REVIEW: “Saving Jesus From the Church” by Robin Meyers
The theology in this book is so very wrong. It tries to convince the reader that the Bible is not infallible, Jesus didn’t really die on the cross, and that the story of Adam & Eve is just a myth (amongst other things).
I overlooked all of that, though, because the author means well… I think. He’s very much against the legalism & hypocrisy rampant in today’s Christian circles (as am I), and wants to see a Reformation — wants to see people become true followers of Jesus, instead of just “believers”. And, that’s great!
I was a bit disappointed to not find more about how to be a follower. Since Mr. Meyers is so passionate about it, I thought one of the chapters would delve into the different teachings of Jesus, and give a sort of walk-through on how to imitate Him. But, it didn’t. Which, in a way, I guess, is a good thing, as it pushes the reader to go to God’s Word and see for themselves, right? 
I did find a bunch of stuff I liked, though. For example, where he says this, on page 145:
“If the church is to survive as a place where head & heart are equal partners in faith, then we will need to commit ourselves once again…to the imitation of Jesus. His invitation was not to believe, but to follow. Since it was once dangerous to be a follower of The Way, the church can rightly assume that it will never be on the right track again until the risks associated with being a follower of Jesus outnumber the comforts of being a fan… The first question any churchgoer should be asked and required to answer is: What are you willing to give up to follow Jesus?” (emphasis, mine)
It’s just a shame that the rest of his message is so “off”. Otherwise, this would have been a great book!
Rated: C
Thats disappointing.
The stress on dogma over inspiration would be WHY the Christian church is faltering even though people still see Jesus as a swell guy. From a historical perspective, the Bible is a collection of books written by, compiled by, and translated by people with their own agendas. In addition, it’s READ by people with their own agendas. Parts of are great, parts of are deplorable, and that’s indicative of how it was…assembled. I really don’t understand how people can be so fixated on the idea that any book is beyond reproach and must be worshipped. Would take that attitude from a Muslim seriously, or — even better — a Jewish person’s take on the Talmud/oral tradition? They regard it JUST as authoritative as the written tradition, the Torah, but I’d bet you most Christians think the Jewish attachment nothing more than misguided idolatry.
Of course, I’d call the worship of any book or authority misguided idolatry.
Agreed. Only God should be worshipped!
I think Robin Meyers is a prophet because he speaks/writes bold truth as he sees it…shares it and challenges us to do likewise.
He challenges us to “follow the Way of Jesus” — not just talk the religious talk but to walk the spiritual path of love/justice revealed in the life of Jesus.
Meyers speaks at Univ. Cong’l United Church of Christ, Seatle Oct. 19 at 7:00 p.m. —”How I Became a Heretic with Help from Jesus.”
Bob Fitzgerald