"Why We Eat Our Own" - by Michael Cheshire
whyweeatourown.com

(if you order online, use coupon code "Hammster1")

My rating:  9 out of 10 (not perfect, but should be required reading)

First, let me start off by clarifying (for those not entirely sure), “Why We Eat Our Own” is a book written for those of us who have experience with church.    This book is for those who have faith in Christ, but have been disenchanted with the American Christian church.

Michael is a church pastor (based in Colorado), so he speaks from experience.   His previous book “How To Knock Over a 7-Eleven and other Ministry Training” was focused on how to look at church planting or outreach from non-traditional perspectives.    The new book deals more with intra-church struggles, and offers insight into possible ways to work through some of the problems which tend to drive people away.

I found the book to be in three parts.   The first part deals with Michael’s own attempt to quit being a pastor.   He story covers a serious medical crisis, which forced him into review his life plans.   After believing God wanted to keep him in ministry, Michael discusses how he needed to approach his ministry with a less critical attitude.    He continues with stories about other pastors who went through personal struggles, and found little love or grace from the Christian community.    Michael also covers stories from both non-Christian and those who have left the church, as they comment on how those claiming Christian love have in fact shown the opposite.

Michael then goes on to elaborate on the lack of love in the Christian community, with focus on topics of Gossip, Unforgiveness, and Legalism.    His points here are meant to take an honest look at how those inside the church are treating those they claim to care about.    There are many great ideas here worthy of further discussion.    Michael moves on to addresses those who have given up on the church, and offers compassionate reasoning as to why the church needs their help.    A chapter on “accountability” is handled with criticism for the fad-like use of the term in the past, with hope to reclaiming the original intention and asking Christians to be accountable FOR each other, especially in our failures.  

Michael wraps up the book with specific discussions of challenges faced by pastors, and struggles they are typically not allowed to discuss.   Many church “laypeople” could benefit greatly from reading through this section.   It will give a much more honest view of what is going on “behind the curtain”.   Michael follows up with suggestions for ways we could help support our church leaders.    His final point is based on 1 Corinthians 13, and how love should be our highest goal as Christians.   Oh, and he name drops William Shatner (points for that, right?)

Although Michael could not fully address every argument against his topic, I found it one of the most honest books available on the Christian market.   Michael isn’t afraid of taking on some “sacred cows” and asking the church to take a good look at where our past is leading us.   I think it is a good thing and will be recommending this book to many of my friends.   It is worth the time, and I thank Michael for sharing with us.