The Skeletons in God's Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgment, the Hope of Holy War - Softcover

Butler, Joshua Ryan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0529100819 ISBN 13: 9780529100818

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2014

Synopsis

Is God a sadistic torturer? Coldhearted judge? Genocidal maniac? 
Unfortunately, our popular caricatures often make him out to be. There are some questions no Christian wants to be asked. Many today believe hell, judgment and holy war are "skeletons in God's closet," tough topics that, if looked at closely, would reveal a cruel, vindictive tyrant rather than a good and loving God. And we aren't comfortable with the answers we've been given.

• "How can a loving God send people to Hell?"
• "Isn't it arrogant to believe Jesus is the only way to God?"
• "Why is there so much violence in the Old Testament?"

In this book, we'll pull these bones out into the open to exchange popular caricatures for the beauty and power of the real thing. We'll discover these topics were never really skeletons at all . . . but proclamations of a God who is good "in his very bones," not just in what he does, but in who he is. We'll fling the wide the closet door and sing loudly, boldly and clearly: God is good and coming to redeem his world. 

About this title

About the Author

Joshua Ryan Butler serves as pastor of local and global outreach at Imago Dei Community, a church in the heart of Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys helping people who wrestle with the some of the tough topics of the Christian faith. Joshua oversees the church's city ministries in areas like foster care, human trafficking and homelessness and develops international partnerships in areas like clean water, HIV-support and church planting. Joshua is also a worship leader who enjoys writing music for the life of the church. Joshua's wife Holly, daughter Aiden and son Jacob enjoy spending time with friends over great meals and being a foster family for vulnerable children.

Review

"New Author of the Year" 2015 finalist -Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association (ECPA).
"Best Popular Theological Book of 2014" -Andrew Wilson, Christianity Today contributor."Has the potential to be a game-changer for a lot of struggling Christians and skeptics. In a lot of ways, it's the book Love Wins tried to be, but fell short of due to doctrinal drift." -The Gospel Coalition."This, my friends, is a genuinely helpful book and I hope those who struggle with these tough topics will discover here what I have--relief and joy." -Scot McKnight, Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary

"Mind-bending, approachable, and deeply pastoral, Skeletons is going to do huge things for the Church. One of my favorite books of the year and an absolute must-read. -Nish Weiseth, Editor-in-Chief at deeperstory.com 
 
"Profound. Powerful. Paradigm shifting. This is simply the best book I've read from a young author in years." -Bob Roberts Jr, Pastor of Northwood Church, Author of Bold as Love
 
"Theologically trustworthy but stretches your thinking--truly causes you to worship God all the more." -Dan Kimball, Pastor of Vintage Faith Church

"Changed not only my mind, but also my heart." -Sarah Thebarge, Author of The Invisible Girls. "Undertakes the important work of reframing the questions and putting the emphasis on the right syllables." -Dr. Paul Metzger, Director of New Wine, New Wineskins: The Institute for the Theology of Culture
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"Intellectually satisfying and enlightening--as well as entertaining and life-changing--this is a gem!" -Ken Wytsma, Founder of The Justice Conference and Author of Pursuing Justice

"Bold and refreshing--Joshua has the courage to 'open the door' to God's skeleton closet and shine a light on what's there. He is a reliable guide." -John Sowers, President of The Mentoring Project and Author of The Heroic Path
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"I am deeply grateful for the faith strengthening effect this book has had on my life." -Sebastian Rogers, Peripheral Vision Studios
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"This book is courageous, intelligent, provocative, and sound. Read it." -John Mark Comer, Pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown: A Jesus Church

"Butler has the courage to explore in the lush idea-fields that exist beyond the deep-rutted wagon trails of much religious writing." -Tony Kriz, Author of Aloof
 
"A vital antidote to some of our most malicious misunderstandings of God's good news." -Michael Yankoski, Author of The Sacred Year
 
"I would never have anticipated my inability to put it down. I was challenged and inspired as I read through this book!" -Dr. Andrea Cook, President of Warner Pacific College

About this edition

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0529100819
• ISBN 13: 9780529100818
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 356