Official Review: Christianity Without Insanity
Posted: 14 Aug 2019, 13:35
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Christianity Without Insanity" by Boyd C. Purcell.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Christianity Without Insanity is written by Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D. In this book, he promotes holistic health for people who are spiritually victimized because of irrational beliefs prevalent among their religious leaders. Boyd is also the author of Spiritual Terrorism and frequently refers to its contents in this publication. He focuses on the debate between eternal damnation and Christian Universalism (CU). I appreciate how every chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion in study groups.
"The Top Ten Oxymorons of Fear-Based Christianity” are my favorite themes in the book. They are worth reflecting about, e.g., one of them makes you wonder whether God’s amazing grace can be reconciled with eternal punishment in hell. I was deeply disturbed about the story of a mother who killed all her children because she believed that they would go to heaven if they died before being corrupted by the world. The author’s psychological and theological analysis of her mindset is thorough, and it is a must-read for preachers. He also writes about Christians who are convinced that people of other religions will go to hell. I think he rightly calls it “spiritual insanity.” Boyd further explains how these individuals experience healing when they learn that God loves them unconditionally. He states that the fire of hell implies purification and describes the symbolism of “fire” in various religions.
Perfectionists can misinterpret the Christian call to be “perfect” (Matt 5:48) that means “mature” and “all-inclusive.” This verse has often been used by preachers to terrorize worshipers. The image of God in people’s minds is often a reflection of their relationship with their parents; hence, if the latter is healed, then their theological problems will be resolved. They must realize that God is a loving parent who desires all his children to return home. I appreciate the author for inspiring readers to spread the message of peace and explaining the nuances of baptism in various churches. He offers examples of sound and unsound teachings about salvation. Boyd clarifies what it means to be “salted with fire” and the real meaning of “church.” Questions of medical ethics are also discussed.
I was surprised by Boyd’s interpretation of the words “aion of kolazo” as a time of pruning, and hence the statement that hellfire is for correction and not meant to be eternal punishment. I liked his criticism of the misuse of a biblical verse (Rev 3:20) to invite unbelievers to accept Christ. Since it is addressed to a Christian church and not to unbelievers, the author rightly questions whether Jesus requires permission to enter his own community. I find his exegesis of some biblical verses unique and thought-provoking.
As a physician, counselor, and theologian, it is easy for me to understand the author’s reasoning. I agree that religious beliefs can shape emotions, which in turn impact physical health and family relationships. Boyd does a marvelous job by giving examples based on his practical experience as a counselor, chaplain, and ordained minister. His views are balanced and ecumenical. Nevertheless, I do have one criticism. As a Catholic, I have not heard the kind of preaching he is worried about, except in a few charismatic prayer groups. It does not seem to be a big problem in my context.
After reflecting on the contents as described above, I am pleased to give Christianity Without Insanity a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a higher rating because there are several grammatical errors. It will benefit from another round of editing. I did not give a lower rating because the contents will be helpful to readers who feel terrorized by preachers. This book may appeal to counselors, health care providers, chaplains, preachers, and religious leaders.
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Christianity Without Insanity
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Christianity Without Insanity is written by Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D. In this book, he promotes holistic health for people who are spiritually victimized because of irrational beliefs prevalent among their religious leaders. Boyd is also the author of Spiritual Terrorism and frequently refers to its contents in this publication. He focuses on the debate between eternal damnation and Christian Universalism (CU). I appreciate how every chapter ends with questions for reflection and discussion in study groups.
"The Top Ten Oxymorons of Fear-Based Christianity” are my favorite themes in the book. They are worth reflecting about, e.g., one of them makes you wonder whether God’s amazing grace can be reconciled with eternal punishment in hell. I was deeply disturbed about the story of a mother who killed all her children because she believed that they would go to heaven if they died before being corrupted by the world. The author’s psychological and theological analysis of her mindset is thorough, and it is a must-read for preachers. He also writes about Christians who are convinced that people of other religions will go to hell. I think he rightly calls it “spiritual insanity.” Boyd further explains how these individuals experience healing when they learn that God loves them unconditionally. He states that the fire of hell implies purification and describes the symbolism of “fire” in various religions.
Perfectionists can misinterpret the Christian call to be “perfect” (Matt 5:48) that means “mature” and “all-inclusive.” This verse has often been used by preachers to terrorize worshipers. The image of God in people’s minds is often a reflection of their relationship with their parents; hence, if the latter is healed, then their theological problems will be resolved. They must realize that God is a loving parent who desires all his children to return home. I appreciate the author for inspiring readers to spread the message of peace and explaining the nuances of baptism in various churches. He offers examples of sound and unsound teachings about salvation. Boyd clarifies what it means to be “salted with fire” and the real meaning of “church.” Questions of medical ethics are also discussed.
I was surprised by Boyd’s interpretation of the words “aion of kolazo” as a time of pruning, and hence the statement that hellfire is for correction and not meant to be eternal punishment. I liked his criticism of the misuse of a biblical verse (Rev 3:20) to invite unbelievers to accept Christ. Since it is addressed to a Christian church and not to unbelievers, the author rightly questions whether Jesus requires permission to enter his own community. I find his exegesis of some biblical verses unique and thought-provoking.
As a physician, counselor, and theologian, it is easy for me to understand the author’s reasoning. I agree that religious beliefs can shape emotions, which in turn impact physical health and family relationships. Boyd does a marvelous job by giving examples based on his practical experience as a counselor, chaplain, and ordained minister. His views are balanced and ecumenical. Nevertheless, I do have one criticism. As a Catholic, I have not heard the kind of preaching he is worried about, except in a few charismatic prayer groups. It does not seem to be a big problem in my context.
After reflecting on the contents as described above, I am pleased to give Christianity Without Insanity a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I did not give it a higher rating because there are several grammatical errors. It will benefit from another round of editing. I did not give a lower rating because the contents will be helpful to readers who feel terrorized by preachers. This book may appeal to counselors, health care providers, chaplains, preachers, and religious leaders.
******
Christianity Without Insanity
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon