Review: Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff

Synopsis: Sometimes, we fall in love on mission trips even though we know we’ll break up when we get back. Sometimes, you have to shot block a friend’s prayer because she’s asking God to bless an obviously bad dating relationship. Sometimes, you think, “I wish I had a t-shirt that said ‘I direct deposit my tithe’ so people wouldn’t judge me.” Sometimes, the stuff that comes with faith is funny. This is that stuff. Jonathan Acuff’s Stuff Christians Like is your field guide to all things Christian. In it you’ll learn the culinary magic of the crock-pot. Think you’ve got a Metro worship leader—Use Acuff’s checklist. Want to avoid a prayer handholding faux pas? Acuff has you covered. Like a satirical grenade, Acuff brings us the humor and honesty that galvanized more than a million online readers from more than 200 countries in a new portable version. Welcome to the funny side of faith. (from the online description)

Review: As someone raised in church, I found this book both humorous and nostalgic. Much of what the author says I have experienced. Everything for the “side hug”, the “preaching prayer” and the “metro worship leader”.  Acuff offers astute observations about the modern American church, admonishing our behaviors under the guise of pointing out our humorous absurdities.  However, often his humor overshadows the truths and he trivializes many things. His offers humor at the expenses of truth. This lessens the value of his words. The American church would do very well to head much of what he says, but he lacks force behind his words, choosing humor to soften the admonishments. I would prefer a little less humor and more strong words. Having said that, Acuff is an excellent starting point for self-examination and examination of our church. Worth reading, even if it isn’t deep, it still has things to teach.

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-310-31994-8
Year Published: 2010
Date Finished: 2-11-2018
Pages: 207