Got 'Churched'?

Well, if you don't, you definitely need to go out and get yourself a copy of 'Churched'. I am still discovering my love for reading and have never even attempted a book review, but I loved this book so much I'm going to give it a shot. I finished this book in two sittings! I couldn't put it down. Finishing a book that quickly truly is a testament to how amazing it was. It had my attention from start to finish. About a year ago I picked up my first Matthew Paul Turner book and was very impressed with his writing. He is an impeccable storyteller and has some pretty crazy stories to tell! In 'Churched', his latest release, he sort of catalogues his search for a real encounter with God in the midst of his super religious Fundamental Baptist upbringing. On some levels, not nearly as extreme, his stories resonated with me because of the church that I grew up in. I briefly came in contact with some of the outrageous actions performed in the name of religion. The fact that Matthew Turner ended up functional and still searching to know God deeper truly is a miracle! There are some hilarious stories of the insanity he witnessed, dating back to when he was only four years old, which I think is so sad. Ha ha.

By far the ending had to be the best part for me though, I finished the book with an overwhelming sense of hope, that maybe all was not lost. After seeing many ugly demonstrations of religion in church, it is hard not to be so far gone that you want to stop going all together. This is a place I have found myself in several times over the past couple of years. It is so reassuring that there are people out there who still decide to give church a chance time and time again...no matter how many horrible things you witness...and to my knowledge Matthew Turner takes the cake as far as amounts of craziness witnessed!

If you're someone who has experienced the crazy acts performed in the name of religion (sometimes the name of God too) AND can have a sense of humor about it this book is sooo for you! You'll laugh a lot, but end up knowing that you're not alone in the disillusionment you feel. There is a healthy church life to be had after religious insanity!