How Western Christianity Got it Wrong by Randy Woodley

About the Book:

Jesus never intended to start a religion that would justify stealing land, enslaving people, or destroying creation. So how did we get here?

In How Western Christianity Got It Wrong, acclaimed author Randy Woodley, of mixed white and Native American heritage, traces how a brown man from Nazareth who never lost his connection to the whole community of creation became the poster child for empire-building and environmental destruction. The faith that bears his name crafted theologies that rationalize greed, violence, and colonization--everything Jesus actually opposed.

Woodley exposes the ideas that poisoned Christianity's well, how the Western church won a monopoly on sin and salvation, and how violent atonement theories replaced the healing message Jesus lived. Drawing on Indigenous wisdom that was flourishing on Turtle Island long before missionaries arrived, Woodley reveals what Jesus's liberating message looks like when freed from imperial frameworks.

Picture communities where creation is family, not commodity. Where healing happens through relationship, not transaction. Where Creator speaks through many voices and welcomes all who walk in love. This is the Jesus Way as it was meant to be--not a system of control but a path of wholeness.

My Review:

This is a thought provoking book. While Woodley is a prolific author, this is the first book I have read by him. He starts out right on point, “The values adopted by Western Christianity are, foundationally, the opposite of the teachings of Jesus.” (loc 89/2632) That is a strong claim but I feel he proves his point. He goes through history and shows the role of Plato's dualism, then follows through the history of western Christianity. His background is indigenous and he shares spiritual insight from the indigenous understanding of reality.

He calls us to focus on what Jesus actually taught. “The real good news of Jesus … is not found in theological debates … Rather, it lives in his radical example of love...” (loc 1881/2632) Some of what Woodley says is uncomfortable for me. But perhaps that is the aim. His work is certainly worth reading and thinking about.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is known as a public intellectual, author, scriptwriter, activist, farmer, speaker, and wisdom keeper. He is a recognized leader in the fields of Indigenous and Intercultural Studies, Ecology, Spirituality, Race, Theology, and Mission. Through his teaching, writings, and leadership, he invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to decolonize and Indigenize their worldview and practices so they can learn to walk on this earth in a good way. Randy is of Cherokee descent and is recognized by the Keetoowah Band. He is an award-winning author who has penned numerous books, chapters, and articles in his long writing career, including a book co-authored with his spouse, Edith. Randy also writes award-winning feature film scripts. His writings are known for their connection to The Harmony Way as original Indigenous teachings and how they might apply common values today to build a better world. You can find out more at https://www.randywoodley.com/.

Broadleaf Books, 252 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-An exceptional book, 4-Better than average, relevant and liked by me, 3-It is average, 2-It is below average and not liked by me, 1-It is practically unreadable.)