Saying No to God by Matthew J. Korpman

Saying No to God | Matthew J. Korpman

Blessed are those who defy God.

Although bumper stickers abound that propose otherwise, the Bible itself reveals that just because “God says it,” does not, in fact, mean “that settles it.” On the contrary, a close reading of Scripture reveals that God does not want us to blindly obey him, but rather, invites us to “lock hands” with him and fight. The purpose of this book is to show another way to understand the Bible, one in which readers are not asked to accept what God says, but on the contrary: to say no to it, not because they merely want to, but because the God of the Bible actually requires it.

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Foreword by Jory Micah

"Saying No to God will be one of the most eye-opening books you have ever read... Korpman has done his theological homework and challenges us to know the depths of God’s character; even to the point of God being pleased with those who have serious spiritual doubts and questions. This book will both challenge and revolutionize your faith."

Saying No to God is a provocative and groundbreaking book that discusses:

How confusion about the Bible stems primarily from a confusion about God, who Christians assume must always be right and as such, can never be questioned or rejected.

That God encourages readers of the Bible to not blindly accept what it says but actually requires that Christians fight it and sometimes even reject it, just as Jesus himself did.

That the Bible’s blatant humanity and shortcomings are, counterintuitively, the very way in which Christians discover the divine imprint in it.

A number of controversial topics issues within Christianity, ranging from Women’s Rights to Orthodoxy, in which readers are invited to question what contemporary things God invites us to say no to.

“Matthew Korpman carefully excavates the noble tradition of faithful betrayal. In this much needed book, Korpman not only reveals a more healthy and mature faith, but also shows us how it can help us move beyond both the Conservative and Progressive forms of faith.”
Peter Rollins, Author of The Idolatry of God and The Orthodox Heretic
“Provocative. More books like this are needed. I wish Korpman a long and successful career.”
Bishop John Shelby Spong, author of Unbelievable and Biblical Literalism
“In this remarkable book, Korpman gives good reasons we ought sometimes to disobey, disagree with, and argue against God’s voice. Saying ‘no’ to God may be the most holy thing we can do. Reading this book may be the second most!”
Thomas Jay Oord, Author of God Can’t: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evil
“In this insightful work, Korpman invites readers to do what Abraham, Moses, and many other biblical characters did: to dare to argue with God. This book is not only interesting, it’s needed.”
Brian D. McLaren, Author of A New Kind of Christian and A Generous Orthodoxy
“Saying No to God is a work of profound love—and I loved every passionately engaged word. A book that will change your life.”
Donna Bowman, Author of The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to Being Human: Becoming the Best Bag of Bones You Can Be
“Saying No to God offers a powerful statement of the case against bibliolatry and the sin of treating the Bible as though it were God. Korpman brings into focus the Bible’s depiction of a God that not only can be but wants to be argued with and at times disobeyed.”
James F. McGrath, Clarence L. Goodwin Chair in New Testament Language and Literature at Butler University
“I see in Korpman’s work the maturity of spiritual individuation—a kind of growing up that emulates the great saints and illuminates the path ahead.”
Brad Jersak (PHD), Author of A More Christlike Way and IN: Incarnation & Inclusion
“Saying No to God reminds us that our firmly held beliefs can be empty, and our doubts can be holy. These stories and insights remind us that the goal of faith isn’t certainty but trust. And that will always require doubt in the process.”
Danielle Shroyer, Spiritual Director, Speaker, and Author of Original Blessing
“Absolutely beautiful and life giving... With the skill of a scholar and a surgeon, the author takes a scalpel to the malignant views of God that have spread throughout our creeds, pulpits and pews, and points us instead to that of which only an ‘amen,’ and a ‘yes’ can be spoken.”
Jeff Turner, Author of The Atheistic Theist: Why There Is No God and You Should Follow Him

Matthew J. Korpman

Matthew J. Korpman is a rising biblical scholar, itinerant preacher, and theological arsonist. Currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School, he holds four bachelor degrees in Theology, Archaeology, Philosophy, and Screenwriting. He has traveled and excavated in Israel and Jordan, and is proud to call San Diego, California his home.

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