings. This book should be in every church and home library.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr.Frank Hunter (Indianapolis, Indiana), April 12, 2002
This book does a tremendous job of calling to the reader's attention the problems that are rampant in this country as individuals call themselves Christian and are not willing to walk their talk. Any sincere reader will lay the book down at the close of reading it and have a new personal perspective about his Christian Life. I believe any individual who honestly evaluates himself will have a renewed zeal for doing what God expects of all of us. This country needs more objective and sincere reactors such as Dave who knows his own shortcomings and is willing to call our attention to our own. Humorous but soul searching.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Brett Landis (McAlisterville, PA), March 28, 2002
This has been a very thought-provoking book for me to read. Mr. Burchett utilizes brute honesty, firmness, compassion, and quite a bit of humor to address the rather serious issues regarding how the church has misrepresented our Lord. Not only that, but gives practical ways we can reverse the damage.
I highly recommend this book to ANYONE. You might get your toes stepped on a little bit (like I did), but it may well prove to be for the better (as it was in my case).
I would sincerely like to thank the author for putting out this timely, thoughtful, well-written book.
Write a review of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People : Where We Have Failed Each Other and How to Reverse the Damage
Author: Dave Burchett
Located in: Garland, TX
Submitted: November 30, 2001
Tell us a little about yourself. I am a television sports director for Fox Sports
Southwest (Texas Rangers baseball), ESPN and
Jefferson Pilot Sports (SEC Basketball and ACC
Football). I have been married for 25 years and
have three wonderful Christian sons.
What was your motivation behind this project? This book is a layman's observations of the
church and Christianity today. My advantage is
that I don't have to answer to any denomination
or congregation. Therefore I can be completely
honest and forthcoming about the church (and
myself) without worrying about ruffling any
feathers.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? The courage and discernment to be honest about
our shortcomings and addressing them with prayer,
confession and humor. My prayer is that
Christians will realize that everytime we walk
out the door we are Christ's representatives and
marketing staff here on earth. We must take that
more seriously to be effective.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? My book is dedicated to my friend Bob Briner, the
late author of the brilliant work Roaring Lambs.
Bob always encouraged me to write and his death
was the catalyst to get me going. My favorite
author and a major influence is Phillip Yancey.
Yancey's blend of honesty and thoughtful probing
of the realities of faith has really changed my
relationship with Christ. "What's So Amazing
About Grace" is a classic work by Yancey.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: I think my book is unique in that I attempt to
tackle very difficult issues and maintain a sense
of humor. As I say in the book, there is a very
fine line between thought provoking and jerk. I
hope I stayed on the thought provoking side most
of the time.
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