Book Review: The Christian Atheist

I first saw a copy of The Christian Atheist sitting on my mom’s counter. “Hmm,” I said. Mom replied, “I picked that up because the title seemed interesting. It made me think.” That was enough of an endorsement for me, not realizing that the author, Craig Groeschel (Grow-SHELL) is the pastor of LifeChurch. It is also a reminder to me, that when I get my first book contract, I need to fight for a catchy title.

At the most basic level, Groeschel (I don’t know him well enough to call him Craig or “Groesch”) reminds us that a double-minded person is unstable in all they do (James 1:8), so do not live or think that way. He goes on to give us twelve ways in which we live in double-minded ways. Often this incorrect thinking is a result of not truly understanding God, his character, and his desires for us. Chapters 1-3 reminded me of Slave to Child in SoulShift, and chapter 10, on money, would make a nice addition to Consumer to Steward. (We don’t think money can buy happiness, but perhaps more money can.)

I would rather you read the book than think you got all the points from my blog, so I will not provide a full summary, but instead some highlights. In just about every chapter there is a quote or a theme that stuck with me to realign my thinking, to really know God as he is, not just who I think he is or want him to be, and how I know God effects how I see myself and others. We want God to be fair, but God is just, good, and merciful. We look for God to make us happy, but he wants to make us blessed, and live wisely. I can not change myself, but God can change me (“If you’re not dead, you’re not done [changing]”). Through the grace of God, I can forgive even the greatest of hurts. Groeschel has a good mix of personal stories and biblical wisdom to make this worth a read. There are 12 lessons, and participant guides and a DVD available, so this would also make a good small group resource.