Wicked and Evil Isn't That Bad: A Fundamentalist and a New Ager Wrestle for the Soul of the 21st Century

What focus group members
are saying about the draft

...a love story of ideas and of God.
John S, philosophy teacher

A compelling and timely metaphor for any two groups seeking to understand each other.
ZK, secularist, California educator

Important and profound. America has the best military in the world. But from my time in Iraq I can tell you that in the long run, it will not be our military that brings peace, it will be bridging efforts like this across ideologies.
Carol Haave, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counterintelligence and Security

This changes the way I think about people in other religions. I will be reaching out to them in a whole new way. Sometimes we Christians think we have all the answers, but we would be better off listening more.
Rev. David Lottahall, Fundamentalist Christian pastor

I strongly disagree with the bishop's doctrine. But his compelling defense of it forced me to have more respect for those who believe as he does. It almost made me jealous of his certainty.
BP, liberal Episcopal priest

Couldn't put the book down last night until I finished it. Very engrossing, very easy to read, very thoughtful--even though I disagree with almost everything you say about New Age.

KP, computer programmer, New Thought Practitioner

This is written with depth and verve. But there is nothing you could do to make me want to continue reading the chapters that make me work to understand fundamentalists. My son is gay, and I wouldn’t want 10 cents of the book’s cost to go to a fundamentalist.”
G.C., Unitarian

I am truly loving the time I get to spend with your book. It is just so different from what I read (novels, biographies, NY Times). Your account of your abortion just devastated me -- honest and penetrating -- like nothing I have read on the subject.
Your adventures with the ladies of Highview and their fundamental views are both fun and peculiar--just when I am ready to hear you mock their backward attitudes, you make me see them in new, sympathetic ways, forcing me to examine my own prejudices.

I loved how you defined clearly what bothers me about Christianity (something I hadn't articulated very well to myself or fellow secularists). However, at the same time, you made me aware of my prejudices. You forced me to examine those same complaints I have, and you made me question how important they were. For example, over the past five years I have watched a young colleague of mine undergo two amazing transformations: he has grown from a clumsy, inexperienced teacher into an inspirational guide of both students and fellow teachers AND he was "saved." Your book has helped me to accept both sides of David, whereas, before, I was only distressed by his overt Christianity.

Z.K., Secularist, English Department Chair

This renewed my zeal for the Lord, which had been flagging. I loved the transparency, like I was eavesdropping on your very private thoughts. This book will touch many lives.

Caroline June, orthodox Christian, Admin assistant

Both these people show extraordinary courage in confronting each other. And the writing is a wacky and wonderful ride. I watched my favorite movie, "Oh Brother Where Art Thou," while reading this book. And I began to see parallels between a bunch of prison escapees who are themselves a mixed bag of country bumpkins, born agains, and thinkers, wandering around a terrain populated by sexy maidens in streams, baptismal ceremonies, cross burnings, country politicians in full tilt, and haunting music, versus what these two are trying to do with Fundamentalism, Religious Science, Ken Wilber, reformed prisoners, Children of Abraham, Muslims, and a skit where Teri's husband drops his pants in church. And furthermore, I think I might have gotten "saved" the next day. I had been working with a mentally ill patient, and it was transforming for both of us. I drove home along the
Parkway, looking at the lights of DC across the river, and I experienced it the way my client had described experiences, except that for me it was ecstatic, and for her those things are fearful. And suddenly I experienced the idea of Jesus in a whole new way. I am not sure what it means, but I am looking forward to more chapters as I try to sort this out.
Ed Preston, Interfaith hospital chaplin

WOW!! Your book is fantastic!!!! I couldn't put it down - and when Mike saw me reading it, he asked "what are you reading" - picked up the first page (I hope
you don't mind!!), sat down next to me, and the two of us sat on the couch and read while the sunset! You can really write!! We love, and I want to stress *LOVE,* the way you intermix such deep ideas with juicy personal stories to keep things lively. We both enjoyed it so much - and look forward to the next chapter!!

Nancy L., agnostic Healthcare CEO and her husband, an atheist World Bank economist

This is really am amazing work. It is such an eye-opening view of New Age thought and may well be the only book some Christians have (or will) read about the subject. I am not sure many Christians will come away with a greater acceptance of New Age thought as something they can embrace, but they will come away with a clearer vision of how the two belief systems both support and challenge one another. This, in itself, is a great accomplishment and has potential to help smooth some of the rough spots between Christians and New Agers.
Laurie Higgs, therapist and Couples Ministry Director for McLean Bible meagchurch outside DC

I was inspired by the grace and patience Bishop Thomas shows in trying to reach Teri. And I guess I was also impressed by her openness in letting him try. I am sharing the chapters with my Bible Studies group, I hope you don't mind.
Sue Bartlett, Bible studies teacher, Annapolis MD

I am totally engaged in this. Bishop Thomas is my ideal pastor and some of his answers to Teri are so funny! But I am offended by your reference to “loopholes” in Christianity. The essence of the krygma is that Jesus died for my sins. There are no loopholes to that. Lindsey A., devout Christian who left organized religion, CO

What happens when a left-leaning, New-Age-friendly critic of Christian faith engages in dialogue with a conservative, Biblical-literalist, African-American Evangelical preacher? A shouting match? Insults and damnation? No - something more powerful and hopeful: honest conversation, mutual and respectful listening, and fresh insights for both parties. If you honestly think that people don't think honestly anymore, but just react out of tired old scripts, this book will make you think again. A hopeful sign on many levels, and a beautiful, well-told, and fun story too - this book will do you good, whether you identify more with Teri or the Bishop.
Brian McLaren, author/activist brianmclaren.net

I love this Bishop. He really knows the Bible. But why are you asking all these niggling questions? "Fear of the Lord" is just an expression. Everybody knows that. Nobody is actually afraid of Him. I don't understand the purpose of this book. Could you just send me some tapes of the Bishop, please.

Elodie Ling, Anglican, retired Birtish school teacher living in the Bahamas

Reviewers invited

If you would like to participate in the focus group that is giving feedback on the draft, please contact us: info@InstThatBad.com