Fleeing Fundamentalism: A Minister's Wife Examines Faith

by Carlene Cross

Book Overview

At a time when the distance between church and state is narrowing and the teaching of intelligent design is being proposed for our classrooms, it is startling and provocative to hear the reasoned... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565124987
• ISBN13: 9781565124981
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill
• Length: 276 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Carlene's Quest For the Truth About Christianity

Underneath a very engaging and riveting story, there is a quest for the truth about Christianity. Most Christians never take the time to question their religious beliefs and to look at the history of this religion which has changed radically since its beginnings. Carlene found that Christian fundamentalism is, at its roots, not based on the teachings of Jesus, but a perversion of and misinterpretation of the Bible to justify prejudices and bigotry. If you read this book and want to know more, I recommend Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism: A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scripture by John Shelby Spong. This is a meaty book that will shock, as well as educate you, about Bible scholarship and the history of Christianity. As a Christian, this book did not damage my faith, but rather helped me understand how the Bible has been misused to support political and social agendas.

Thoughtful, engaging read!

What a brave and inspiring story! I read this book in the span of a weekend and couldn't put it down. Carlene Cross is a talented and eloquent author who draws you in to her spiritual journey, and it's a ride you don't want to miss. I admire her honesty (and courage!) to take an inward look at herself and her beliefs. She is extremely well-versed in religious studies and has an ease in describing religious history and philosophy. Whether you consider yourself devout, agnostic, or somewhere in between, there is something for everyone in this book.

A truly brave and memorable read!

Carlene Cross' Fleeing Fundamentalism - A Minister's Wife Examines Faith is a courageous narrative that pulls the reader in with a haunting truthfulness and warning about accepting dogma at face value. Ms. Cross bravely opens herself up to the reader and recounts her story with true dignity and grace. At no time does she blame; instead her approach compels the reader to question, question, question. Rather than raging against fundamentalist Christianity, Fleeing Fundamentalism - A Minister's Wife Examines Faith serves as a warning about blind acceptance. How many times in human history have humans blindly accepted the idealism of the day and how many millions have paid a dear price for it? This book with its message of healing, hope, forgiveness, and triumph is wonderfully written, and the reader is able to connect with the author right from the beginning. The reader is with the author, when as a young girl, she watches her mother bake pies while simultaneously dreaming of studying distant cultures. The reader is also with her as she bravely decides to take her children out of an abusive situation and start a new life. How many can identify with Ms. Cross' despair when she realizes her education-and key to freedom-is in jeopardy? Finally, the reader is right there with her as she finally finds peace after her journey of self-discovery. Five-stars! This book is a must-read!

A Rib-Sticking Read

In this wonderful memoir, Carlene Cross rescues herself and her three young children not only from her failed marriage to a charismatic Fundamentalist minister but from that religion's intolerant and hidebound dogmatism. Her sharp eye for detail and ear for dialogue give dimension and an aching reality to this often harrowing tale. Her predicament is eased, surprisingly, by other church women many of whom, once the surface is scratched, feel as trapped and desperate as she does. Cross puts an honest, all-too-believable face on their shared dilemma. She is brutally honest about her own shortcomings, her trials and her embarrassments but manages to avoid self-indulgence by means of her exuberant style and sheer story-telling verve. The book is both moving and funny, which is a real gift to the reader. It's a story that sticks to your ribs.

Compelling, Timely and Thought-Provoking

This book threw my entire weekend off schedule because once I started reading it, everything else went to the back burner. This is a powerful and beautifully written story about the author's journey from a life of repression and hypocrisy to a world in which critical thinking and intellectual curiosity were vehicles of personal growth and enlightenment. The frightening type of Christian fundamentalism the author experienced first-hand is still very much present in the U.S. today. The author's resolve and courage to escape from this oppressive darkness and seek a brighter future for herself and her children are nothing short of inspiring. This book is about that journey, and it is a page-turner. Cross is a masterful writer. Through her words we gain not only insight but also wisdom. It took courage for her to flee fundamentalism and to write about it. I think anyone who reads this book will feel empowered by the author's integrity and convictions. No matter what "hell" we may be living in, Cross suggests there is always hope for redemption. The book explores profound life issues, but it also has its lighter, more amusing moments -- a testament to the author's versatile writing style. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something compelling, timely and thought-provoking to read. "Fleeing Fundamentalism" is ultimately about embracing self-respect and discovering a life-affirming, genuinely love-based (not fear-based) belief system and practice.