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“If Jesus’ goal was to explain the mysteries of the universe or explain away the problem of suffering, he didn’t do a very good job of it.”

Part memoir, part historical-theological analysis, Idiot, Sojourning Soul tells the story of one former skeptic’s exploration of Christian spirituality.

Hearsay, heresy, & history.

 

In a world where Trump, Obama, Putin, and Lady Gaga all claim Christianity as their spiritual home, how do we understand Jesus, himself?

With wit and scholarly precision, Idiot examines Christianity’s historical development, from its ancient beginnings to its current and confounding condition. The result is a must read for anyone who’s ever wondered what Jesus was really up to, and why contemporary Christianity bears so little semblance to its namesake.

Written from a first-person perspective, Idiot plumbs the depths of American Christianity in its popular forms, examining the socio-historical forces that contributed to its development, including the Reformation, the scientific revolution, the rise of fundamentalism and democratization of religion. As evidenced by ongoing public debates, there is little consensus over the enduring question of Jesus: What, exactly, did he come to accomplish? What does he require of his followers (if anything)? And which Jesus are we speaking of when we invoke his name? With wit, wisdom and historical insight, Idiot tackles these theological questions head-on, ultimately landing on an orthodox, thoroughly engaging and reinvigorating explication of Jesus’ message.

What People Are Saying

 

“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Quote Source

“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Quote Source

“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Quote Source

About Justin

 
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Born in Long Island, N.Y., Justin was as a classic over-achiever, graduating second in his high school class while being voted “Best All Around Student,” “Class Clown” and “Most Likely to Wind up on a Psychiatrist's Couch.” He later graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Virginia, only to forego a conventional white-collar career path in favor of a music career and its natural corollary, poverty. An accomplished guitarist, singer and songwriter, Justin spent a decade headlining venues along the east coast and throughout the southeast. He has composed television and radio commercial jingles for ABC primetime television and the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency. Justin played guitar and led worship at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, GA, where he also worked at a group home for teens transitioning out of juvenile detention centers. As a freelance guitarist, he has played for Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz and Jars of Clay and shared the stage and/or studio with Matt Nathanson, Take 6, India.Arie, Mat Kearney, Ed Cash, Christa Black, Kristian Stanfill and David Wilcox. Perhaps most importantly, he played Bonnaroo in 2007, where he got to sit next to Led Zeppelin at lunch. 

Upon completing a Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt in 2010, Justin received the faculty award for excellence in theological studies. He has since lectured nationwide at conferences for the American Academy of Religion. Justin was accepted to PhD programs in theology at the University of Cambridge, Vanderbilt and Baylor University, all of which he graciously declined. Though he performed for President George W. Bush at the 2005 Inauguration, he has voted for write-in candidates in every election since becoming eligible, thereby annoying everyone. Justin lives with his wife and two boys in Waco, Texas, where he serves as dean of a classical school.

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Upcoming Events

 

Book Launch

FEB 27, 2020

Fabled Bookstore

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Waco, Texas at 7p

 

Book Tour

MAR 00, 2020

Living Waters

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Nashville , Tennessee at 7p

 

Potlock

MAR 00, 2020

Private Gathering (DM if interested)

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Nashville , Tennessee at 7p