Ten Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can't, Because He Needs the Job)

By: Oliver Thomas

Narrated by: Oliver Thomas

"How did it all begin?" "What happens when we die?" These are just two of the questions Reverend Oliver "Buzz" Thomas hears centrist Christians asking as he travels across the United States, and he knows that their voices are not being heard. They're people of faith, not of politics, and they want more from their religion than a voter's guide.

Now, Reverend Thomas has written a book that will become the liberal Christian answer to The Purpose Driven Life. Thomas writes sensitively about the reason we were put on this earth, the significance of the Bible, and how one pleases God. He answers difficult, contemporary questions like "What about homosexuality?" and "What about other faiths?" while weaving in a sensible Christian theology for modern living.

©2007 Rev. Oliver Thomas (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Thomas's writing is clear and engaging....[He] argues against many conservative interpretations of biblical texts and sides with those who understand them as written by humans in a particular time and context far removed from the 21st century." (Publishers Weekly)

An Absolute Must Read

The author explains the source of those perplexing oddities that beset us everyday. He attacks many of the myths of Christianity and in a quiet and unassuming way he explains many of the sources of our current belief system. I could not determine from the book, the author's sect in Christianity. He needs to be brought in whenever there is religious strife so that he can explain the truth. I would recommend the book to everyone. This is not a book for Christians alone but for everyone. My only objection was that it was too short. His mother should convince him to write another but longer book.

Recommended for 2020

I bought this book a long time ago, scared to start it and find out I hated it or myself for listening, but also scared I'd never take the chance to listen to a Christian perspective without being forced to. I recommend this book to EVERYONE.
It's post-election right now in the US in 2020. Racial, religious and political tensions are high. Xenophobia is rampant on all ebds of the spectrum. The world needs to hear this book right now.
It is well researched, thoughtful, and inclusive of opinions on Christian, Jewish and Muslim interpretations of the Bible, explaining why they exist and how they got there. The author is very well versed on linguistics and doesn't make anyone feel stupid for not being fluent in Aramaic. He explains the history and poetry of the Bible, presents multiple schools of thought open for interpretation and does so succintly enough to finish the whole book in a single day at a liesurely pace.
This book is fantastic. Read it now. Later may be too late.

If your faith troubles you, please read

Any additional comments?

I am a Christian and one who is well read on the topic of Christianity and Religion. This is an excellent book that puts things into perspective and goes a long way to explain much of what the Bible really says. I have read much longer and in depth books on this topic, but I loved how this book made its point in so few words. I recommend this book to any who would like to actually think about their Christian faith as opposed to simply believing what they have been told.

A refreshing and exciting experience

A glimpse into the world of theology from a different perspective. you won't be disappointed
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Warm, informed and wonderful

Thank you for an excellent journey away from judgement towards love and understanding.

prosecution of any group using Jesus' name

I'm glad he is brave enough to state all of this. only god should judge

What a delight !

Solid biblical interpretation and accessible arguments wonderfully arranged. It's good to be reminded that consciousness Christian leadership can still come with a southern accent.

Pleasantly surprised

Great take on systemic issues that have to do with the Bible, the interpretation and intention of it. I’m agnostic and skeptic, this was a great educational take.

Realistic

This is one of most realistic and honest presentation of Christianity and its message that I’ve come across. Listen to or read it and it will cause you to rethink many things. Imagine a world based upon service to others as a standard for a life well lived. Thank you Pastor.

Eye opening and heart softening

Really bold but loving explanations of many modern beliefs and how they came to be. A great book for believers reconstructing their faith after acknowledging some big questions and problems in popular modern evangelical churches.