Confessions of a Crappy Christian: Real-Life Talk About All the Things Christians Aren’t Sure We’re Supposed to Say—and Why They Matter to God

Guichet adapts her Confessions of a Crappy Christian podcast to the page, delivering a forthright debut that explores Christian insecurities and doubts. Combining exegesis with personal reflection, the author answers 15 questions that Christians might feel uncomfortable asking, such as “Would Jesus be a jerk?” and “Why are Christians so weird about sex?” Guichet answers “Can God really use my weaknesses?” in the affirmative and points to Paul’s openness about succumbing to pride, leading the author to conclude that “the Christian life is not one marked by having it all together, but instead by serving the One who does.” The author recounts feeling crushed when her dreams of going to law school didn’t work out, but she came to realize that her ministry job was always God’s purpose for her. She enumerates “lies that keep us from healing” and posits, for example, that the belief “I need to be able to do it all myself” fails to recognize that God made humans to be social creatures who can lean on each other for support. The author’s unflinching candor—whether discussing her marital troubles or struggling to understand why God hasn’t resolved her severe anxiety—elevate this volume, and readers will appreciate the sage advice. Christians will feel heartened. (Oct.)