Jim and Casper go to Church is the title of a fascinating little book that came our way recently. Written by two friends, Jim Henderson and Matt Casper, the book documents their visits to churches of all shapes and sizes in their US homeland. Nothing surprising in that, you may think, except that Jim is a fervent Christian and Casper is an atheist. They agreed to suspend their preconceptions and to engage in honest dialogue about their experiences. Their trip included megachurches such as Saddleback and Willow Creek, as well as more ordinary traditional congregations and some emerging ones (Mars Hill, among others). Amazingly, they managed to keep their bargain, and the book is one of the most honest dialogues you could imagine. They both learn something along the way, but the most interesting thing is Casper’s take on what he experiences. At Saddleback he tries to roll the stone back from the door of the replica of Jesus’ tomb, only to discover it’s locked – and wrly expresses the hope that they will unlock it in time for Easter (yes, they really do have a life-size replica of Calvary perched on top of an artificial tomb). At Mars Hill, he finds himself somewhat repelled by Mark Driscoll’s aggressive style and is puzzled as to why ’he likes to talk about sex a lot … at least once every minute’ (p102) when he could be talking about Jesus. And at those two and all the others they visit, he wonders why there is so much emphasis on self-improvement when his reading of the Gospels suggests that disciples are supposed to care for other people, not themselves – summed up in his big unanswered questions addressed to Jim, ‘Is this what Jesus told you guys to do?’ Jim, for his part, is challenged because all the things that churches do to make themselves more attractive to outsiders actually turn Casper off – not just the kitschy environment at Saddleback, but the drumkits, noisy music and worship leaders that seem to be everywhere.
By way of a contrast, this online volume came through our computers this week. The brainchild of Australian Jay Jeffries, it is billed as a Bible for spiritual searchers, and is gradually being released on the website in installments. We both contributed to it, so we have a stake in seeing how it goes – but we can’t help wondering what Casper would make of it. Because there are a lot more like him than there are Jims in this world.
Jim and Casper go to Church is written by Jim Henderson & Matt Casper, and published by BarnaBooks: ISBN 978-1-4143-1331-2
March 4, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I came across Jim and Casper last year, and it struck me as a model of dialogue that would be most fruitful in all sorts of contexts. nd the money shot for me is “Jim, for his part, is challenged because all the things that churches do to make themselves more attractive to outsiders actually turn Casper off…” So pzazz is no substitute for authentic relationships and community. Learning that is worth a day’s wages for any of us.
March 6, 2010 at 8:33 am
I was struck by what Casper says about all the self emproverment. I wanted to start prayer triplets whos sole job was to pray blessing on the town and I was told that wasn’t the reason for meeting together to pray as people had needs they needed prayer about! Yes I do understand healings, etc and sharing stuff and supporting but surely blessing ones area………
Feel not quite so off the planet
March 6, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Hello! Thank you for your kind words on our book… nice to know it’s still resonating with people.
I would love it if you’d check out our site and contribute: http://www.churchrater.com
We want it to be a place for churches to connect with outsiders, but we need more people like you who are focused on dialog… maybe we could even set up a church rating for you…?
Thanks again,
Matt Casper
March 7, 2010 at 6:08 pm
It’s not every day you make a mention of a book and get a reply from the author – at least, not unless that author is angry about something you said! Which happens quite often with Christian types. So thanks for this Casper – we will make it to your website and see which churches we should avoid
March 7, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Please do visit! But please tell our community of participants (some websites have users or customers… I call ours participants) what churches NOT to avoid.
Saying what’s wrong is easy (especially online where snarkiness appears to be everyone’s guiding light), but saying what’s right is the challenge. Our tagline is helping people find a church that fits…
So why would an atheist want to help people find a chuch that fits…? Still figuring that one out…
March 9, 2010 at 9:00 am
Thanks guys for the mention of my book also (Jay here). It brought up a very good questions for me… what would Casper think of my book? What would any atheist or person who doesn’t connect with “church”, think of the book. Is it too kitsch? Is it trying too hard? Does it just come across as “Christians” trying to trick people into conversation with pretty images, phrases and nice articles?
I really hope it does not. That sort of false love and exploitation sickens me and is seen far too often in churches today. We cannot trick people or manipulate their emotions and sensitivities, to turn them to Jesus.
My hope is that this book empowers spiritual seekers to read the sacred texts in a way they feel they can actually relate and connect. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, however I hope that it won’t repel people who put it down to just another “evangelist tool” there to convert the unsuspecting. I also hope Christians wont use it as such. I personally don’t expect it to convert anyone to Christianity. I hope however people will learn something from Jesus’ ways and feel they know him and his story better. And perhaps when they think of Jesus in the future, it won’t be about trickery, judgment or manipulation, but love and compassion for this earth and humanity. And maybe they’ll follow his lead in loving this earth and humanity. If this book doesn’t help people do this, then I want to know about it before it’s published.
So perhaps I’ll just keep asking people what they thing. So Casper???
March 9, 2010 at 9:58 am
We obviously should review books more often! Not just one author, but two have commented on our post. Maybe Jay and Casper should have a conversation together?