Official Review: Once An Insider, Now Without a Church Home

[Misael Carlos]

It is a very intriguing novel and more than than that, very controversial. The review was comprehensive and yet did not reveal much. It is been said that religion and politics are taboo to talk about during discussions because arguments will never cease and will cause more arguments and cause disharmony and even breakup of relationships. Just saying.

[bmfought]

Thanks for the great review! While I am not big on religious books, I sympathize going to a church for 25 years and putting in all that time, to find the change unsettling. I know several people I will pass the title on to, as this is right up their alley!

[EvaDar]

What a beautiful review. Lovely in every way. This sounds like a deep, emotional story about betrayal and disenfranchisement. If all it suffered from are minor errors, it sounds like a winner.

[Areej Tahir]

Religious books are not exactly what I go for but this one is very interesting and intriguing. Your review was very comprehensive! thankyou.

[Kaitlyn Canedy]

Personally, I do not feel that the storyline of the woman is not that important. What is happening to this couple is so common, and I have even considered leaving my church because of it. Ms. Amanda Farmer brought up a topic that may hurt others, but this is something that people need to know about. Kudos to her!

[ShiRah185]

Re: Official Review: Once An Insider, Now Without a Church Home
by: ShiRah185

An extremely sad story. And yet, so common. Hence the reason why when discussions regarding religion are raised I gallop with great haste in the opposite direction. I empathize with Gordon and Amanda. Great review.

[sherese26]

The story of a Christian couple, Amanda and Gordon Farmer is one which shows both love and mystery. Mainly because before getting in-depth in the book I noticed Amanda made a decision to go through with choosing Gordon's religion without telling him which show love . She also shows strength even when persons intend to do her bad she does really lash out or back fire with bad energy . Amanda really inspired me as a woman to remain strong throughout any situation. I enjoyed this book
Although at times in their relationship their were breaking point and basically sad moment I really learnt important life lessons from this story

[Wriley]

After reading the review, I did a bit of research of terms since I had no idea what Complementarianism was or even Calvinism and I grew up in an pentecostal nondenominational church. I can now see where the author is coming from. They were dedicated to a certain belief system in their church yet those beliefs changed for the leaders. I'm impressed the author didn't use her book to destroy the reputation of ones that hurt her. I'm not sure I would be so gracious. This sounds like an interesting book but maybe not for this southern girl. Southerners' belief system is more procomplementarian. I can feel for this couple but I try to stay away from religious autobiographical books. The use of all the intellectual words was a turn off for me as well. It's always better to simply state what you mean unless you are trying to make yourself feel smart. It's the same way in science. If you are speaking to the general public then it's time to take the Science jargon out because you only make yourself look overnflated.

[Dragonsend]

Maybe she was respecting her daughter's privacy to a certain degree but the author still sounds relatable and this sounds like a very good book. You gave an excellent review! Thank you.

[Wriley]

I think everyone is missing the point of the book. The church they attended is known for ordaining both men and women ministers. The church leaders started teaching more that men and women have certain roles and women should not be pastors. I get that they went to a church that believed a certain way and it changed but using these huge words makes its sound more profound than it was.

[Lana Shea]

I commend the author for taking the high road and not slandering those who caused her pain. After being treated in such a way by a church community she has served for 25 years must certainly have been devastating. The author gives hope and encouragement to others facing the same problems. Thanks for the review!

[rhendic]

This is a very thorough review and I enjoyed reading it. Even though this isn't necessarily in my wheel house, I can't imagine what it must be like to have your church of 25 years treat you so. A very thought provoking story.

[Miercoles]

I can only imagine the challenge this author faced in bringing light to her experience without damaging the reputations of those involved. I appreciate your detailed review.

[Lisyr]

I was pleasantly surprised to see how balanced this review was. My first thought of the title of the book was not another tell all of how the church has failed. Instead from the review it reveals the maturity of the author of the book in sharing experiences held dear. A very thorough review that would make one want to read this book.

[ChainsawCat]

I am fairly frequently puzzled by the assumptions, world-view, and theology of Evangelicals, who make up a sizeable portion of American Christians. My own experience, in mainline and progressive churches, has been much different, and it seems like different persuasions of Christians are practically speaking different languages much of the time. While I doubt that I would share the theological positions and anxieties of Ms. Farmer, I would be very curious to spend some time walking in her shoes, and your review suggests that this book would allow just that.