Provocative Faith: Walking Away from Ordinary

It may seem like an unusual way to describe faith. But faith, done Jesus style, isn't usual. It causes you to grate against the norm. It blows past others' expectations and seeks what God desires for you. It's characterized by freedom, joy, humility, and community. Provocative faith is living passionately and loving relentlessly, yet being willing to come in last.

This book will inspire you on your journey toward deeper faith. In these pages, Matthew Paul Turner shares a fresh concept of grace that will give you a better understanding of God's goodness. His story-and those of others like you-will inspire you to break out of the ordinary and actively respond to Jesus's teachings. His relevant and influential voice for God will encourage you to pursue a more passionate faith for yourself.

When your life reflects what Jesus intends, the result is passionate, stimulating, controversial, and challenging-in a word, provocative.

---

All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Unprovocative Faith, 2007-10-28
Definitely "Christian Lite" reading and not very provocative. The author initially attempts to bring into perspective a much-needed broadened Christian worldview that is meant to challenge conventional religion and mindset. Unfortunately, this work is tainted with apparently unresolved issues within the author that could be potentially hazardous for those who have been hurt by leaders in their lives. I do not feel he voiced a healthy resolution or a message of hope to those who have encountered difficulty in life or in the Church. Turner uses his opportunity as a writer to voice his hurt and frustration with the Church and his previous employer in a passive-aggressive manner. These issues become blatantly apparent in his book, "The Christian Culture Survival Guide: The Misadventures of an Outsider on the Inside" where his tone is unquestionably bitter and mocking. For those who have questions or have been legitimately hurt by the Church, this author could potentially mislead them into a false sense of justification for cynicism which could prevent them from finding restoration and true freedom.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Afternoon Devotional, 2007-09-27
The Author of this book is quite open about his ideas. However, these ideas are repeated quite frequently. Often, I would feel as though I had already read a particular section of a chapter, when actually it was something "new". Also, something very apparent from the start is the Author's pessimistic personality. While I am not saying that the book should have been written "happy-go-lucky", I would have felt more comfortable reading the book if the Author had more "love for life". Not sensing an apparent joy in the writing I feel as though the writer may be struggling in his own faith. This of which would make writing a book on faith not necessarily the best idea. Throughout the book there also is a sense of disconnection between the writer and reader. It seems as though the writer is trying to connect with a non-Christian, rather than a Christian working towards a greater faith. The book isn't a difficult read and would perhaps make for a good afternoon devotional.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Tired of being comfy in a cushy pew every Sunday?, 2007-05-16
Wow this was a great read!!! Matthew speaks with such candor and uses witty humor and personal experiences to discuss some rather touchy subjects that concern most Christians today. After reading this book I really feel encouraged to really love and show care for everyone that I meet. I'm personally tired of living a boring Christian walk and I feel a deep compassion and need within me to reach out to those around me. This book was a great tool in helping me to evaluate areas in my walk with God. So many Christians (myself included) have relied upon the church itself for spiritual growth and sustenance in our personal faith journey when all we ever really needed to do was rely on Jesus himself. I am so glad to have had my church life support plug pulled because now I can breath on my own and experience the true freedom that Christ offers to us all.


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

A great and challenging read, 2006-04-20
This book had me hooked at the introduction. Turner's conversational writing is easy to follow and his insights into living a true Christian life are dead on. In the book Turner gets rid of the common understanding that all Christians are supposed to live fairy-tale lives with no challenges, doubt or fear, when actually those are essential parts of establishing a REAL relationship with Christ.

I highly endorse this book


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Going for God, 2006-03-21
This book is a must read for anyone who has struggled with what it means to be a "correct Christian." Matthew Paul Turner shares his personal story of how he left the abusive faith of his childhood to seek out what it means to live a life as an authentic Christian.

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.