Matthew Paul Turner: Review
What Your Parents Didn't Tell You About Christianity
Think “Christianity For Dummies.” Which is to say, on the one hand it’s informative, in a truthful and relentlessly playful way. On the other hand, I’m not kidding when I say “relentless.” My mother loved to remind me that nobody likes a wise guy. I actually do like a wise guy, for the most part, but wisdom includes knowing when to give it a rest. Matthew Paul Turner takes the reader on a step-by-step exploration of Christianity and its dark underbelly, examining all of its peculiarities from a true smart-aleck perspective.
Turner seeks to equip readers with an understanding of the faith that is not based on our peculiar additions and random interpretations, but rather on the straightforward truths of the Scriptures, even offering the classic four basic tenets of the faith as a foundation for further investigation. That’s as old-school as it gets. From that point on, he faces unflinchingly all of the more obvious questions about our faith, and encourages the reader to do the same. What was Jesus’ early family life like? Why did he speak in parables so much? Good questions, and Turner examines each in a helpful manner, often citing statistics and pop culture references to help make a good point. But he cannot resist inserting his own quirky humor to the discussion. He can’t discuss Judas without jokingly referring to Judas Priest, the useful section on salvation includes instructions on proper hand positions for praying, and of course, there is a monk-for-a-day schedule.
I get it, I get it, Turner wants to welcome in new readers and thinkers who may have been previously burnt by overly-somber “religious encounters.” And there is indeed a place for a welcoming, friendly invitation to Christianity. This is a “style” issue, a matter of preference. Turner’s take on “What Your Parents Didn’t Tell You” will serve well a particular reader, especially those with certain “religious” baggage. For the rest of us, the unremitting jocularity might become the slightest bit tiring. Still, he offers straight-up information, removing any element of fear that may prevail on the part of the reader terrorized by religious bullies. See, it’s contagious. Pick up “What You Didn’t Learn From Your Parents About Christianity” yourself and see what you think, or give it to the joker next door.
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