Getting Jesus Wrong: Giving Up Spiritual Vitamins and Checklist Christianity

By Matt Johnson

Jesus is not a life coach, a movement leader, a cultural visionary, or a blessing dispenser—but you might not know that by listening to many Christians talk about their faith. Feel-good slogans promote a caricatured Jesus made in our own image who cannot save us and leave us feeling guilty for not saving ourselves. Following the wrong Jesus disappoints us and produces anxiety, pride, and despair.

The first half of Getting Jesus Wrong recounts pastor and author Matt Johnson's personal encounters with a string of false saviors—false saviors that many, especially young adults, will recognize. Johnson's humor and transparency in recounting his own painful experiences will appeal to those who have tried a "brand" of Christianity and found it lacking.

The truth is, we all want something from Jesus. Some are just hoping for a little help to get through life—a new direction, a purpose that will get us up in the morning, an exercise plan, a way to get organized. But that approach to Jesus doesn't result in real faith or love.

Whether we've followed a false Jesus or attempted to coopt the real Jesus, Getting Jesus Wrong ultimately offers us hope because it helps us see Jesus as he is. Getting Jesus Wrong shows that the message of the Bible is about Jesus coming to us as we are—which is good news for exhausted and disillusioned disciples. It shows us that getting Jesus right means a whole new way of thinking (the way up is down) and a whole new way of life (daily dependence on the one who knows the beginning from the end). Getting Jesus right gives us more than spiritual vitamins or a blueprint for living; it gives us a full, rich life spent exploring the depths of gospel love together. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: New Growth Press
• Release date: Mar 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781942572947

Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson, PhD is a speaker, researcher, and writer specializing in the application of psychology and neuroscience to marketing. He is the author of the best-selling consumer psychology book Blindsight, and a regular contributor to major news outlets including Psychology Today, Forbes, and BBC. As the co-founder of the neuromarketing firm Pop Neuro, he also consults with a wide range of brands, including as an expert-in-residence for Nike. He is a Professor of Psychology of Marketing and Hult International Business School, and an instructor at Harvard University's Division of Continuing Education. You can find more about his work and writing at mattjohnsonisme.com.