God Without Religion

By: Andrew Farley

Narrated by: Maurice England

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's Summary

God without religion? Andrew Farley’s experience as a Christian was first characterized by self-effort as he tried to please God at any cost. His ruthless religion resulted in spiritual fatigue and disillusionment with church. Only then did he discover what relaxing in Jesus means and how enjoying God’s intimate presence can transform everyday life. Using a story-driven format, God without Religion dismantles common religious misconceptions, revealing:

• a hopeful approach to what unites us rather than what divides us
• the true meaning of walking by the Spirit
• the facts about judgment, rewards, and God’s discipline
• the problem with the popular challenge to “die to self”

Pulling no punches, Andrew shows how the truth about these controversial issues can liberate and unify believers as we discover how to rest in the unconditional love of God.

©2011 Andrew Farley (P)2011 Oasis Audio

worth a listen

There will be many who will be offended by the contents of this book before understanding what it is attempting to be stated.

This book is about what the Bible says we are to be as true Christians, and separating that from some of the man-made theologies that have made their way into the churches.

For example, are we better Christians because we serve as Deacons in our local church? Do our attitudes about service reflect God's forgiveness, or are they about earning rewards? Am I a non-Christian because I don't attend church every week? Or, am I just less of a Christian because of this? What was church like in Jesus's day? Did they meet every week to worship? How did Jesus tell us to worship him, and do our churches look like that?


Other thoughts: How many sins have I committed? How many sins have I asked God to forgive? Does God forgive all of my sins, or must I confess my sins to be forgiven?

These are the kinds of questions this book explores....

It is a reminder for those of us who's identity is wrapped up in our church, and may need a reminder about God's love and purpose for those who are not in the church today. Can believers be saved without a denomination? Are they saved if they believe in Christ but don't attend church?

There are many good explorations if you can be open to hearing them...

Ironically, however, the presentation of this book is about as 'churchy' and 'slick' as you can imagine (catchy titles for each chapter announced with a musical sidebar).

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

A Must Read For All Who Follow Christ

Any additional comments?

This book will help all those who believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, but struggle to live a life being perfected by Him. It simplifies much of the conflicts among different Christian theologies. It is all about Him who loves us!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Excellent, I highly recommend this book!

Would you consider the audio edition of God Without Religion to be better than the print version?

I don't know, I haven't read the print version. I enjoy audiobooks because I can listen while doing household chores that don't require much thought.

What did you like best about this story?

It does an excellent job explaining that we should not judge others or ourselves because of Christ's sacrifice which freed us.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first two chapters

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, I only felt relief and clarity.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

ALL ABOUT JESUS AND GRACE

What did you love best about God Without Religion?

LET'S YOU LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY IN THE CORRECT GRACE BASED WAY. AS PAUL THE APOSTLE WROTE

What did you like best about this story?

ONE OF THE FEW CHRISTIAN BOOKS THAT IS VOID OF THE LAW.

Have you listened to any of Maurice England’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

NO

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have listened to this four times already...

...and I keep picking up something new each time. Highly recommend this audiobook. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your Saving Grace. Amen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Important to hear

I think this book was just right for this moment for me. I bought it some time ago but didn't have time to listen it but it answers many questions that I have had. The book gave me many ideas. I think this is a book many Christians should read.

I liked the book but I feel like something is missing. There are many good illustrations and it is good for me but I felt like it does not quite tell how the Christian life looks like without religion. Perhaps it is intestinal as we need to find a way for ourselves.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

An interesting view of Christianity.

Not shocking or controversial, but a reassuring view of the Bible and the teachings of forgivness through faith. This book does not knock attending church, or observing Christian rituals, but reassures us of the forgivness of sins with or without church. Interesting content and a good performance by the reader.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Christians need this

Christians are supposed to be free from guilt and shame. This book shows you how and why.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A must have

This book will help you better understand God's loving and finished work in Christ Jesus.
All teaching is backed up by scripture

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A must listen for any Grace Revolutioneer!

Exceptionally enjoyable! The author weaves scripture with personal experience and a bit of wit to really embrace the Grace message. Many of the barriers and arguments to the Grace message are throughly discussed and brought to light. It's a refreshing and engaging listen. Perfect for fans of the Escape To Reality blog and Joseph Prince ministries.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not sure …

I've listened to this twice now and, although the arguments seem persuasive in parts, they don't quite seem right! But I'm not sure if that's because I'm so wrapped up in previous religious teaching, that I am subconsciously rejecting what's being said!

I also got terribly confused about the statements on the laws of Moses, the law and, The Ten Commandments! So much so, that I can't quite work out if he's saying that we don't need to follow these laws! He skips between Old and New Testaments pulling out texts that may or may not be presented to one in context!

The narrator was fine, no objections there, unless perhaps the pace of his narration was a little fast, but I think that I may be thinking that way because of my earlier confusion.

I'm sure that I will listen to this again. But as a study, not as a piece of work just to ponder on. So there will be a lot of listening (& rewinding) with my Bible in hand, to read the verses in context, and not just plucked out to make a point. Perhaps purchasing the printed book would have served better, rather than the audiobook, but I doubt that I would've been intrigued enough to do so…

If, like me, you're struggling with the whole set up and structure of 'Church', then elements of this book addresses that but, I'm not certain that a definitive solution/direction was proposed; and as such, this book could be misleading.

It certainly leads one on to a desire to study the Bible more thoroughly, and that can't be a bad thing!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful