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Churched: One Kid's Journey Toward God Despite a Holy Mess    by Matthew Paul Turner Amazon.com order for
Churched
by Matthew Paul Turner
Order:  USA  Can
WaterBrook Press, 2008 (2008)
Hardcover
* *   Reviewed by Jessica Weaver

From the bright yellow cover to the humorous tales within, Churched is a fun day's read. Turner, author of many works examining the Christian life, tells his own growing-up story in this easy-to-read memoir.

Turner was raised in a fundamental Baptist church alongside his sisters and a gaggle of likeminded families. He relays entertaining stories about life with his highly devout mother, the pastor's annual boxing match with Satan, and the constant looming fear of Fire and Brimstone. From the 'hell simulation' Sunday School where the teacher burns a Barbie, to Turner's truck ride with a pastor driving with his knees, Churched is full of laughs.

I did feel somewhat lost in the end. Where is the conclusion? If this isn't the right path to God - at least for the author - then what is? A short conversation with his current pastor ends the book, but I felt disappointed by the lack of a true ending. Maybe that's the next in Turner's collection.

Despite the inconclusive ending, I would highly recommend this as a fun look at When Religion Gets Scary. My husband and I both devoured it and look forward to reading more from Turner.

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