The Answer to Bad Religion is Not No Religion: A Guide to Good Religion for Seekers, Skeptics and Believers

In a book aimed at those who reject institutional religion, Thielen (What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?) argues that abandoning Christianity is not the answer to a bad faith experience. Climb back on that horse, he urges—but this time choose a gentler animal. Thielen, who moved from an unnamed evangelical denomination to become a United Methodist pastor, defines “bad” religion as self-righteously judgmental, negative, arrogant, intolerant, excessively nationalistic, and not fully committed to Christ and Church. Good religion prioritizes love, service, community, hope, open-mindedness, and gratitude. While “good” and “bad” are in the eye of the believer, Thielen unabashedly promotes giving mainline Protestant churches a try. Rather than fan controversy, the book gives a fine summary of Christ-centered liberal theology as it has emerged during the past 20 years. (Feb. 21)