Book Review: Misfit Faith by Jason Stellman

This was a difficult book to review more due to the hypersensitivity of political correctness and religious correctness in todays’ society than the content. Jason J. Stellman author of  Misfit Faith: Confessions Of A Drunk Ex-Pastor holds nothing back – with intent.  Whether you agree, disagree or fall somewhere in between with the authors’ take on his God the authenticity is evident and the words are thought provoking.

 Analogies

The classic movie of teen angst The Breakfast Club by John Hughes is used as an analogy between the high school days of cliques and how one sharing moment is a catalyst for change and acceptance. This leads to the authors’ acceptance that one be open and willing to look for the ways to connect, share and accept others views. Another interesting current analogy of religion is to ‘Choose your enemies carefully because they will define you’ and the implications throughout life which can follow discourse.

Open & Willing

I found one of the most interesting chapters of Misfit Faith  the Unity In Diversity chapter. The author delves into topics of diversity whether it be religion or opposing views and emphasized the freedom of thought required and the  open and willingness attitude to accept diverging views. Earlier in the book Stellman shares how he progressed through an era where he thought he was always right – until he was proven wrong- and gained the freedom to accept diverging views and the education it provides.

Podcast of the Drunken Ex-Pastors

Misfit Faith did pique my interest to investigate the podcast of Jason who is Christian and Christian who is agnostic joined together as friends who have navigated pastoral ministry for 20 years and counting. After reading Misfit Faith I was interested enough to hear what the author has to say … check out the Drunk Ex-Pastors podcast for their unique view of current events throughout the world. Adult language occasionally throughout the podcast. In this weeks’ podcast “To Hell With Healthcare” explores the House vote on repealing and replacing Obamacare.

Recommendation

I enjoyed Misfit Faith for its’ honest, witty, blunt thoughts on traditional religion and how it translates into the questions of today regarding faith. This book may not be everyones’ cup of tea which I suspect is absolutely fine with the author. The book is an excellent reminder that whatever your religion, faith or non faith thought provoking discussions and openness can be rewarded with accepting and embracing diversity.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an unbiased review.