Mark Cowper-Smith
The pre-release reviews I have received are far more positive than anything I expected or hoped for. Isn’t God good? The review I value most is one in which the writer [who is also a writer] said she felt the presence of God as she read the book. What more can I ask or hope for? Well, one other thing. Everyone has said that they laughed allot! That makes me so happy! There is a wake of changed lives behind the truth contained in the book. I pray you will be a part of that.
Awesome read for lovers of truth!
This book is a must-have for every Christian! It provides a fresh look at the state of the Christian church in America today, where we see the younger generation leaving churches in droves as they become disillusioned with ‘organized religion’ and a ‘spirit of religiosity’ which offers a form of religion that is void of power. For those who are looking for authenticity, this book hits the mark.
In a unique writing style that will have you laughing, squirming, and doing some honest self-reflecting at the end of each chapter, Mark makes you feel as if you just sat down to a cup of coffee with a good friend and some lively, honest conversation that will challenge many of your presuppositions. Without compromising the church’s call to holiness and to be set apart, Mark examines the differences between legalism and holiness, and takes us on a journey of allowing God to ‘tweak’ our theology. He shares many personal examples of how a religious spirit tarnishes the church’s call to be the salt and light of the earth, and he beautifully demonstrates that “It’s about a Person, not a Program”.
I highly recommend this book!
Mark Cowper-Smith’s new book, Is God Religious?, is a delight from beginning to end. Mark handles our propensity to apply rules and regulations to our walk with God with grace and an abundant sprinkling of humor. He is transparent about the life that he led and how it brought him to a deeper relationship with Jesus. He will make you smile, laugh and sometimes gasp as he takes us through his journey. Unpacking the true nature of God is a key ingredient to our ability to have a relationship with him that goes beyond stiff introductions and a critical and judgments. Mark teaches from Scripture about God and his desire to be in relationship with us and makes the Word come alive with his practical commentary. What I love about the book is that it makes me want to have a relationship with God. It is such a relief to be released from the legalism that was my upbringing. I loved the book and would give it 5 stars
Mark I am so thankful that you are publishing your book on “Is God Religious.” Your writing ignites a passion for a deep relationship with Jesus instead being rule driven. The church many times gives people accolades when they follow the church rules and get approval from men. Many encourage pleasing men and the religious community over following the leading of the Holy Spirit. You make it really clear that it’s all about pleasing the Lord and spending time with Him so we can truly feel how much He loves us. This is especially important to me because I was raised as a Jew and have a propensity to be perfectionist. Your transparency about your life truly inspires me to want to go deeper in my relationship with the Lord. You make it clear that we will miss the greatest gift of all and block God’s enormous love for us if we are caught in the trap of following legalistic rules instead of a meaningful relationship with Jesus! I’m really looking forward to taking your class and will be encouraging all of my friends to be a part of it too. Thank you so much Mark for having the courage to publish your book! Thank you Shell for encouraging Mark to follow through on his dream. The world will be blessed!
By using familiar Bible stories and personal experience, Mark Cowper-Smith makes a brilliant (and often humorous!) argument that God is not religious. With rock solid theology, well researched Biblical history, and the author’s own delightful, quirky sense of humor, this book will gloriously lift the religious burden that so many in the church carry. “Is God Religious” will cause the reader to fall more in love with our God – who comes to us not with the whip of regulations unfulfilled, but with the wide-open arms of sacrificial, unconventional love. About halfway through this book I found myself releasing deep happy sighs, my shoulders dipping with relaxed contentment, and my heart becoming more and more joyful as Pastor Mark reminded me again and again of God’s great love for His people. I believe that “Is God Religious?” will be transformational in lives of many! Author of Season of Breakthrough, The Man You Always Wanted is the One You Have, The Husband Project and Couples Who Pray
I am so thankful for the life and ministry of Mark Cowper-Smith. He is intelligent, rational and passionate about God’s truth – that brings reliability and sanity to his teaching and this book. Mark’s honesty provides integrity and his humor a method of delivery that allows the reader to feel normal, accepted and strips away any pretense or excessive devotion to religion rather than to God. He advocates the pure, freeing gospel of Christ and I can hardly wait for this book to become available to all
Mark Cowpersmith has written a story of his personal Odyssey into the heart of God. Through many insightful, humorous and moving insights he tells us his story of God’s longing for an intimate relationship with us. He supports his theme with Biblical accounts and life stories that will challenge the reader to stop pursing religion and allow God to lavish His love on them. At various points in my reading I had to stop and just “drink in” the lessons Mark presents so well. He balances his message of grace with clear teaching on the believers part in this wonderful journey into a deeper relationship with God.
Thanks so much everyone for taking the time to critique my book. Nothing makes my happier than to hear that God used it to touch your heart! I await your next books!