The Idolatry of God

Breaking Our Addiction to Certainty and Satisfaction

By: Peter Rollins

Narrated by: Peter Rollins

Length: 5 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Whether listeners are devout believers or distant seekers, The Idolatry of God shows that we must lay down our certainties and honestly admit our doubts to identify with Jesus. Rollins purposely upsets fundamentalist certainty in order to open listeners up to a more loving, active manifestation of Christ’s love. In contrast to the usual understanding of the "Good News" as a message offering satisfaction and certainty, Rollins argues for a radical and shattering alternative. He explores how the Good News actually involves embracing the idea that we can’t be whole, that life is difficult, and that we are in the dark.

Showing how God has traditionally been approached as a product that will render us complete, remove our suffering, and reveal the answers, he introduces an incendiary approach to faith that invites us to joyfully embrace our brokenness, resolutely face our unknowing, and courageously accept the difficulties of existence. Only then, he argues, can we truly rob death of its sting and enter into the fullness of life.

©2013 Peter Rollins (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Caveat emptor. Let the [listener], the Christian, the skeptic beware, for with The Idolatry of God, Peter Rollins has taken his theological programme of turning everything we believe upside down to the next level. Not content to simply subvert how we believe, Rollins now turns his attention to what we believe. If you don’t want your faith challenged, do read this book." (Tony Jones, theologian-in-residence at Solomon’s Porch and the author of A Better Atonement: Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin)

Not sure I’ll ever be the same

And I couldn’t be happier about it. This book has the potential to set your world on fire, be careful!

Dip your toe into the unraveling...

This book brings together the best of Pete Rollins material from his podcasts and talks in a robust form. Highly recommend it. The content and depth of study in this book break open concepts and ideas I have tasted, recognized, yet knew not how to pursue for a fuller understanding. He reminds us that the struggles of life bring satisfaction, that the mysteries of G-d bring beauty, richness and truth beyond any objectification of G-d. He calls out the underbelly of beliefs we might not recognize we have until viewed through another. I really enjoyed having Pete read the book, and slow down his ideas that sometimes fly by in interviews or talks. His voice added to his voice haha. My mind is still melting - or raveling- but the love for this work is overflowing.

How to start a fire

I started this book while I'm the Philippines with my husband. Completely outside my comfort zone, in obvious culture shock and feeling very dependent on the help of others to live daily life. Talk about unpleasant yet perfect timing to dive into this content. As I listened, processed and often re-listened (had to rewind and pause A LOT) I was struck deeply. I think if you're willing to move through the fear, this book will give you the tools to start the kind of fire the burns fervently. It's not an answer, a quick and easy solution or a rebuttal. However, it's immensely powerful stuff, at least it was to me. As a person who can (now) admit that I often choose the safety and comfort of a god of certainty, starting a fire is so deeply needed and valued. If you read the book this next portion will probably make more sense. I have never felt so alien to myself. I have never felt so odds. I have also never felt this thoroughly honest and authentic.

kick in the throat

a much needed kick for an ex-christian to figure out how to start loving people.

Pete is the best!

Wonderful. A great final step before I begin my reconstruction. Helped me to explore everything I set out to. Clapping, Mr. Rollins.

Lessons about love

I left Catholism and Christianity many years ago. I probably will not return to Catholicism because of its hatred of ~55% of the world (women and homosexuals) but it is nice to see that there is real love in some corners of the institution.

A Lot to Think About

What a breath of fresh air! To say "I know," in the context of theology, is a form of idolatry. Understandably this is not an idea that will fit well with conservative and evangelical Christians. After all, the basis for various denominations is "we have insight into 'truth' that you don't." We "know!"

Rollins destroys this assumption brilliantly. That been said, it is not necessary to agree with everything he says to appreciate this book. I purchased this book based solely on the subtitle "Breaking our addiction to certainty." During the first chapter I started to wonder. Rollings makes a big issue of a sense of loss that we all feel, is at the core of our being, and has something to do with the birth experience. Well, maybe, and as my teenager would say "Whatever!"

Once past that, however, I became captivated. I would urge all believers to read/listen to this book. Yes, it will make you uncomfortable but it will make you think.

Loved it...

A fascinating perspective explained in an engaging manner ant style, making complex arguments very relatablem

Christianity from an Oblique Angle

Would you consider the audio edition of The Idolatry of God to be better than the print version?

Maybe not. It would be easier to underline good passages on a print version, but I like his reading and emphasis in certain parts of the book.

What did you like best about this story?

Peter Rollins has a way of asking us to question our personal relationship with God to help to analyze what is important in our faith and what isn't.

What does Peter Rollins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His Irish accent is used in full effect when he tells some allegories/tales to underline his points. It has a lilt that I don't hear in American accents.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It isn't really long. Great for a road trip. You can talk with someone about it after you listen to it.

Beautiful book

This book changed my life. I loved every minute of it. I want to listen and read everything Pete Rollins writes now