churched

A couple of weeks ago, I received my copy of churched by Matthew Paul Turner to read and review. What an honor to be an "official" reviewer! This has really been fun, though. Turner's book is a memoir of growing up in a Fundamentalist Baptist church and includes the good, the bad, and the funny.

I grew up Southern Baptist, but attended a pretty Fundamentalist Christian school until fifth grade, so I can relate to much of what he has written. I understand the dubious joys of dressing up for church (although I can't say that I've every had a necktie lick my neck). I also remember asking Jesus into my heart multiple times "just in case". And, he does a great job of describing the guilt associated with "evangelism" - and how we were never doing enough of it.

Most of the book describes, without anger or resentment, the foibles of American Fundamentalism. Turner is honest about what it is like to grow up with rules about every part of life, from hair length to music choice. But, he's not bitter about it, so the book is pleasant and fun to read. Turner ends with a description of where he has gone since Fundamentalism, and he's still on a journey with Jesus.

Read this book, it's funny, poignant, and true. For those of us who grew up in the church, it is a trip down memory lane. For those who didn't, it's a peek inside part of the Christian subculture. In any case, you will be entertained and enlightened.

Since I only got one response to my previous giveaway announcement, I'll give ya'll one more shot to win a copy of this book! (You know you want it!!) Leave a comment and I'll do the drawing on Saturday, October 11. (I'll include the person who commented on the previous post, don't worry.) If you aren't fortunate enough to win the drawing, you can pick up the book at Amazon. Also, check out Matthew's blog for some entertaining reading.