Publications

Breaking Bad Faith: Exposing Myth and Violence in Popular Theology to Recover the Path of Peace

Ever wonder why much of American Christianity is pro-spanking, pro-tough-on-crime, anti-gun control, pro-war, and hell-affirming, even though Jesus taught mercy, non-violence and enemy love?

When Michael Camp started deconstructing his evangelical faith, he noticed a pattern. The doctrines he questioned—original depravity, substitutionary atonement, God-ordained genocide in the Old Testament, the doctrine of hell, etc.—were all tied to retribution and violence. Evangelicals believed in a retributive god who required corporal punishment, punitive justice, militarism, the death penalty, and the eternal conscious torment of unbelievers.

Breaking Bad Faith uncovers how bad faith—belief in a duplicitous, retributive, and violent god—is entrenched in today’s popular theology and American culture. Using forgotten history, it debunks 12 myths most Christians believe impact how people act in society. It then shows us what matters most: Jesus’ subversive way of peace and restoration apart from religion.

Michael’s Reconstruction:
Craft Brewed Jesus
What if the modern American church has its Christian history wrong? According to ex-evangelical Michael Camp, most American believers fail Christian History 101. Drawing on his own historical research and missionary experience, he discovers most popular Christian views of the Bible, church, sin, salvation, judgment, the kingdom of God, the “end times,” and the afterlife—pretty much all religious sacred cows—don’t align with the beliefs of the original Jesus Movement. Some of them not even close.

Camp’s Craft Brewed Jesus paves a fascinating journey of a group of disillusioned evangelicals and Catholics. When they decide to meet regularly over craft beers to study the historic foundations of their faith, their findings both rock their world and resolve ancient mysteries. They examine well-documented narratives of the early Jesus saga, Eastern streams of a lost Christianity, and the roots of our modern religious assumptions, all while striving to steer clear of either a conservative or liberal bias. What they uncover is a vital, refreshing spiritual paradigm no longer at odds with reality.

“Wonderfully enlightening and refreshing!
I admit it was a slow start for me. I became worried about it being too “liberal.” I was wrong. This gem is exactly what I needed, an excellent lesson in the history of Christianity.” ~ Amazon Reviewer

“…instructional, poignant and often insightful.” ~ Michael Hardin

”I read it like a starving person at a five-star restaurant.” ~ Wendy Francisco

”A truly fascinating account… Highly recommended.” ~ Thomas Talbott

“Wow! For me, this book had a magical quality. About halfway through, I realized that my comprehensive understanding of life, love, and Spirit had been elevated…” ~ Amazon Reviewer

“A huge eye opener…” ~ Amazon Reviewer

Michael’s Deconstruction:
Confessions of a Bible Thumper

Confessions of a Bible Thumper is Michael Camp’s examination that sent him on an illuminating spiritual adventure, a tenacious quest for a vibrant but reasoned faith in God. His deepening doubts propelled him to uncover nine “heretical” revelations that turn evangelical theology on its head. Through entertaining personal vignettes and lively conversations over craft beer, readers learn how he ultimately adopted a new vision for a progressive – but not stereotypical – faith in Christ. Sure to rattle the Religious Right and befuddle the Secular Left, this brutally honest personal pilgrimage will both challenge and encourage readers to rethink all things sacred and embrace a faith full of grace and reason.

“Camp’s book marks an important milestone… I recommend this book!” ~ Frank Schaeffer

“An important book for both conservative and progressive Christians. …highly instructive.” ~  Marcus Borg

“Insightful and thoroughly researched.” ~ Amazon reviewer

“…has all the marks of a spiritual classic… Bravo!” ~ Jessica Maxwell

“…a provocative and insightful memoir…” ~ Mel White

“A must read… you won’t be disappointed.” ~ Amazon reviewer