Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe: Ten Misbeliefs That Keep Us from Experiencing God's Grace

Kinnaman (Angels Dark and Light) contends that many Christians are blinded by what he calls ""popular and nonbiblical notions"" of God. Applying personal anecdotes, stories from the lives of others and a large dose of humor, the author challenges 10 beliefs that are obstacles to the experience of God's love and providence. For example, he asserts that many Christians believe that ""God is love, so He'll overlook what I'm doing."" Kinnaman notes clearly that the biblical God will not condone disobedience outright, for God's love and forgiveness require a truly contrite heart. Some Christians also believe, he says, that ""what [they] believe about God is more important than how [they] treat people."" Kinnaman argues that these Christians want to have their physical and social needs met, yet they ignore the needs of the community around them. The author uses the story of Jesus' feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30-44) as an example of how individuals can overcome the selfishness that is so prevalent today. Kinnaman also challenges the popular notion, often promoted by Christian preachers, that ""God wants me to be happy, so he will protect me from suffering and pain."" He maintains that a biblical view of God teaches that suffering leads to an experience of God's grace. In conclusion, Kinnaman suggests that daily reading and reflection on the Bible, frequent prayer, ""exposure to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit and quality time with godly people"" can help Christians overcome their ""misbeliefs."" Witty and engaging, Kinnaman may offend Christians of all traditions as he provokes them to think more deeply about their faith and their behavior. (Aug.)