The Road Away from God by Jonathan Martin ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

It's no easy journey disentangling the good news of the gospel from the toxic theologies that have rendered Jesus unrecognizable. It's no wonder the church has sent many walking. 

In The Road Away from God, Jonathan Martin reimagines Luke's story of two disillusioned disciples walking the Emmaus road away from the holy city where they had watched their hope die a gruesome death right before their eyes.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

June 2022; Baker Books; 978-1540902160
audio, ebook, print (208 pages); Christian nonfiction

The Road Away from God has been sitting in my to-be-reviewed pile for a while. I think I was sent the review request around the time I was reading Christianity Without Dogma and when I finished it I just couldn't pick up another book in that might also be part of the deconstruction movement. If I had paid attention the tag line for this book, I might have felt different - How Love Finds Us Even as We Walk Away. But then again, I also believe all things happen in God's timing so now may be the time God intended for me to read this book.

I find it interesting that the last sermon of 2023 at my church was on Luke 24 the same passage Martin uses to demonstrate how what might seem like walking away from God is actually a step to a closer relationship with Him.

If you have been hurt by the church, feel disillusioned by the church, feel like God isn't listening, or just feel like you have outgrown the church you've grown up in, then read this book and you may find hope and understanding. If you are feeling called away from something good, then read this book and you may discover God is calling to something better. If you think someone you love has walked away from God, then read this book and you may gain insights that will help you meet them on the road they are walking.

Martin brings to life Luke 24 allowing for deeper insights into the passage and how God is still walking with you even if you feel hopeless and want to walk away from Him. Martin highlights other passages to back up what he is saying. Like I had never thought about how in the parable of the prodigal son no one goes looking for him unlike the two parables that follow it - the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost talent. My mind was a little blown by the reason.

I really liked what Martin had to say and even though I'm not currently in a crisis of faith or thinking about walking away from God, I still feel hopeful after reading this book as I struggle with the Christianity of today and how some people have taken what is beautiful and lovely and twisted for their own gain. I wonder if he has a podcast or recorded sermons that I can listen to online. 

No matter where you are on your faith journey, you will find yourself learning something and may just find what you are looking for with this book.

Buy The Road Away from God at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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