How I Became a Christian Despite the Church

Book excerpt: The church can be a mess and--worse--a real source of misery. I know. I've experienced it. There are tons of hypocrites and even dangerous wolves in sheep's clothing. Lots of folks that are afraid of science and of learning from "secular" people. How I Became a Christian Despite the Church is my story of finding God despite the isolated, fear-based, get-a-scalp-on-your-belt-for-Jesus, fun-sucking culture that my parents were part of. It's the story of how my childhood pastor and his despotic wife terrorized and abused their foster children, as well as others.Shame, abuse, and especially distorted views of sex are a big part of my story. As is sorting out beliefs, emotions, desires, and actions to relearn how to be human. Amidst the macabre and the dissonance, however, you'll also find refrains of hope, a reasonable faith, and love.Although the book is a roadmap of healing and growth for all, it's especially written for those who've been grown up in religious environments that have left them empty at best or crushed at worst. If you're searching for better answers, a cure for pain, or are just curious to see how bad it could be, this book is for you.Praise for How I Became a Christian Despite the Church:"Greg has braved the intensely challenging and not-often traveled road of sorting out toxic childhood beliefs while retaining a strong faith in Jesus Christ. This candid account of his journey to spiritual freedom is a gut-wrenching read with a happy ending that will give hope to anyone navigating a similar path."--Alli Nielsen, Center Content Manager for Care Net Lansdowne, VA "I've had the pleasure of calling Greg a friend and colleague in ministry for several years now. In that time I've benefitted greatly from his wisdom, Christian maturity and insightful perspectives. This book helps explain how the crucible of Greg's earlier life has made him the man and leader that he is today. As he tells his story, Greg offers a path of healing and restoration for others who might have experienced a similar journey to his own. Greg's adept use of culture to illustrate the narrative adds to the book, with even a suggested song playlist included! I, for one, am grateful for how Greg Austen became a Christian despite the Church...and for how this book can help many other people."--Andrew Smith, Pastor of Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square (EPC) Kennett Square, PA "It's easy enough, when one has grown up in a religiously manipulative and abusive environment, to reject faith altogether. Indeed, bookstores are replete with such memoirs of former "saints" who have bid God farewell. This isn't one of those books. Greg shares intimate and painful stories of a childhood marred by religious abuse-- abuse that left scars still felt today. Yet despite the hurt and pain, Greg chose a more difficult path. He chose to search his past for the love masked by the hurt and the truth behind all the lies. If you've been let down by the church, or been one of the many abused by it, this book will give you a glimpse into how one can still find God, even when most of what you've seen done in His name is anything but holy."--Ardee Coolidge, Leesburg Church of the Nazarene Leesburg, VA "Dr. Austen has written an intensely personal narrative detailing the toxic effects on himself and his family of sinful and dysfunctional church leadership. While he is specific in describing the long term damage with which he still struggles, the theme of redemption is never absent. Gathering data from theology to pop culture, he demonstrates how a Biblical world view, and firm commitment to historic Christianity, provides hope and a measure of healing. Jesus said he would build his Church and hell would not overcome it. Dr. Austen proves that even the damage we inflict on the Body of Christ cannot stop God's work of grace in his children."--Dr. Ken LarterPastor, Deerfield Presbyterian Church (EPC)Deerfield, NJ