This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Suburbianity by Bryan Forrest Yawn contends that modern-day, suburban churches are so far removed from the teachings of Jesus so as to be almost unrecognizable. The author believes that most church-goers have no real notion of who Jesus really was/is and that until we begin to realize what Christianity really is, we are living the delusion of being Christians. In order to get back to the original doctrine of Christianity, we must begin to separate American ideas of morality, spirituality, humanitarianism, joy, and wealth from the tenets of basic Christianity. Yawn believes that morality cannot be legislated and that proclaiming oneself to be Christian does not equate with being a good human being. Further, the author contends that the gospel of the suburbs is that "it's all about me."
While the book is very well written and organized, many of the conclusions and premises seemed to be unsupported by any type of research. There are statements concerning gospel flash mobs and health, wealth, and prosperity movements, and other such opinions which suggest that modern church leaders and believers take God's word and do what suits their own needs, depending upon motivation and personal goals. If the statements were premised as opinion, they would be fascinating fuel for religious research. But, when stated as fact, some of the opinions come off as negative and unnecessarily harsh. Yawn writes well and he obviously has creative ideas which could stimulate movement in many stagnant churches. Suburbianity is a thought-provoking read but one which just might leave the reader with more questions than answers.
