DigeeBooks

Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible.

Imagine for a moment what the world might look like if we as people of faith, morality, and conscience actually aspired to this mantra.

What if we were fully burdened to create a world that was more loving and equitable than when we arrived?

What if we invited one another to share in wide-open, fearless, spiritual communities truly marked by compassion and interdependence?

What if we daily challenged ourselves to live a faith that simply made us better humans?

John Pavlovitz explores how we can embody this kinder kind of spirituality where we humbly examine our belief system to understand how it might compel us to act in less-than-loving ways toward others.

This simple phrase, "Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible," could help us practice what we preach by creating a world where:

• spiritual community provides a sense of belonging where all people are received as we are;
• the most important question we ask of a religious belief is not Is it true? but rather, is it helpful?
• it is morally impossible to pledge complete allegiance to both Jesus and America simultaneously;
• the way we treat others is the most tangible and meaningful expression of our belief system.

In If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk, John Pavlovitz examines the bedrock ideas of our religion: the existence of hell, the utility of prayer, the way we treat LGBTQ people, the value of anger, and other doctrines to help all of us take a good, honest look at how the beliefs we hold can shape our relationships with God and our fellow humans―and to make sure that love has the last, loudest word.

In his thought-provoking book, "If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk: Finding a Faith That Makes Us Better Humans," John Pavlovitz embarks on a journey to unravel the true meaning of faith and its profound impact on our daily lives. He challenges the conventional understanding of religion, urging readers to embrace a faith that is rooted in love, compassion, and inclusivity, rather than fear, judgment, and exclusion.

Pavlovitz delves into real-life stories and personal anecdotes to illustrate the detrimental effects of a faith system that breeds intolerance, bigotry, and violence. He argues that such a faith not only fails to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ but also contradicts the fundamental principles of love and kindness that are essential for building a just and harmonious world.

With eloquence and conviction, Pavlovitz explores the transformative power of love as the guiding force in our spiritual journeys. He emphasizes that love encompasses acceptance, empathy, and forgiveness, enabling us to transcend our differences and unite as one human family. By embracing love as the central tenet of our faith, we become better individuals, capable of compassion, kindness, and understanding towards all.

Pavlovitz also addresses the prevalent issue of moral hypocrisy within religious communities, calling out those who claim to follow God's teachings yet fail to embody them in their actions. He challenges readers to live out their faith authentically, to be consistent in their words and deeds, and to strive to be better human beings in all aspects of their lives.

"If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk" is a compelling and thought-provoking book that invites readers to re-examine their understanding of faith and its role in their lives. It challenges us to move beyond religious dogma and embrace a faith that is characterized by love, acceptance, and a commitment to justice and equality. Through powerful storytelling and insightful reflections, Pavlovitz offers a fresh perspective on spirituality, urging us to create a world where love triumphs over hate and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.