God is non-violent? All I can say is, WTF?

That’s right–What the Facebook? Posts from the Edge of Christendom. That’s the title of Michael Hardin’s new book, which was extracted from his voluminous posts on Facebook throughout 2013. In it, he articulates a fresh perspective on the Christian faith that offers an exciting alternative to the sacrificial logic of a violent God who punished his Son on the cross and threatens to punish unbelievers for eternity in hell.

Not only does Michael delve into problematic images of God, Jesus and the Church that currently plague Protestant Christianity, he also charts an exciting new course for all Christians to follow into the 21st century.

I had the pleasure of watching this book unfold on Facebook in real time, even contributing to it with a steady stream of “likes,” “shares” and cries of “Why aren’t you blogging on Patheos already?” (Why aren’t you blogging on Patheos, anyway?) While most of us use Facebook to connect with friends and to post items that we find winsome or witty (or which we hope will make us appear that way), Michael has completely rewritten the rules of the game, transforming his Facebook account from a social network into a theological salon par excellence that not even Mark Zuckerberg could have anticipated. To get in on the action, like him, follow him, or attend one of his many speaking engagements.  

Featuring an introduction by the one and only Brad Jersak, What the Facebook is available in hard copy or Kindle version. And if you haven’t picked up Michael’s previous book, The Jesus Driven Life, you’re missing out.