Have you ever judged someone for their beliefs?  Wonder how they could believe what they believe?  I have to stop myself sometimes and remember that others just might be thinking those very thoughts about what I believe!

Jim Henderson has been a Christian for over thirty years and has spent several of those in ministry.  After some experimenting with paying non-believers for their perception of how Christians do church, he decides to hire a confirmed atheist to go on a church tour with him.  Matt Casper accepts the position and they begin the journey.

Together they visit 12 churches in two months across the nation.  The selection of churches spans well-know to unknown, mega to small, conservative to charismatic, wealthy to poor.  Jim gives Casper the freedom to always speak open and honestly about his observation of each service they attend.  Jim is willing to answers any questions that Casper has, but only to the extent that Casper wants him to.  Jim’s only goal is to hear Casper’s take on what he sees.

Although it is tough to hear the comments that Casper makes about a belief system that I hold so dearly, it is an eye opening reminder of what is going on outside of the Christian environment I live in.  I enjoyed the books candidness and humor at the very things the Christians do every week to have church.  I have to be honest and say I have wondered some of the very same things that Casper wonders when he went to church.  I found that I shared that same “take-away” as the author did at the end of his tour with Casper: “Is this what Jesus told you guys to do?” 

The book is a quick, easy read and will definitely give you an outsider’s perspective on Christianity and our Sunday service.  It offers a Q&A chapter at then end the helps you get over any frustration you might have after you read Casper’s freedom to voice his opinion.  Enjoy!

- Lorie Kinman