Featured Author: Matthew Paul Turner
Churched The Review
At once poignant and hysterically funny, Matthew Paul Turner’s Churched chronicles his childhood in a strictly fundamentalist church — the kind of church where the pastor dictates from the pulpit what kind of haircut is appropriate. Whether it’s watching the Sunday School teacher set fire to Barbie to show the kids what Hell is like or throwing the horribly satanic Sound of Music soundtrack onto a bonfire, Turner manages to set down his experiences with the extreme fringe of legalism frankly, but without resorting to wholesale church-bashing.
At a deeper level, Churched is about what it looks like when a group of sincere and well-meaning believers set themselves apart from the world rather than ministering to it. Turner’s childhood church is a world unto itself, with its own exclusive cultural (as opposed to Biblical) norms and plenty of judgment to go around for those who aren’t clued into those norms. The more ludicrous shennanigans that go on might draw a laugh, but when Turner contrasts them with brief glimpses of the love of Christ, such as his father’s warm conversation with a local barber who smokes (gasp) and cusses (double gasp), the whole situation is revealed as tragic.
Since it’s narrated from the perspective of a child, Churched also raises some questions about how we raise our kids in the faith. Since kids tend to see the world through the lens of an old western — the kind where humanity is neatly divided into good guys and bad guys, each distinguishable by the color of their hats — they can take the slightest bit of legalism and run with it. By his own account, Turner ran with it right through high school, and Churched might make you rethink how you share with your kids who Jesus was and what he came to do.
Keep reading to find out how you can win a copy of Churched.
Q&A with Matthew Paul Turner
What led to you feeling like now was the right time to write Churched?
To be honest, I really didn’t think about the timing of it all. A good story transcends time. It just so happens that many of the themes from 30 years ago, such as fear, trust, hope, and judgement, work today too. And when seen through the eyes up a child, those themes become even stronger.
The experiences you write about in Churched come primarily from your conservative fundamentalist background. How do you think the evangelical church today practices some of these legalistic or judgmental practices?
Well, when I was a kid it was far more visible. Today, it’s not as noticeable. It’s subtle, which can be more dangerous. It’s in our dealings with people on issues of sexuality, whether somebody votes the “Christian” way or believes in the “Christian” formula. I think it happens relationally, too. Pastors have become “stars” and “CEOs” rather than being shepherds and servants. They desire for the people in their churches to serve, but they aren’t “serving” themselves. We’re legalistic about spiritual topics like holiness, prayer, small groups, and when church leadership is “dealing” with somebody’s “sins.” It’s no wonder we look so foolish from the world’s perspective; it’s because many of us are foolish. Not everybody, now. But a portion of us are pretty sick looking.
As a mom I was very taken by your experiences as a small child being brought up in a fundamentalist church and the performance expectations associated with that. For you, as a new father, how (or will) these experiences have an impact on the way you raise your son in a church community?
Yes. Very much so. It’s something I think about every single day, and Elias is only a year old. I wonder what I will teach him to be true, what I will allow him to find out on his own, and what I will protect him from. My hope is that I will always tell him the story of God in a hopeful manner, but that I present it and live it in such a way that it’s not just a story we hear and memorize, but that it’s a story we go out and live. And I want him to know that no matter what happens in life, whether he turns out to be a normal, everyday American kid or he takes roads that lead him to one of the extremes — good or bad — that there’s always a place for him in the kingdom of God. Grace doesn’t simply advertise “no limits,” there are no limits to somebody engaging God’s story — black, white, gay, straight, American, international, etc., we were all made to be a part this story that God is writing. I hope I can at least be a “true” billboard in Elias’s life.
Despite the serious undertones, Churched is a hysterical read. So, I have to ask did you really compete in a soul winning contest for the coveted prize of a pack of Sea Monkeys? At the time, did you realize that Sea Monkeys were a crap prize?
I really wanted the Sea Monkeys. I didn’t know what they were, but they talked about them like they were really cool pets. And yes, I did compete in contests to win souls. On many occasions. In various ways. My church was all about numbers: souls, attendance, baptisms, etc.
Matthew Paul Turner [fun]Fact Sheet
If you could be on any TV game show which would it be?
I’d want to be on the one where the contestants scream, “No WHAMMIES! No WHAMMIES!” I loved the little Whammie Devil when I was kid. I was afraid of him. And the Newlywed Game was fun too.
What is the most overrated super power?
United States? That’s not what you meant, right? Captain America. What did he do? He did have a nice shield. But seriously, his costume was ugly.
What word or phrase do you most over use?
“That’s fun,” or “That might be fun,” or “That sounds fun.”
What do you consider the greatest modern invention?
The lowercase i. I mean, Apple has changed the way we do life. I so wish I could be called iMatthew. Wouldn’t that be hot?! So cool.
If you could change only one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d offer every person in the world the ability to love themselves.
What’s your life verse?
Right now it’s Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Because that’s what I’m learning — to not fear or to base life on fear. I’ve spent far too much time being afraid.
Hot Links
Follow Matthew Paul Turner on Twitter, Facebook, or his blog, Jesus Needs New PR.
Purchase Churched and check out Turner’s other books (I highly recommend Relearning Jesus).
Great Q&A! I have heart a lot about the book, and have checked out his blog. Seems to be a very insightful and entertaining dude
I am glad I’ve been following him on Twitter for a while now, he sure is a lot of fun.
Been following him on Twitter and been looking at his books in my local bookstore. :) Love his blog too… crossing my fingers! Thanks.
Good Q&A…..I discovered him by purchasing “Relearning Jesus”.
Insightful indeed! I always hated those soul-winning/attendance type contests @ church while growing up.
I love this book. I already gave away my first copy and want to send more to some of my “we survived fundamentalism” friends! :)
Cool! I read this book. I would gladly share a second copy with a friend!
Matthew Paul Turner is an extraordinarily insightful talent. Kudos for the great interview.
This book is a must have for your library. I love to hear when people give their copies away! I would love a copy of this book!
Blessings!
A few questions for you:
Q: What are some of your favorite blogs and websites?
Q: What gives you the most hope for the future of the church in America?
Q: What are top 5 recommended books?
Great Q&A. Thanks!
I love when you say “Pastors have become “stars” and “CEOs” rather than being shepherds and servants.” That feels so true anymore. Thanks for your words, humor, and love. You’re wonderful!
Matthew is part of what I think is the set of “new” leaders. It’s interesting that some of the super-old ideas are now new-school. Matthew brings this to the table, I think. Thanks for the link on Twitter! ;)
Love MPT’s books. He says it like it is!
Great Q/A Loved the fact sheet gives us a real incite to you !
I have not had the pleasure of reading MPT’s books yet, but I have been following him via Twitter & his blog. He is both hilarious & truthful, & I really appreciate his take on things!
I follow MPT’s blog, and I think he’s genuinely funny and incisive about the modern state of the church.
Great q & a. Thanks!
Very nice q&a. I will read pretty much anything MTP puts out…:)
His tweets keep me entertained… need to pick up this book.
Good insight, great author. This book has been on my wishlist for months.
Look forward to reading it
I just finished this last night after checking it out from the library. I celebrated my freedom in Christ by mowing the lawn…on a Sunday! Old taboos are hard to break. I’d like to have a copy of my own. Thanks!
Just found out about Paul Sunday via Twitter and am looking forward to reading his works. Seems to have a fresh and hysterical outlook on the faith journey. We all need not take ourselves so seriously on this journey.
I have watched my church dieing for years now with so many having their hands tied. The passion, desire, motivation, heart, vision, & knowledge of the necessity for change and to turn away from what we have appropriately named “churchianity” is so overwhelmingly apparent in some of our members. The problem is that old cliche “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” Unfortunately the “old dogs” tend to have the most control of over the church and it’s decision making with certain denominations. Myself and a group who gather in an intercessory prayer group each week have been praying for both of these groups of people. I would love to read this book for new insight and wisdom, if for no other reason how to pray. I’ll be looking for it my local christian book store.
I grew up in the church as well though perhaps not as legalistic as some. I’m not sure how many have read Timothy Keller’s book The Prodigal God but I could be the poster child for an elder brother type. I tried so hard to do everything perfect and adhere to the “rules” set forth by church. I kept all the fundamentalist expectations and tried so hard to be “good” and yet now I am questioning so much and realizing that Christianity is so much more than being “saved” or a morally good person. I’d seen your book before but have yet to read it. Looks quite interesting and something I’m sure I can relate to.
Great interview…loved the questions at the end. I’ve been following his tweets for a while now and have this book on my list of ones to pick up.
My husband and I left a church that acted like the one Matthew describes. I never felt all that legalistic stuff meant anything anyway. It always sounded funny to me.
I feel sometimes congregations make pastors into CEO’s and stars. The world worships stars; that little part of us that is still in the world wants that star quality to “worship.” We also come from a business mindset, where we want our churches run like a business, and who better to do that than a CEO? I think our church needs to remember that no matter how big we get, our pastor needs to shepherd and be available for the individual. Let someone else crunch the numbers.
Having grown up in a similar situation as the author, this book was a must-read from the minute I heard about it. I’m still shaking off the effects of legalism that was instilled in me and am beginning to feel free. I’ve always felt “different” from everyone else because of my religious upbringing…this book really helped me feel not alone and also allowed me to laugh at the absurdity of many of the processes of the church.
Would love to win this book! I love following @JesusNeedsNewPR
Great Q&A! I just recently followed MPT through someone on Twitter and am eager to read this book.
Great review.. I would love to win this book!
Matthew is one of my favorite authors. I love his style and his honesty.
Love Matthews blogs and follow him on twitter ~ have to read this book as I grew up in a very legalistic church ~
Growing up as a pastors kid and now being in ministry has really made me wrestle with what church and our lives should look like to effectively take part in the kingdom of god. I am looking forward to reading this. Blessings.
I follow on Twitter. :) Churched is on my list of books to read.
<3
As an assistant pastor it is sobering to me to wonder how churches I’ve served have actually served more subtle doses of legalism, while preaching a message of grace and convinced we were a refuge of grace. As a therapist I’ve seen the many casualties of people manipulated, controlled, and beaten up by harsh legalism. God is impossible to please and there is little joy in serving. Since the highest value is OBEDIENCE the highest purpose is to find disobedience, condemn it and correct it. And since there are no gray areas, there is always plenty of material and people to condemn.
“Big bucks, no whammies!” – that was from “Press Your Luck” – my fave game show as a kid!
Awesome! Sounds like this would make a fantastic read! Would love to read it.. & I totally hear ya on the “stars” & “ceos” of churches rather than being shepards of the flock.. So true, even seen it in one of the churches I used to attend.. One of the reasons I left & am in the church I am in now!! Feel like I am now being fed spiritually!
Hysterical read.. I can believe that! Matthew is definently funny!
Great Q&A! Matthew is very talented…
Cool… I wanna win the book. I was CHURCHED too, growing up, and I bet I’d love it.
I’d love to win a copy of the book. I would even read it too!
I was churched – and churched my kids in a fundamentalist king james church – we planted a church that reaches the un-churched. Love to read this. No one else need apply.
The book sounds like an interesting read.
iwant to win a copy of iMichael’s book so that ican read it, too!
I dont have a lot to leave. I really just want to win the book, because I am too poor to buy it! lol
However, I have seen Matthew in videos at church, and it truly is one of my favorite moments. He reads excerpts from writings that are always awesome…and really funny! Thus, the reason I want to read the book. :)
I’ve got many friends who have your book and recommend I read it. It’s definitely on my list of “must reads”
Great interview. I’ve been wanting to get a copy of Churched, but haven’t done so yet. If I don’t win the contest, I may have to go buy one.
My friend Dawn told me about this book and I can’t find it anywhere! Must be sold out because it’s so great :)
I too still have fresh scars from a legalistic Church. I am getting better and re-learning everything I ever knew about our Heavenly Father. The path is not as narrow as a legalistic Church will have you believe. But the trick is a personal relationship with God. And discerning truth for yourself. Never letting anyone be a mediator between you and your Heavenly Father.