Yes, An American Church!
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Robert Blair Kaiser's provocative first novel builds further on thoughts expressed in his last book: A Church in Search of Itself- Benedict XVI And
The Battle for The Future.
Do not despair, folks, but be full of hope; our beloved Church is sick.  Here is the formula for a much needed repair.
"Who is going to save our Church?  Not our bishops, not our priests and religious.  It is up to you, the people".  So stated Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen - 1972.
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First of all, I was 100% confused about what God refers to as the Laodicia Church...  until I read Dr. Rick Metrick's book, The Yawning Church.  Upon reading this book I became enlightened in so many ways concerning this subject.

I become very emotional when I think about today's `Christian' and the example we are setting for an unsaved world.  Dr. Metrick does a fabulous job of dissecting God's message for the Laodicia Church and bringing to light what we all need to know.  The Spiritual fatigue, the hardened heart toward the Holy Spirit, the shift from Amen to Whatever, the social aspect of the Church...  the list goes on and on.

I have recently settled in to a church that's as close to perfect as I can find for now.  Before then, I did some church hopping... I'll admit.  They were all so Laodicia-like!  But now I know...  (thank you Dr. Metrick) ..  that I am pretty luke-warm myself.

After realizing I was wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...  Dr. Metrick introduced me, the reader, to a therapist who could help.  His name, Jesus Christ.

We are in the end times!  This message is vital for our Church!  God has gifted Dr. Metrick with a unique writing style that will touch hearts and change lives.

This message is powerful!  There is so much to learn in The Yawning Church...  I plan on reading it again.
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In modern times, the Church emulates the world. Saints of all denominations dress, talk, and pray like the world-especially in the house of the Lord. Today's worship is just another production in which we can feel good about ourselves so we can go home and finish making Sunday dinner. Personal testimonies substitute Biblical preaching. Rock concerts replace the Psalms of David. Yes, even cookies and orange juice supplants bread and wine in many congregations. Where is the Church's hope? Does it have any? Or will the Church continue to slide down the slippery slope becoming more and more like world? Peter Leithart's Kingdom and the Power says no, the Church will not become like the world. Rather, the world will become like the Church. In his book, Leithart declares that the power and blessing of God's kingdom are realized in the worship and through the sacraments of the Church.
Many details make this book unique in its field. First, the emphasis on the liturgical (or sacramental) model sets this book apart from most books in Protestantism and Reformed camps.
Another aspect making the book peerless is the refreshing optimistic outlook. Postmillenialism is refreshing.
Moreover, Leithart supports his ideas with weighty documentation. He cites verses for nearly every new-sprung thought. He cites items obvious to some to make it easy on the reader who needs evidence for every point. Furthermore, Leithart writes very concise. He does not bundle the reader down with point after point phrased in several different ways. Interesting analogies and stories keep the reader entertained yet do not add to the labor of reading the book.
I found this book to be very important to the increasing pile of books on the table. First, the book is consistently reformed. Leithart makes no apologies about what he believes. Second, the work is simple enough for a common reader yet not dumbed down. Third, the invigorating outlook excites the reader.
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I took a copy of this book from the counter at Ebenezer's Coffeehouse, a location of National Community Church in Washington D.C.  The church records sermons in the basement on Saturdays and projects Mark's message to five or six theater-churches on Sunday.  This book tells me that Sunday theater-goers would hear greater spiritual depth from Hollywood later on Sunday than early with Mark.

If you believe that God truly called Mark to start a ministry on ritzy Capitol Hill (and not in a more depressed part of D.C. with, you know, the poor) and if you believe God endorsed the circle drawn around several wealthy D.C. city blocks (as National Community Church "turf" in spite of existing churches) and if you believe God honors requests like Mark's where he lays hands on an expensive property on Capitol Hill asking God to hand it over (which God does, oblivious to the area homeless who are not allowed to loiter in the upscale church coffee shop built on that same sight)then you will enjoy this book as a confirmation that prayer (and God) works.

Or you can just re-read "The Secret" or the "Power of Positive Thinking" and you'll get about the same thing.
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I'm buying a copy to give to my pastor. The last few chapters discuss STARTLING statistics that this is not a problem that I deal with alone, or along with a handful of people; this is an epidemic in the church! I'm going to ask my pastor to read it, and when the Spirit guides him that it's the right time for our church, I pray there will be a sermon series on good stewardship of our bodies. A few like-minded friends and I will plan to host related activities, perhaps a Bible study, or a fitness group, or a healthy cooking group - whatever God leads us to when He knows the time is right.
From a personal perspective, I learned a lot and I know that I've grown - but I also know this is a book that I will re-read often as I continue to train myself to take better care of the body God has given me.
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This book is for any who want a clear, concise, and careful confession of Christ who alone builds His Church. Here is a call of repentance to American Christianity that has bought into the lie that never leaves us.
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My wife and I in four years of traveling to different churches weekly have found that the church is in a mess.  So much flesh, so much agenda, that the Holy Spirit on Sunday mornings must just weep.  We are not the Bride that He is coming back for.  What can one do?  Well George Barna, in a fast paced reading book shares a revolutionary and controversial fact that the church has lost its influence in this generation.  Yes many churches have had effective ministries but have lost their ability to be not only relevant but life impacting.  More unbelievers are coming to salvation and more discipleship is taking place in the home church versus the organized church.  Why you say?  Because the church of today has not realized that it is not about bricks and mortar.  The church is us and we need to realize that fact and get with the program before it is too late.  Fancy powerpoint, balloons for the kiddies and such is just lot going to get it anymore.  The world is hungry for authentic believers who thru itimate gatherings as the home church share the fact they don't have it all together. They don't have all the answers but know that they have someone who does!  Hallelujah!  Don't take a critical view of this book.  It certainly is not for everyone.  The Father is calling for a radical revolution of his church and we have to take this world by storm. If you are not intending to be a solider in the army to fight a war for the souls of men and women around your neighborhood, your school etc. do not waste your time in purchasing this book.  But if you have a passion for the end time harvest don't hesitate to make this book your next important purchase.  I tell you it will change you forever!
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I find it extremely relevant to where I work in Africa. While it is tragic that American Christians often don't ever experience the fullness of life with Christ, American Christians do a lot of damage to the African church by not addressing the problems of spirits and not giving the whole Gospel.
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This book is for anyone who desires to be part of the next wave of God's move in North America. As a church we have a lot to catch up to (or get back to) what is life and normal to the church on other continents -- community the way it is suppose to be.
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Founded on the righteous Word of God, Christian author and retired hospital Chaplin, Richard Capriola, heralds a staunch warning against the national policies that govern America, intertwining the complacency and attitudes of individual and national sins that this nation is engaged in.  Calling out for a nation that returns to the living God and His Wisdom, Capriola speaks of a once great nation that has fallen from grace.

America was founded on the fundamentals of Christianity, derived from Gods Holy Word by our forefathers.  Recently, and more so in past decades, we have become a nation that procreates and tolerates lust, greed and all manner of unrighteousness at all levels  politically and socially - to include the neglect of the poor, the hungry and needy, legal abortion, the decline of marriage.  America has become a society that has an unquenched love for money and self, not to mention a decaying moral attitude with divorce, the neglect and abuse of children and the porn industry all on the rise.

To all degrees, Richard Capriola, points out that Gods Word and point of view indicate that there should be a shift in Americas national and social polices that branch and begin from the heart of Gods Word.  He encourages our politicians, including individuals to create and align their polices under the mighty decree of God, lest we (America) become a nation under judgment (Deuteronomy 8:20).

There is mercy, hope and light to found in living a righteous life, under obedience to the wisdom of God.  He calls out for our nation and Americans to turn, walk in Isaiah 58 and start feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, taking care of the elderly and the sick; our country rages out of control, not taking into account Gods point of view and lacks wisdom  this is a book for those that desire justice and righteousness to return to America and its government.  A fascinating, awe-dropping overview of the decline of Americas society that offers an answer  the only answer  turning back to God Almighty and His ways!

This is a must read ....
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more information would be appreciated.  Although I believe this is perfect and ctrl s nice I have anon denominational church down the street.  Thank you very much.
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Jesus Made in America: A Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ (Paperback)by Stephen J. Nichols is one of many books, as of late, showing how American's view of Jesus is shaped more by their own world view and cultural surroundings, than it is by the Gospels or ancient Church teaching.  While it may sound as if Dr. Nichols has stumbled on nothing new here, he does a great job in bringing the reader a concise history of how America's view of Jesus has changed since the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, or the Spanish settled St. Augustine, Florida for that matter (funny how our history is shaped by an English Protestant point of view, but I digress.)  Anyway, reading this book I did not know whether to laugh or cry.  I would be lying if I did not say in my walk, I too, have gotten caught up in America's Jesus, but this book did me the service of showing me why.  I think most mature Christian's, meaning those educated in the Fatih, leave the Jesus of popular behind eventually.  But, many Americans who profess a Christian faith practiced find their savior in a Jesus shaped by popular culture and nick nacks they see at their local "Christian" bookstore.  Bookstore in itself being a misnomer as these once fine places have emptied the shelves of reading materials for the most part and become commercial enterprises that use Jesus to sell Kitsch.  And, this certainly comes through in Dr. Nichol's fine work.  The book presents a timeline from the Puritans until the present day of how the image in the minds of Americans has changed throughout our history.  This book is a great work on American Church history.
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If it hasn't happened yet, stick around church long enough, and youll find it lets you down. We each respond a little differently when that happens. In Searching for Sunday, we find out how Rachel Held Evans handled it. And in the process with her, we fall in love with church again.

She uses these seven sacraments to structure her church story:

The church tells us we are beloved (baptism). The church tells us we are broken (confession). The church tells us we are commissioned (holy orders). The church feeds us (communion). The church welcomes us (confirmation). The church anoints us (anointing of the sick). The church unites us (marriage).

Each section includes several short chapters with personal stories, insights from others, and general enlightenment on how the church can function well. Throughout the book you see how Rachel found dead things and things brought to life again. She stays focused and engaged all the way to the end of the book.

In the epilogue entitled Dark, she gives this beautiful definition of church.

Church isn't some community you join or some place you arrive. Church is what happens when someone taps you on the shoulder and whispers in your ear, Pay attention, this is holy ground; God is here.

I believe this book will help believers and doubters alike find hope again through community with God and others.
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When you've got a mega church you may as well use it, right? That's exactly what Adam Hamilton has done with this book: use his congregation to shed light on marriage; what works and what doesn't.

Hamilton surveyed 5184 adults in his and other congregations at the end of 2011 and start of 2012. Then the results were processed by a professional company to verify results. The questions broke down respondents by age, marriage status and church attendance then went further in to expectations, trials, sex, and best practices. According to the appendix, the survey was initially used as a sermon series and then the sermon notes were turned in to this book. (A crafty, multi-use survey indeed!)

While experienced readers of marriage books won't be surprised by the findings, there was much to this survey that is useful and novel. For instance, I found in enlightening to see how often 'normal' people have sex for every decade of age. Or how often couple fight also by age. (Great news for my wife: we are at the peak of disagreement!) Hamilton spent a lot of time working through what the survey meant. While I wasn't on board with all the analysis, I can't say that it wasn't right for someone reading the book. I also recognize that my age and church affiliation put me into a different category than most of the responders.

Which brings up the main concern: is this survey actually applicable to most American marriages/ couples? Hamilton's church made up over 65% of the respondents. There was nothing about race or income included in the survey and I'm sure there are some assumptions about who may go to United Methodist mega church.

Overall, this book does shed light on some interesting facets of the 5000 people who took it. It does work out to leave the reader feeling more like normal. And it gives hope. So a worthwhile project that could have been more inclusive.

This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
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This book is very interesting to anyone who is curious about the history of American Christianity. I was especially intrigued by the connection between the "prosperity gospel" and scientology. If you belong to a mainstream, American church, evangelical or not, you are probably being preached heresy from the pulpit.
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Francis Chan's point is well taken--that we in the church here in America need to arise to Jesus' challenge in our Western prosperity: rise and be the Christians that God intended us to be.
He has a good blend of teaching and examples, many from his own life, of how God challenged him. Also there are examples of believers down through church history who sacrificed more than any of us would think necessary, yet found God in ways that we do not.
Makes several controversial statements, such as saying that "lukewarm Christians" are not Christians at all, but sinners yet in need of conversion.
Not for the faint of heart, yet a "must-read" for everyone who wants to be a sold-out rather than a run-of-the-mill Christian.
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A story very important for Americans.  It is hard to imagine now, but for most of its history (until Catholics used political positions to change the demographic of the U.S.) it was a historically Protestant country and anglo-saxon  (99% at the revolution and around 85% into the 60s).  Many Americans, prior to seeing JFK on t.v. never met catholics, nor did they occupy most of the positions in the government.  There was only one catholic signer in the founding documents of the country, and in areas where they existed (mostly Mary-land) the Protestants simply did not live.

Since Vatican II, which imposed "ecumenicism" on many American churches, and the overseeing by Vatican II of the era of the 60s, much has happened, including the Irish Roman Catholic Banker Hart of the Hart-Celler Act opening the borders of the U.S. to 'romanize" the country.  Today, even the "games" on t.v. are unrecognizable.  The use of "stadiums" and "arenas" and foreign "players," drugging and so forth---based in the gladiator games in rome.  Hart  and the Kennedys changed the demographic of the country very quickly (in just 60s years) to try to make themselves a majority, and to do (as now) a "majority supreme court" that can then act in the interests of upholding laws that have been changed.  In the 80s, the pope was given a US embassy for the first time.  Also, the government was changed in US from a Republic to a Warfare-Welfare State with redistributing the earnings and savings of the non-Catholic public.  (This is then construed as "charity"--- albeit based on infiltration, theft, and so on).  Now the non-catholic Americans (unable to afford families, schooling and so on) are quickly vanishing.

So the book squarely talks about the politicking of what many protestant Americans used to see as a "church."  They will understand that "crusades" are simply part of the religion and maybe do not end.  It is chilling to see things like the burning of children at "Waco" by catholic Reno, while she protected foreign children who were of her "faith."  By the end of this reading, people will see more about politics, generally, and that the Romanism is a sect very engaged in behind-the-scenes running of governments.  Dresden, one is reminded, was the capital of Saxony and also a greatly protestant city.  Its destruction was very controversial in history.

This book is good for opening people's eyes to why the early America tried to do many things (such as separate churches from state), and end theocracy.  The catholic people are not really connected to "Europe" or really "europeans" although their state and land is in Europe.  It is a Propositional Nation, that is based in an idea, not in a "people," from the ethnic standpoint.  So, multi-cultural fascism often becomes its political expression, a neo-feudalism that takes money from the world's people and distributes it as it wishes (when not buying 25,000 room houses like the vatican, lol)

Anyway, this is the sort of read that Americans should look at, if they are wondering about the changes in their life and country in the past 50 years.

Living among a half catholic population, instead of in a majority protestant and northern european country as they did before---- brings changes because of the underlying assumptions that romanist catholics make about living, what they are allowed to do to other people, how they see their state and politics (theocrats), and that they still support the ideas that there are "heresies" (cannot allow freedom of thought, association, press, etc.)