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

[ea_anthony]

Not the kind of book I would want to read now, but this is a tempting review, No gushing over the writing or claims of being a definitive new age read. How do you survive after being cut-off from a platform one had interacted closely with for over twenty. I am hoping for an enjoyable/enlightening read.

[Uinto]

Quite a heartfelt book. I can almost put myself in the shoes of this Christian couple that find themselves relinquishing control of a church they've helped build over the years. Nice review.

[mmm17]

Intriguing story... It's good that opposing arguments were handled in a logical manner. Like you, I also enjoy that. Thank you for a wonderful review!!

[sarahmarlowe randomeducator]

I greatly admire the author for addressing the hurt and confusion her family faced in her church. Church-hurt is a big reason that people fall away from religion and beliefs. I also admire that she didn't use this book for slander. Thank you for such a well-written review!

[Espie]

Stoicism and equanimity are a virtue for some, and yet there are those who view them on a different light. Thank you for your insightful review.

[nooregano]

I concur with the idea that this is becoming more common. I feel like I have been in this place myself. It is hard to invest time and energy into growing something only to be pushed away from it. It is easy to get disillusioned. This sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for the great review!

Did you experience something like this in churches or in another sphere of life? Thank you for sharing, and thanks for stopping by, Jlbaird85

[nooregano]

This book has a lot of emotions invested to it and I can't imagine how Amanda and her husband must have felt to be pushed away from their hard work.

It was indeed extremely difficult for them both, especially since it happened right under their noses. Thanks for stopping by, Agnes098!

[nooregano]

It must be very hard to lose such an important community as your church and I agree a lot of people are dealing with a shift in their faith-based experiences, so this book is very appropriate. I liked very much how you analyzed and made sense of the unique author's style.
Thank you!

It is heartbreaking. Especially since they were in their sixties while writing this book. Thank you for your kind words, Andrea, and thanks for stopping by. I really appreciate it

[nooregano]

Having a ministry's founding principles systematically be changed for the worse must've been heartbreaking. I am glad the author chose to share her story. Thanks for your very thorough review.

It is, and it's worse when you're powerless to change it. Thanks for stopping by, ElizaBeth! I really appreciate it!

[nooregano]

Like you, I also appreciate that the author does not lash out against the people who hurt her and instead tries to be as objective as possible. I think that shows a lot of character on her part. Thank you for a detailed and well-written review!

Yes, it's very important, and it's very telling of her character, I agree! It's part of the responsibility of being a good writer. Thanks for stopping by, Rachel!

[nooregano]

I agree that this does seem to be happening more lately. It happened to my sister and niece recently. It can be devastating. Thanks for a wonderful review!

It really is devastating, and sorry to hear about your sister and niece. Thank you for stopping by, Prisallen!

[nooregano]

This seems to be something that is occurring a lot in our changing society, but has not really been put into words! The author succeeded in a very difficult task, and while not for me personally, I know many people who would likely benefit from this book! Thanks for your amazing review

Yes, she really did give this thought a real voice, and made it solid enough for people to grasp and relate to. It's wonderful! Thanks for stopping by, Firefawkes! Always appreciate it!

[nooregano]

It sounds as if Mrs. Farmer did an excellent job with staying on point with the theologies that she disagreed with, rather than attack the church or members that offended her. You wrote a very thought-provoking and insightful review that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!

Yes, that's exactly what she did, and I greatly admire her for that! Thanks for your kind words, Bluebird03, and thanks for stopping by!

[nooregano]

This sounds like the type of book who will benefit many people, as there are unfortunately many churches that do this to their members. It sounds like the book was a slow build but the payoff was worth it in the end. I like your evaluation of her writing style. It made me feel like I had a good grasp on what to expect in the book. Great review!

The payoff was definitely worth it. I really enjoyed the book. Thanks for your kind words, unamilagra! Thank you so much for stopping by

[nooregano]

I would imagine that it was hard to write an objective book about such a personal subject. It does seem like the daughter would be a key player in the story, but perhaps the daughter did not want to be in the spotlight.

Thank you for a really helpful review.

Ah, I didn't actually consider that the daughter might not have wanted to be written about. Very plausible, now that I think about it! Thanks for that insight, and thanks for stopping by, CyndiA1! I really appreciate it!