Jim and Casper go to Church

I had the very cool opportunity of meeting the authors of the book Jim & Casper Go to Church: Frank Conversation About Faith, Churches, and Well-meaning Christians on Wednesday night. The premise of the book is a conversation between a pastor and an atheist as they visit some of the iconic churches in America. After spending a couple hours at dinner and then getting a chance to record a podcast for a client of Contagious, I was really impressed with both of these gentleman.

Jim has been a pastor for 25 years, and has now started an organization call Off the Map. His heart is to help the church find it’s way back to the natural style of evangelism and faith that was displayed by Jesus. He said several times that there needs to be a shift from certainty to faith and from conversion to connection.

Matt is the atheist in the book and the one which the outside perspective centers on. As easy as it is to try and villianize him as the cynical atheist, after having a chance to interact with him - I couldn’t. And that is one of the highest values of this book, is the “permission” it gives the reader to start having real conversations and connections with people, whether or not they agree with you.

It is a great read and I really suggest to everyone just for how it will open your eyes.