Welcome: An Introduction

Sharing the insights I discover as I explore and experience the mystery that is our reality. Join me in my journey and share yours.




Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Confessions of a Christian Dropout ( Book Review)





I've read a lot of books but only a few have really left me thinking, returning back to their pages for reference and recollection, long after their last pages were turned. "Confessions of a Christian Dropout", written by author and former pastor William Huffhine is one such book. It is a refreshingly  honest account of one man's struggles as he grapples with taking hold and experiencing the limitless possibilities God offers us in the sometimes severely limiting world of organized religion.


His confessions begin in early childhood as he retells the account of his first baptism and the real reason behind it.  He continues his tale of seeking God by taking readers through the doorways of Christianity's many denominations-from Methodist, to Baptist, to non-denominational and Pentecostal churches. He's left his soul's footprints all along the organized pathways of Christianity as he has travelled seeking truth, answers and a connection with God.


In his book, Huffhine is not afraid to ask the difficult questions. The kind few of us would dare look into the eyes of a pastor and utter yet a lot of us have had running through our wondering minds more than once. I identified with many of these questions and I know many others will find their own inner inquiries echoed within the pages of his book, providing a very refreshing read. He relates well with readers who love Christ but feel conflicted with what the Church represents and has to offer us today.  Huffhine asked these questions to himself when he was both a member of various churches and a pastor of a church. It was only when he could break free and ask these questions openly that he found a greater sense of freedom in his journey to question, probe and seek.  


His questions are the kind that can run us into the walls of doubt, or cynicism or even the lonely emptiness that can arise out of thinking we've been altogether abandoned by God in our journeys in seeking Him. These questions are what allowed Huffhine to break free from the entangled snare in which organized religion had bound him, constricting the muscles of his spiritual heart to flow freely on its own accord. Once untethered he was liberated to pursue God at full sprint rather than on a measured leash.

"My spiritual journey, particularly these last few years, has led me to believe that the way of the Spirit is far too grand, too expansive, too majestic, and too mysterious to be contained within the walls of a religion. There is, indeed, much more on the other side of the artificial horizon that has been created by man to keep me safely within the evangelical Christian fold.                  p. 91


Throughout his book, Huffhine's bold questions, candid and thoughtful reflections towards what the  Scriptures offer us for answers, maintains a strong conviction towards the core doctrines of the Christian faith and a clear reverence for God's Word while at the same time explores the possibilities of perceiving a deeper sense of reality surrounding God and His ways. In all of his views, Huffhine uses Scripture to support them.




" And you may think that this has weakened my belief in the God of the Bible. You would be wrong. I write these final pages more convinced than ever that the God of the Garden, the one whom John identified as the Word made flesh, is truly the God calling out to all men to return to him. And echoes of that original truth still linger in the hearts, minds and words of men and women in every civilization, in every corner of the world, and in every belief system. Where we, and they, go wrong is when we set up camp at a destination and abort the journey, before arriving back in the presence of the One who first looked upon us and said, 'They bear my image.'.".                         p. 93-94

Huffhine is not done inspiring and encouraging other believers of Christ who wish for something deeper in their experiences with God and long to walk honestly through their questions to find answers.  He invites all who read his book to join him on his journey and to share their own. You can do  that by visiting his blog: www.christiandropout.com  and sharing your story while learning more about his. I have found his articles insightful and thought provoking and his reflections have the ability to resonate well within the hearts of those who are seeking spirituality in a religion that has run dry for so many. See what they have to offer you.  

I would highly recommend this book. It flows well and fluently and does what all great books do, makes one think long after the last page is turned.

Note: If you liked this review and enjoy the author's website stay tuned! I will be conducting a podcast interview with him as well as have posts which feature passages from his book!

Any thoughts? I'm sure you have some! Please leave them in the comments section! Thank you!

30 comments:

  1. I think quite a few people are going to buy this book because of you, Jess. This was a great review!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Jessica:
    "My spiritual journey, particularly these last few years, has led me to believe that the way of the Spirit is far too grand, too expansive, too majestic, and too mysterious to be contained within the walls of a religion. There is, indeed, much more on the other side of the artificial horizon that has been created by man to keep me safely within the evangelical Christian fold.
    p. 91


    The quote above does a good job of explaining my difficulty w/organized religion. Another well written column, Jessica. Looks like this book should be on my shelf.

    I've been to Bill's blog several times and I gotta say many of his columns resonate deeply with me. Anyone not familiar w/Bill and his blog who arrives at your blog to read this entry will most assuredly leave w/a clear understanding of where he stands. That's testament to your clear and concise writing style, Jessica.
    --
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  3. Justin, I truly hope so! It's a book that really has inspired me to be more true to my own journey with God. And I'm so glad you enjoyed the review, that means a lot, coming from an exceptional writer and great thinker like you. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christopher, you will definitely want this book on your shelf! :) I think, knowing some of your views towards organized religion, that you will find it a very encouraging read. I've been enjoying his blog as well and encourage any who are reading this to check it out. Thanks so much for stopping by :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really enjoyed your wonderful book review, Jessica! As Justin said, I believe many people will be searching out their own copy of this book. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  6. There are many of us recovering religious junkies out there who're sensing Spirit in all sorts of weird and wonderful places.

    Thanks for the most useful review of W L's book. Great to see I'm not alone.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bec...thanks so much for stopping by! I'm glad you enjoyed it and it would be a joy if it would inspire others to buy a book I know they will find profound and encouraging. ~blessings

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dylan...so true, there are definitely many of us out there! Glad you found the review useful and I look forward to writing a review for your book in the near future, which was also an amazing read! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. This review sparked an interest within... to read about this it and to get a perspective from both sides especially through his personal experiences.... would be interesting and real.
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Jessica.

    I'm so humbled, and grateful, for the review you've written here. One of the best things about the experience of publishing this book has been the opportunities it's given me to come into contact with people like yourself and your readers, and to discover just how many of us there are on this journey.

    I could not have asked for a kinder treatment of the work I've done. And for that, I thank you.

    I do want to be totally honest about something. You wrote in your review, "These questions are what allowed Huffhine to break free from the entangled snare in which organized religion had bound him, constricting the muscles of his spiritual heart to flow freely on its own accord. Once untethered he was liberated to pursue God at full sprint rather than on a measured leash."

    This is a true statement. I feel more free today in my pursuit of God than I ever did in the establishment. But I don't ever want to give the illusion that it's been easy and that I now am on the spiritual fast track. Oh how I wish I were pursuing God at full sprint. But honestly, much of the time, I am stumbling over my own feet, falling often on my face, picking myself up, and stumbling forward a few inches more.

    The difference now is that I'm taking faltering steps forward, whereas before I stayed in my assigned seat and nodded politely even when the spirit inside was screaming in opposition or disagreement.

    So...all of that said...it's great to be on this journey with you, your readers here, and all of the wonderful, authentic, and kind people I'm meeting along the way. Now if we could all just find a way to meet for coffee.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Savira...I think you would really enjoy his book! :) Thank you for reading the review...glad it sparked an interest :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bill,

    Thank you so much for coming by and leaving your thoughts and clarifying some points of your spiritual journey. Your book was a pleasure to read and to write a review for. I look forward to our interview :)

    "But I don't ever want to give the illusion that it's been easy and that I now am on the spiritual fast track. Oh how I wish I were pursuing God at full sprint. But honestly, much of the time, I am stumbling over my own feet, falling often on my face, picking myself up, and stumbling forward a few inches more."

    Well, perhaps I could have chosen different words when making a before and now comparison. One thing I really respect from your book and your blog is the level of humility in which you approach your journey. You are not afraid to ask questions and also not afraid to know when you aren't sure of the answers. I think we all are stumbling a bit through our paths towards understanding, that's why it's so uplifting and encouraging to come across others who are journeying on similiar paths to the same goal-encountering a deeper relationship with and understanding of God. Our candles help bring encouragment, insight and the warm glow of community and fellowship to one another.


    I love the idea of coffee! Perhaps someday, some of our paths will meet...Please do let me know if you are ever in CT...Christopher and I are fellow seekers and fans of your book and blog and I know I'd love the opportunity to have a conversation over a cup of coffee, and I'm sure he would too...as well as many others!

    Blessings :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jessica you know what would be a dream come true for me? Making frequent trips to different parts of the country to simply gather with a handful of kindred spirits for an evening to meet, talk, pray, and share this journey face to face. I will ask the Father to make this a reality in my life, beginning with a handful of fellow travelers in Connecticut!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bill, we would be truly honored and blessed to have you join us in such an evening of conversation and fellowship! I will pray for this as well, for there is nothing that is more edifying than connecting with others within the Body of Christ that share similiar paths.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hats off to Jessica on this review of Confessions of a Christian Dropout!
    I read the book too and found it compelling enough to ardently follow the author’s journey from the shores of religion to the heart of God.

    You’ve captured the essence of Bill’s story and given enough essential information to stir a desire in others to read this passionate narrative.

    I found it both intriguing and inspiring, and laughed in places and wept in others.
    It served to draw me even closer into the heart of God myself.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Debra...you were the first on my list of people I thought of that would enjoy this book as much as I did! Thank you for your reflections of the book...so glad you enjoyed the review :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a review Jessica. Sometimes I think one needs to break away from all the confines in order look at things with a better prospective.Would love to get hold of a copy.

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/08/five-people-you-meet-in-heaven.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. great review....will look for this book...recommended by u..its surely going to do me good.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I know you'd really enjoy it Rimly :) Thanks for stopping by...I'm looking forward to reading your latest article, I always enjoy my time on your blog :) ~blessings

    ReplyDelete
  20. Alpana, I really think you'd love it!:) Feel free to check out his blog www.christiandropout.com You are sure to leave inspired :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am a christian too...but very timid to ask questions, fearing that i would bring down the wrath from heavens...I will put this in a must read list

    ReplyDelete
  22. When i complete my book i have no qualms in saying I know who i will come to when i need reviewing. You will definetely have inspired many to buy this book.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jon, I think you would be very much encouraged by this book. I would like to you encourage you not to fear God. He knows your fears, and He knows the questions you have before you ask them and even if you never utter them outloud. He knows your heart. If your heart is seeking for Him and his truths, there's nothing to fear. Just follow the inner voice that's within and it will lead you to a lifetime of discoveries and growth in God :) I'd encourage you to check out the author's website too: www.christiandropout.com I know you'll enjoy your time there. ~blessings

    ReplyDelete
  24. Excellent review. I haven't read the book, but I have been reading his blogs, so close to my own spiritual journey. I will have to visit it more often and read the book as well. Thank you for this post.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Just wanted to drop in and say hello to everyone who has commented here. It's so nice to meet so many others on this journey. I would love getting to know each and every one of you and maybe even meet you face to face someday.

    With all of the positive responses the last couple of weeks, I've dropped the price on the book. Times are tough for everyone. I want to help. So here's a link for you to order it. Hope this is okay Jessica.

    http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=Huffhine

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you Jan! If you like the blog, you will love the book! :) Thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you enjoyed the review :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Bill,

    What a gracious decision to drop the price of your book. That definitely opens up the options of purchasing it to more people :) Thanks for sharing that and the link!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hmmm.... you did left me wanting to read and know more of William's experience. I guess I have to read his blog too at this point before making further comments...Thanks for the review ;)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Melissa....I think you'll find his blog thought proking :) Thank you for stopping by to check the review out. ~blessings :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Jessica, this is a great review. I am definitely going to recommend this book to a pastor friend of mine who is really battling to establish a church here in Argentina. He is going through a tough time right now. I am sure he will benefit!

    ReplyDelete