Common Sense Christianity

By C. Randolph Ross

Book Overview

"For many who want to be Christian but cannot believe what they are told, the book could be a godsend." -- John B. Cobb,Jr., School of Theology at Claremont This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0929368002
• ISBN13: 9780929368009
• Release Date: March 1989
• Publisher: Occam Publishers
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

"Common Sense Christianity" - what's that?

you don't have to believe in "original sin," the virgin birth, miracles or even the resurrection to be a christian! Randolph Ross, a Methodist minister, says that: " 'faith' is not equated with a set of beliefs...it is an attitude, a way of relating to people and the world, that leads one into right relationships. It is the understanding of the heart that leads one to forgive instead of seeking vengeance, to love instead of hate, to seek the good of all instead of just one's own well-being; to give of one's self and property for the good of others, and to feel that a god of love is pulling for all of these. "You have Christian faith when these basic attitudes are consciously based on the teachings & example of Jesus, and there is a deep commitment to living these attitudes in your life. "This faith is based on the presupposition that it is better to do right than to do wrong...and that the right course is that which helps others and advances the common good." -see? no theology, no mental gymnastics, no need to believe the unbelievable. - think "progressive" christianity - it's good stuff

Helped bring God into my life

Quite simply, this book helped to end over 20 years of Atheism. As an intelligent person, I couldn't believe much of what I thought I had to in order to be a Christian. This book helped me to understand what mattered and what didn't. I now have a faith that is based on Matthew 22:37-39. Check that out and also read Jesus Against Christianity by Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer.

Ross provides a way to believe that makes sense

First, I am a Christian who wants and needs to believe in Jesus. Unfortunately, there are few real answers out there, and finding others who really believe not only with their spirit and heart, but with their brains is difficult to find. Ross's book is a unique and open approach to interpreting the gospels. His appeal is straight forward and I believe an honest approach to developing a renewed faith in Jesus. I emphasize Jesus because Ross reveals a way to understand Jesus that is defined not by theology but by common sense, which is in fact not that common. I recommend this book if you are looking for answers as a believer who cares about the mission of Jesus Christ and how Jesus still makes sense, even common sense, in today's world. Ross has shown me a way to believe that does not involve magical thinking, and does not lose Jesus in the process. Finally, Ross challenges us as Christians to reexamine our world view, and to reconsider how we view prosperity and how a "middle class American live as a Christian?".

Brought me back to Christianity

Every since I was a little kid, I never understood "Jesus died for your sins" (or "washed away your sins") and whenever I questioned it, I basically was ridiculed. So, the basis of Christianity made no sense to me. This book rejects this portion of Christianity by relying only on the portions of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark and Luke) that are consistent. The two chapters "Who is Jesus of Nazareth" and "Can this be Christian?" are so common-sense that I wonder how anyone can still believe the traditional way. I recommend starting with these chapters. Other chapters like "posessions and the use of money" are very inspiring. After reading this book, for the first time, Christianity makes sense to me.

Common Sense -- At Last!

Read this book! Seekers, doubters, and non-comfy Christians of all denominations will find straightforward discussions of The Big Questions: Biblical literalism, the divinity of Jesus, the Resurrection -- to name just a few of the biggest. Mr. Ross shoots from the hip, with erudition and, occasionally, with wonderful crankiness. Be advised: This book is in no way a secular debunking of religious truths. The author is clearly a man of profound faith; he demonstrates that it is possible to believe with both eyes -- and the mind -- open.