If the Church Were Christian: Rediscovering the Values of Jesus

There are roughly 39,000 Christian denominations, each with a slightly different take on the priorities of Jesus but all—whether liberal or conservative—believe they most faithfully follow Jesus.

The idea that religious liberty is under siege has changed the dynamics of Christianity. Politics and religion are no longer separate, and the intersection has created controversial views of Christians and the church. Quaker minister Philip Gulley, author of If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, addresses the ultimate question in If the Church Were Christian—does the church truly reflect the priorities of Jesus.

Gulley questions the assumptions Christians often make:

·       We cannot assume that the gospel versions of Jesus’s story are historically accurate since they were written 30 to 60 years after the death of Jesus

·       We cannot assume there is universal agreement on the meaning of Jesus’s story

·       We cannot assume that everyone has the same understanding of what “doing our Christian duty” actually means—even if we believe we should be virtuous and good

If the Church were Christian reminds us that whatever the word Christianity might have meant at one time it doesn’t necessarily mean that anymore. Gulley discusses if the church were Christian:

·       It would care more about love and less about sex

·       Jesus would be a model for living rather than an object of worship

·       Meeting needs would be more important than maintaining institutions

·       Affirming our potential would be more important than condemning our brokenness

·       This life would be more important than the afterlife

This book is for anyone who wants to build bridges instead of boundaries, and seeks to experience God’s love.

While many denominations claim to be growing, the largest group in American religious life is the disillusioned—people who have been involved in the church yet see few similarities between the church's life and the person of Jesus. In the midst of elaborate programming, professional worship teams, and political crusades, they ask, "Is this really what Jesus called us to do?"

While the church has dismissed these people as uncommitted and lacking in faith, perhaps the opposite is true. Their commitment to authentic spirituality over institutional idolatry might be the very corrective the church needs. These people respect Jesus, but question what Christianity has become.

In If the Church Were Christian, Quaker pastor and author Philip Gulley explores how the church has lost its way. This eye-opening examination of the values of Jesus reveals the extent to which the church has drifted from the teachings of the man who inspired its creation. Many Christians might be surprised to discover how little Jesus had to say about the church, and that he might never have intended to start a new religion.

But the church is here to stay, and Gulley is determined to help the church find its soul. If the church were Christian, Gulley argues, affirming our potential would be more important than condemning our brokenness. If the church were Christian, inviting questions would be valued more than supplying answers. If the church were Christian, meeting needs would be more important than maintaining institutions.

These simple statements return us to the heart of what Jesus cared about during his ministry. Gulley provides a profound picture of what the church would look like if it refocused on the real priorities of Jesus.

“Gulley puts the Christ back in Christian. This manifesto is a call not just to worship Jesus, but to follow him. It asks the daring question, “What if Christians actually began to take their Christ seriously?” The answer to that question could change the world.” - Shane Claiborne, bestselling author of The Irresistible Revolution.

“Gulley puts the Christ back in Christian. This manifesto is a call not just to worship Jesus, but to follow him. It asks the daring question, “What if Christians actually began to take their Christ seriously?” The answer to that question could change the world.” - Shane Claiborne, bestselling author of The Irresistible Revolution.

“Gulley has done a fine job pinpointing the flaws of the Christian churches and suggesting transformative paths to follow.” - Spirituality and Practice

“Gulley’s newest book is thoughtful, insightful and a joy to read.” - Indianapolis Star

“[Gulley’s] effortless and uncomplicated style allows for easy reading over some heavy material.” - Library Journal

“No one raises provocative questions about Christianity more kindly than Philip Gulley. In an age of shouting, Gulley gently points out the flaws in the church while opening ways to practice Christian spirituality with greater integrity. If the church were as Philip Gulley envisions here, people would be knocking down our doors to experience God’s love. ” - Diana Butler Bass, author of Christianity for the Rest of Us

“Why are thousands of ministers not saying what Philip Gulley says so well? His vision of Christianity is grounded, gripping, and filled with uncommon sense. He is building bridges instead of boundaries, and such wisdom is surely needed now.” - Richard Rohr, O.F.M, author of Everything Belongs

“Like most realistic lovers, Gulley knows that as long as churches are composed of human beings, churches will be flawed. Yet this truth does not cloud his central vision: that Christianity is about following Jesus, not worshipping him, and that any body of disciples still willing to make his priorities their own can find deep springs of renewal for a credible and dynamic faith. The chapter titles alone are worth the price of this book. Whether you pray them by yourself or discuss them with others, they chart the distance between two very different ways of receiving God’s good news.” - Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Leaving Church and Altar in the World

“Filled with memorable, insightful and revealing stories. I recommend it.” - Marcus Borg

“Philip Gulley separates wheat from chaff, experience from explanation and purpose from function in this book. He calls the Jesus message into a new vision - one that has both power and integrity.” - John Shelby Spong, author of Eternal Life: A New Vision