The Shift
Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $24.99
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- $24.99
Publisher Description
When Christians are kicked out of their conservative churches or leave because they no longer feel at home, they embark on a journey of freedom and fear, love and loneliness, empowerment and pain. The movement from conservative to progressive Christianity is a serious shift. Colby Martin has traversed this treacherous territory, survived its hardships, and is now turning around to share what he's learned.
This book is a friendly survival guide to help followers of Jesus navigate the strange and confusing landscape when shifting from conservative to progressive Christianity. This book will prepare progressive Christians (from long-time progressives to those just starting out) for the pitfalls awaiting them as they shift out of their conservative world, and it will equip them for a more abundant, thriving, and peace-filled spiritual life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Martin (Unclobbered), podcaster and co-pastor of Sojourn Grace Collective in San Diego, Calif., articulates the "process of a person shifting from their conservative Christian communities" to a more progressive spirituality in this concise, revealing work. Martin explains much of what he felt upon his slow retreat from conservative Christianity after coming to the realization during a men's church group getaway: the comments, sideways glances, vows to pray for him, and sometimes downright nastiness. He urges forgoing certainty and arguing scriptural interpretations, and offers values for "shifting," including trust, openness, kindness, mercy, and love. Martin also addresses how those who undergo a shift toward progressivism may begin thinking about "the big four": God, Jesus, the Bible, and Church, urging readers to "reject the impulse to hold on tight and try to control" and seek out more like-minded communities. Christians already on the path of change will find this a well-written, thoughtful road map. While Martin's nontraditional message may stun evangelicals (such as his refusal to call God "he"), his generosity and empathy are evident throughout: "I'm finally learning what it means to be whole." Martin's welcoming words will be of comfort to any Christian looking for alternatives to conservative Christianity.
