SPIRITUALITY & RELIGION

The Shift: Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity

by Colby Martin
Fortress. Apr. 2020. 200p. ISBN 9781506455495. $24.99. REL
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Martin (cofounder of Sojourn Grace Collective, San Diego; Unclobber) offers a sensitive guide for people seeking examples of less restrictive and rigid religious beliefs. The author’s years of pastoral experience make him well suited to the task, as he regularly meets people who have either willingly or unwillingly been forced out of their conservative faith communities. Helpfully offering his own journey as a guidepost to those who find themselves in an ambivalent place, Martin gives solid advice that he refers to as “shaking the dust.” Furthermore, this deeply pastoral work acknowledges the reality that many who leave fundamentalism behind might experience PTSD. Martin also carefully considers issues such as how to reframe our encounters with the Bible.
VERDICT Readers looking to reexamine their assumptions and beliefs will find much encouragement here, as will those seeking an excellent example of pastoral guidance. A beneficial resource for anyone moving from conservative to progressive Christian communities.
Reviewed by David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia , Apr 01, 2020
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