The Road Away from God
How Love Finds Us Even as We Walk Away
About
Honest words for those who feel the ache of leaving home
It's no easy journey disentangling the good news of the gospel from the toxic theologies that have rendered Jesus unrecognizable to so many of us. The road is long, painful, and often lonely as we grapple with our disillusionment and look for healing and something to hold on to. But it is not one we need walk alone.
In The Road Away from God, Jonathan Martin reimagines Luke's story of two disillusioned disciples walking the Emmaus road away from the holy city where they had watched their hope die a gruesome death right before their eyes. With compassion born from his own experience, Martin reveals that the resurrected Christ is profoundly present with us--even as walk away.
This is a book to help you feel seen in your spiritual journey and all its complexities . . . and to find resurrection where you least expect it.
"This book feels like a walk in the woods with an encouraging friend. One of those walks you take after a delicious meal, where you're walking but still carrying your wine glass. As you walk, you open up your heart to really listen, and your friend is brutally honest without being hurtful. And your friend tells you the truth about themselves, which is almost exactly the truth about yourself, and it sets you both free. Jonathan Martin took me on such a walk in The Road Away from God. His words, his stories, his journey are a true gift. And even though the book's title might contradict this . . . while reading, I think I found Jesus again. I think you will too."--Carlos A. Rodriguez, founder of The Happy Givers and author of Drop the Stones
Endorsements
"This book feels like a walk in the woods with an encouraging friend. One of those walks you take after a delicious meal, where you're walking but still carrying your wine glass. As you walk, you open up your heart to really listen, and your friend is brutally honest without being hurtful. And your friend tells you the truth about themselves, which is almost exactly the truth about yourself, and it sets you both free. Jonathan Martin took me on such a walk in The Road Away from God. His words, his stories, his journey are a true gift. And even though the book's title might contradict this . . . while reading, I think I found Jesus again. I think you will too."
Carlos A. Rodriguez, founder of The Happy Givers and author of Drop the Stones
"Whether you are among the countless walking wounded who have fled religious institutions for their spiritual lives or have edged slowly away from what was once your sacred home to find yourself in the wilderness, Jonathan is a one-man welcome wagon. He's arrived at your door with a hot dish, a field guide for navigating your new landscape, and a contagious, humble faith in your spirit knowing where it needs to go to find what it needs to find. I am blessed to count Jonathan among my most trusted friends and spiritual companions, and now, dear reader, you can too."
Cathleen Falsani, journalist and author of Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace
"In this timely and well-written book, Jonathan Martin joins us for a long walk on the Emmaus road, which these days is crowded with disappointed and disillusioned people forlornly trudging away from the high hopes they once held for the Christian faith. But Jesus is full of surprises and doesn't give up on any of us--even the most despairing. Martin patiently reminds us of this beautiful truth as he gently whispers how the road away from God can become the road back home. I am grateful for the help and hope this book will bring to so many."
Brian Zahnd, pastor of Word of Life Church and author of When Everything's on Fire
"In a sea of deconstruction how-to guides, Jonathan Martin offers something uniquely different. The Road Away from God reads less like a map to follow and more like postcards from a seasoned fellow traveler. In each chapter, Jonathan Martin offers his trademark blend of endearing approachability and nurturing pastoral care without ever giving way to the temptation of easy answers with neatly tied bows. In the end, readers will come away with a profoundly changed awareness of the God who has been traveling this road with them all along."
Stephanie Tait, author and disability activist
"There is no one more uniquely qualified to help us navigate the spiritual crisis of our time than Jonathan Martin. His own wounds, scars, and shipwrecks have gifted him with the empathy and tenderness to discern Christ in the chaos. The Road Away from God is a timely work, gently reminding us that the God we left behind was limited. And while the desolate, godforsaken road of deconstruction may feel lonely, we are not alone, for it is here that we finally meet the limitless Christ of the cosmos."
William Matthews, recording artist and singer-songwriter
"While reading Jonathan's book there were moments when I felt that he was sharing my personal journey with the world. I felt seen, heard, and held in a warm embrace of words that comforted my soul. It was as if someone was walking next to me on my own road, reminding me that I'm right where I'm supposed to be and Godishere."
Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, comedian, actress, and author
"Jonathan Martin challenges proclaimers of the gospel and secularists alike to take inventory of their practices. His words and ministry demand that our democracy face its myths and reconcile with the truth. Spiritual communities and our civic society are better because of people like Jonathan who have a deep commitment to democracy, artistry, compassion, and reconciliation through Christ's love."
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ
The Author
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Shevaun Williams Jonathan Martin
Jonathan Martin is a writer, poet, and speaker who has undergone his own experience of finding God on the underside of life. Wherever he goes, his message is always the same: no matter who you are, where you've been, or what you've done, God is at work to...
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