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.