Booklist

Lord, Save Us from Your Followers: Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America? by Dan Merchant
Why is the Gospel of Love dividing America? Fed up with the angry, strident language filling the airwaves that has come to represent the Christian faith, author, director, and follower Dan Merchant set out to explore the collision of faith and culture in America. What is all this fighting really about? The book and upcoming documentary represent a two-year effort to "join the battlefield in hopes of getting a conversation started." The result is a book full of offbeat observations, fun anecdotes, comedic bits and in-depth interviews. From Dan's hilarious bumper-sticker interviews with folks on the street to his unique "Confession Booth" event inspired by his meeting with Tony, the Beat Poet, from Blue Like Jazz, he delves into all the hot button issues with candor, humor and balance.
I watched the movie before I read the book but I had checked out the book before I knew there was a movie. Turns out our friend Jeff had had coffee with Merchant a couple of weeks before and got a couple of advance copies on DVD. So, we borrowed one and watched it. Since some of it was repetitive I skipped some parts. Basically the book delves a bit deeper into the interviews.
I like what the book has to say but I have to say that I'm a bit tired of reading books about how Christianity is screwed up. I already know that. So, where is the book about how to fix it? What's that you say? It's already been written? The Bible, you say? Please. Christians have been reading that book for centuries...or have they?
Anywho...a good read for those who are sick of the religious status quo. Find the movie and watch it too...or better yet get a group together, watch the movie and then have a discussion afterward. I guarantee it'll be a good conversation.