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Out Into the Desert: Thriving Outside Organized Religion Kindle Edition
by Karl Forehand (Author), Laura Forehand (Author), & 1 more Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 17 ratings
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Sometimes, when we begin to question our faith or have doubts about our tradition it can feel like we are wandering out into the desert. When we take a step back and honestly evaluate organized religion in the 21st century, many times it doesn't make any sense. The more we cling to it and try to save it, the worse it becomes. In addition, widespread abuse, cover ups and victim-shaming causes some of us to question whether it will ever be right again.
Out Into the Desert is an honest survey of Western Christianity, along with Karl and Laura's personal story as they journeyed through 20-plus years of ministry. Let the Forehands be your guide as they examine these questions and more ...
Is it okay to take some time off from religion and do this assessment?
Are there things we can't see because we're too close?
Where else can we find community?
Is it possible to thrive outside of organized religion?
If Jesus were physically here, would he go to church?
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Publisher : Quoir; 1st edition (15 August 2022)
Language : English
File size : 725 KB
About the author
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Karl Forehand
Karl J. Forehand was a bi-vocational pastor for 20 years and has training in spiritual leadership coaching, plant-based nutrition, and spiritual direction. He lives in Missouri with his wife Laura and dog Winston. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.
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Top reviews from other countries
RFP
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish there were more than five stars
James Inglis
5.0 out of 5 stars Covers important ground for those "rethinking church"
Are there things we can't see because we're too close?
Where else can we find community?
Is it possible to thrive outside of organized religion?
If Jesus were physically here, would he go to church?
===
Publisher : Quoir; 1st edition (15 August 2022)
Language : English
File size : 725 KB
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Follow
Karl Forehand
Karl J. Forehand was a bi-vocational pastor for 20 years and has training in spiritual leadership coaching, plant-based nutrition, and spiritual direction. He lives in Missouri with his wife Laura and dog Winston. He has three grown children and two grandchildren.
===
Top reviews from other countries
RFP
5.0 out of 5 stars I wish there were more than five stars
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 24 January 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a twenty dollar book. This is a soft-cover book. This is an EXCELLENT book! I first "met" Karl Forehand (figuratively, of course) in his 2020 book, "The Tea Shop." Karl's authentic, and down-to-earth writing speaks to me with unexpected clarity and honesty. In this new book, Karl is joined by his wife, Laura, herself an accomplished writer, supremely able to convey thoughts and feelings with uncommon thoroughness and sensitivity. Reading this book was, to me, very much like having a quiet, personal conversation with these two inspiring people.
Having formerly been a church music director for a couple of decades, I was going through the motions of organized religion, unsatisfied and disillusioned by "The Show" until I became aware that there is more - so much more - to God and spirituality than the habitual (addicted?) participation in the weekly business-as-usual services. As Evangelical "Christianity" coopted it's foundation and purpose with a need for political power, the desert seemed to be a good place to retreat. It is! I highly recommend "Out Into the Desert" as required reading for any person who is truly seeking authentic and meaningful spirituality.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
Verified Purchase
This is a twenty dollar book. This is a soft-cover book. This is an EXCELLENT book! I first "met" Karl Forehand (figuratively, of course) in his 2020 book, "The Tea Shop." Karl's authentic, and down-to-earth writing speaks to me with unexpected clarity and honesty. In this new book, Karl is joined by his wife, Laura, herself an accomplished writer, supremely able to convey thoughts and feelings with uncommon thoroughness and sensitivity. Reading this book was, to me, very much like having a quiet, personal conversation with these two inspiring people.
Having formerly been a church music director for a couple of decades, I was going through the motions of organized religion, unsatisfied and disillusioned by "The Show" until I became aware that there is more - so much more - to God and spirituality than the habitual (addicted?) participation in the weekly business-as-usual services. As Evangelical "Christianity" coopted it's foundation and purpose with a need for political power, the desert seemed to be a good place to retreat. It is! I highly recommend "Out Into the Desert" as required reading for any person who is truly seeking authentic and meaningful spirituality.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
James Inglis
5.0 out of 5 stars Covers important ground for those "rethinking church"
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 1 January 2023
Verified Purchase
I was fortunate enough to read the original release of this in 2020, and I could see the importance of a book like this. The 2022 edition is even better, if only for the fact that it covers another two years of Karl and Laura’s lives over the pandemic.
Firstly, if you come from a more conservative Christian tradition and/or have a deep affiliation for the institution of the church, please allow your defenses to drop a little and approach this with an open mind. I, like Karl and Laura, have spent many years of blood, sweat and tears furthering the mission of the church. And even though life and faith shift may have changed some things for us, we’re still looking for glimpses of what the church (and the people that make it up) are trying to be. If you’re still feeling defensive but determined to power through this book, first go and read Pagan Christianity written by George Barna and Frank Viola first (published by Zondervan - bona fide Evangelical publication) and then come back to this.
Disclaimers aside, I appreciate this book. It isn’t always easy to read but it covers important ground for anyone who for one reason or another is “rethinking church”. I’ve enjoyed Karl’s other books, but the secret weapon of this one is Laura - you realize pretty quickly that both voices are necessary to get a fuller picture. It’s not a scholarly work and there are a couple of areas that they could have unpacked a little bit more, but I have no hesitation in giving this 5 stars.
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One person found this helpfulReport abuse
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Guide for the DeconstructingReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 16 August 2022
Verified Purchase
Karl and Laura Forehand share their stories about their deconstruction that resonates in me. We have questions in our spiritual journey, yet it's good to know there are those who went on before.
The desert can be a great place to be.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Joe Machuta
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for anyone deconstructing their faith!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 16 August 2022
Verified Purchase
Karl and Laura take you on a journey from the certainty of ministry to the beautiful uncertainty of freedom from the organization and during that journey find the peace of exploring possibility and find real community in the process.
2 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Karen Shock
5.0 out of 5 stars We are not alone!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 22 November 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is just what I needed in this season of my life. The vulnerability of Karl and Laura throughout this book was like a healing balm to my deconstructing heart. It's easy to read and so very easy to relate to. I found myself shaking my head in agreement so many times... thinking "been there done that." I'm so grateful to have this book on my desk as a great reminder that I am not alone on this journey.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
See all reviews
Verified Purchase
I was fortunate enough to read the original release of this in 2020, and I could see the importance of a book like this. The 2022 edition is even better, if only for the fact that it covers another two years of Karl and Laura’s lives over the pandemic.
Firstly, if you come from a more conservative Christian tradition and/or have a deep affiliation for the institution of the church, please allow your defenses to drop a little and approach this with an open mind. I, like Karl and Laura, have spent many years of blood, sweat and tears furthering the mission of the church. And even though life and faith shift may have changed some things for us, we’re still looking for glimpses of what the church (and the people that make it up) are trying to be. If you’re still feeling defensive but determined to power through this book, first go and read Pagan Christianity written by George Barna and Frank Viola first (published by Zondervan - bona fide Evangelical publication) and then come back to this.
Disclaimers aside, I appreciate this book. It isn’t always easy to read but it covers important ground for anyone who for one reason or another is “rethinking church”. I’ve enjoyed Karl’s other books, but the secret weapon of this one is Laura - you realize pretty quickly that both voices are necessary to get a fuller picture. It’s not a scholarly work and there are a couple of areas that they could have unpacked a little bit more, but I have no hesitation in giving this 5 stars.
Read less
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Guide for the DeconstructingReviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 16 August 2022
Verified Purchase
Karl and Laura Forehand share their stories about their deconstruction that resonates in me. We have questions in our spiritual journey, yet it's good to know there are those who went on before.
The desert can be a great place to be.
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Joe Machuta
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a must read for anyone deconstructing their faith!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 16 August 2022
Verified Purchase
Karl and Laura take you on a journey from the certainty of ministry to the beautiful uncertainty of freedom from the organization and during that journey find the peace of exploring possibility and find real community in the process.
2 people found this helpfulReport abuse
Karen Shock
5.0 out of 5 stars We are not alone!Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 22 November 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is just what I needed in this season of my life. The vulnerability of Karl and Laura throughout this book was like a healing balm to my deconstructing heart. It's easy to read and so very easy to relate to. I found myself shaking my head in agreement so many times... thinking "been there done that." I'm so grateful to have this book on my desk as a great reminder that I am not alone on this journey.
One person found this helpfulReport abuse
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