I’ve hesitated to do this review because they say any publicity is good publicity and I do not want to have anything to do with giving this book any publicity. Most of it is borderline blasphemy. Some of it is outright blasphemy. It is an arrogant diatribe that is written by a man who openly claims to be a Christian. It would make more sense to me if he disclaimed Christianity altogether. This book sounds like it is written by a person who has no fear of God, no reverence for God and no respect for people who disagree with him.
Anyone who has spent time around people who are Christians or claim to be Christians can tell war stories of hurt or excess or misunderstanding or mistreatment. Someday Matthew’s own children will probably point out some of his own inconsistencies, but 250 pages of unbroken, unbalanced mocking is just too much.
I’ve often considered reading Turner’s book on sharing the gospel, but this irreverent memoire puts me off, it gives me a glimpse into his soul and I don’t like what I see.
Perhaps he is a good and devout man who simply failed to balance his expose. I tend to like people and if we met, I’m sure he would be much easier to like if we could have a thoughtful discussion of these matters. I’m sure we would laugh and cry at some of the same things.
None the less, this is an unkind, unfair, unchristian attack on fundamental Baptists. If you wrote books like this about almost any other group there would be an outcry against you. It’s popular these days to pile hatred and prejudice on Independent Baptists. There is nothing redemptive or worthy about this book. I’d pass on it.
Ken Pierpont
I received this book free in a blogging for books program. I’m hoping my other books will be more worthwhile.
