Suddenly Christian

Winner of the 2005 San Diego Book Award for Best Religion/Spirituality

“I love this book, and think it is a great way to introduce friends to a new way of looking at God and the Christian faith.”—Stephen Arterburn, bestselling author of over 60 books (including the Every Man series); founder and chairman of New Life Ministries, the nation’s largest faith-based broadcast, counseling and treatment ministry; host of  “New Life Live!” daily radio program (heard on over 180 radio stations nationwide).

“I know that for both chronological and biological reasons it’s not possible, but if St. Augustine and Soupy Sales had a son, I think he would write almost exactly like John Shore. Shore is a madman and a genius, and this book is so happily wrought I don’t know what to say about it–except that this is the book many, many folks have been waiting for. It’s a genuine triumph, a killer combo of astronomical wit and wisdom. I, for one, would like twenty-five copies immediately”— Eric Metaxas, author of Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery; Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask); and Everything Else You Ever Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask)

“I thoroughly enjoyed this very funny book: its style, its tone, its construction — everything about it. Penguins is a winner.” — Richard Lederer, author of the bestselling Anguished English series.

“This wonderful work has God taking over Shore’s computer and dictating His thoughts throughout this short (only 128 pages) but deeply profound work. I use the word “profound” only after some deliberation. Shore, a.k.a. God, here deals with everything from sex to atheism after an opening chapter that purports to be a transcript of a conversation between God and the Archangel, Michael, in which they deal with man’s uniqueness and frailties. But of all the really great stuff in the book, it’s Shore’s (or God’s) treatment of atheism that jumped off the pages and grabbed me. It is without a doubt one of the best treatments of a very difficult subject I¹ve ever read. It¹s also one of the most hilarious. Several times I found myself laughing out loud. This is not just an easy read; this is a must read. It proves once and for all that God has a sense of humor.”– Good News, Etc. (Good News is a 20+-year-old monthly Christian newspaper [circulation 42,000] published in and distributed throughout San Diego County.)

“Excellent! This is one funny book, in an era when religion isn’t funny–but should be, if it’s serious.”— Richard Louv, bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods, Fly-Fishing for Sharks: An Angler’s Journey Across America, and The Web of Life.

“Like the interminable pharmaceutical ads monopolized by the drone of the announcer regaling his television audience with all potential side effects, this book ought to come with such an advisory. This book is not for the faint of heart, the curmudgeonly, the holier-than-thou, the traditionalist, the weaker brother, etc. Then again, maybe these types should read this book and come face to face with a God who sounds suspiciously like a standup comic: “Thank you, thank you very much. I’ll be here throughout eternity.” It might do them good. Shore’s writing does of course require the willing suspension of belief. Provided you are willing, and can stomach a book rife with anthropopathism, reading it will be an unpredictable and thought-provoking ride.
“The curtain rises on a heavenly laboratory of sorts, circa Creation. Our first taste of God (as told to John Shore) reminded me of Christopher Lloyd’s professor character in Back to the Future. God is putting the finishing touches on the first human prototype and is explaining to the archangel Michael (“Mickey”) the ins and outs of what will soon be human existence. In the course of this interchange, Shore shows himself to be a wordsmith of range possessing a knack for rendering the actually impossible literarily plausible.
“Following the human creation vignette is a series of entries written from God’s perspective (as told to John Shore) to atheists and agnostics and anyone else who has a hard time believing in Him. In these, Shore retains the flavor of his humor but sensitively modifies his tone and delivery when necessary. Although he often skirts the edges of propriety in treating delicate issues, he never falls over the edge into bad taste – unless you are one of the faint of heart, the curmudgeonly, the holier-than-thou, the traditionalist, the weaker brother, etc.
“I came across a few theological sticking points, which I mention here to note for the record, but refuse to dwell on them for ‘purpose’ and ‘audience’ reasons that will become clear later in this review. Firstly, God’s chief end (as told by John Shore) seems to be human freewill fueled by blind and self-effacing love, when Scripture indicates a more transcendent reason for creating humanity. Secondly, Shore’s God seems to be open to theistic evolution. Thirdly, Shore’s explanation of the Trinity comes close to the ‘three-gods-in one’ error. Fourthly, Shore’s God contends that He lives in every human being. And finally, Shore’s God experiences “mortal agony” by rolling on the floor in pain whenever a human being experiences a tragedy…even a sliver. If so, God must have worn out the heavenly carpet many times over.
“Those issues aside, Shore does not sugarcoat human sin, and shows a profound understand of the doctrine of the atonement. The book ends with another vignette; that of John Shore’s actual, true-to-life conversion experience. Shore narrates his own life experience with as much verve and panache as the fictional portions, and again presents the gospel reality of the chasm that exists between a holy God and sinful man apart from God’s gracious intervention in our lives. My favorite bits of the book were the two episodes when ‘God’ allowed John the divine stenographer (Shore, not son of Zebedee) to insert his two cents. What emerged was nonsense, and had me laughing like I used to laugh at John Arbuckle’s antics in Garfield comics.
“A final word about audience and purpose: this book has a specific raison d’être. It is designed to present unbelievers with the existence of God in a way that differs from virtually every other traditional approach. Instead of lambasting this book for its irreverence (it rides the fence between PG-13 and R), I believe we ought to say with the apostle Paul that we are happy for the good news of God to go out into the world, in whatever form.” — The Discerning Reader

“Why is Penguins such a hit with Lutherans? Well, I think it’s because an awful lot of Lutherans (though not all, by any means!) are still taken with Luther’s own ‘in your face’ attitude toward the basics of both faith and no faith. (And he was in his own face about that, too.) Shore’s style resonates with those Lutheran pastors who deal with huge numbers of people with minds just like his. That’s why they’re making classes and discussion groups out of Penguins. Good job, John! God bless you, and keep it coming. We need both the C.S. Lewises and the John Shores.”— Rev. Jack E. Lindquist, Canon for Biblical Studies, St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego; Instructor in Religious Studies, University of San Diego

“Brilliant, quirky, perverse, exciting, and quintessentially Californian: John Shore’s unique style is a delight to read–a literary feast!”—Michael Flachmann, 1995 Carnegie Foundation United States Professor of the Year; author of Beware the Cat: The First English Novel (Huntington Library Press); company dramaturge, Utah Shakespearean Festival.

“I loved Penguins. I thought it was truly profound. John’s insights and sensitivity to things spiritual reflect a maturity in faith beyond his time spent in the faith. Penguins focuses on critical questions, and answers them with wisdom, gentleness and totally engaging humor. I think Mr. Shore’s going to take over the world.” — Dr. Rick Hornor, chair of Theatre Arts and Diretor of Faculty Service-Learning, Whitworth College, Spokane; recipient, $25,000 grant from the Character Education partnership.

“I think I have been looking for a book like this since before I was ordained. Shore has managed to articulate a healthy systematic theology without droning on like an academic pompous pious poopyhead. This book will separate the sheep from the goats. If they can get beyond the concept of God saying “pissed off” and “cheeky monkey,” they might just realize that Christianity is not a dried-up lacey doily sentimental thing in an old biddy’s dusty armoire, but a living dynamic force at work in the world. So, John Shore, enough of my pontificating– this is my way of saying thanks– you just made my job as a pastor more inspiring and a lot easier. I look forward to gifting your book to my happy Lutherans, and inflicting it upon the holier-than-thou ones.”—- Pastor Marty Zimmann, St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA, Dundee, Michigan

“What would happen if you crossed Anne Lamott with Philip Yancey—and threw in a bit of Leo Rosten, just for good measure? You’re probably thinking, ‘I don’t know—and who would I sell it to?’ A good question, perhaps—until you think about this: What are you gonna do if you don’t publish John Shore’s book? More to the point, what are you gonna tell your boss when Penguins simultaneously hits #1 on The New York Times, USA Today, and Christian Marketplace bestseller lists? Listen, I haven’t laughed so loud since reading The Sirens of Titan in college. The bottom line here is that John Shore is an exceptional writer.” — Jan  P. Dennis, discoverer/publisher/agent to Frank Peretti, Stephen R. Lawhead, Ted Dekker, Robert Liparulo, and others.

“Mere Christianity meets Mad Magazine!”— The Very Rev. Scott Richardson, Dean, St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego, CA.

“This wonderful little book gives you God’s perspective on all those questions that believers, non-believers, and pre-believers ask. This is the book you want to give that non-believing friend, not so much in an effort to convert them, but to at least help them understand why it is you believe. Not for the easily offended, but written with just the right amount of humor and tact. If you can only read one book this summer, this is it.”–Chris Enstad, Pastor of Youth and Young Adults, Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, MN.

“I truly believe that one day very soon John Shore is going to be hailed as the most important and original writer of our times.” — Larry Duthie, president and publisher, Placer Community Newspapers, Inc. (Mr. Duthie’s papers have won over 240 NNA awards.)

“I bought Penguins, Pain and the Whole Shebang as a fluke: I needed to get one more book to get free-shipping from Amazon. I realize there are no flukes with God; John’s book delighted me, bringing me both laughter and tears. After reading it carefully (and not disturbing its pages), I gave it to my wife for Christmas. Though one who seldom marks in books, she immediately began underlining and marking special pages that brought her to laughter and tears. I began telling everyone about the book, quoting passages to them, and using one particular in a sermon. It was so well received that people began asking about the book. Has he published any others? We gave it to all of our graduates; one grandmother brought a copy for each of her eight grandchildren. No book in recent days has touched our congregation as has John’s. His style, with his humor, drives home the point where others have missed. We look forward to reading him as often as he is published.”–Dennis Plourde, pastor, First Baptist Church of Los Angeles

“Penguins, Pain & the Whole Shebang is fantastic. I found it stimulating, fun, informative, provocative, earth-shaking—in a word: Revolutionary. I love it.  John Shore is a terrific writer. Even God should be proud of him.” — Kim Flachman, Writing Program Coordinator, California State University, Bakersfield; editor of such college English textbooks as The Prose Reader; Focus: A College English Handbook; and the Mosaics compositional series.

“What a funny, bright writer this man is!” — Judy Reeves, author of The Writer’s Retreat Kit, A Writer’s Book of Days; Writing Alone, Writing Together, and A Creative Writer’s Kit

“John Shore writes like a refreshing coastal breeze: strong but gentle, true but not destructive, and with just enough salt to make one thirsty for more.”— Wes Yoder, president, Ambassador Speakers Bureau (the oldest and most established Christian-based talent agency in America).

“‘Angels laugh because they take themselves lightly.’” With that Chesterton thought in mind, read this book! John Shore has managed to meld faith and humor together so that it looks like God made them that way (which I believe He did). It’s a fun read, but also makes one think. For those who are unsure about faith, this book may even encourage them to take a closer look at God.”— Karen Holmberg-Smith, pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Warroad, MN.

“With Penguins, John Shore has knocked the walls down between here and There. A soliloquy by, ahem, GOD? It’s crazy, it’s totally pretentious, it’s dangerous. It’s wonderful! With his quirky humor and an uncommon sensitivity to both human need and theological sacred cows, Shore has bent the rules of spiritual writing until they . . . no, they don’t break, they vibrate-like a tuning fork. In the hands of the One Who made the rules. Get a copy, and prepare to enjoy a rollicking good time-and, almost without realizing it, a Feast.”— Judith D. Dupree, co-founder and president, San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild (the largest countywide Christian writers group in the United States).

“John Shore’s talent is so abundant, so rich, that I feel somewhat hung-over, as though I had imbibed too much verbal bubbly last night, and now can’t remember what I was wearing when I jumped in the fountain. That fountain is the wellspring of faith in John’s Penguins, Pain & The Whole Shebang–and splashing about in it is sheer delight. It’s clear Mr. Shore will have a long career, and quite a following. He’s gone up his personal Sinai and come back down with something attuned to his times. I applaud and admire what he’s done. His voice is fluid and natural and swift; his humor is pitch perfect. I cherish the notion that John found God in a supply closet. That’s the sort of experience which makes a spiritual awakening real, human, tender, true, and utterly credible.”– Patricia K. Davis, author of the novel Midnight Carol (St. Martin’s Press)

“As an middle-aged ordained person in a mainline denomination, I am always in search of fresh ways to present the Good News of God’s abundant and abiding love, especially to generations younger than I.  John Shore’s book gives me a wondrous tool to do just that. I am grateful the Holy Spirit grabbed–and is still grabbing — John, a modern prophet and a gifted author.” Rev. Rhonda McIntire, rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Pacific Beach, CA.

“God could not have chosen a more observant and witty person to bring believers and non-believers together. After reading Shore’s book, I felt better equipped to defend my faith. More importantly, I felt better equipped to celebrate it.”— Steve  Kissing, author of Running from the Devil: A Memoir of a Boy Possessed (Crossroad Books).

“First let me say that I’m a fundamentalist Model Agnostic. After reading this book, I found myself walking around talking like the Big Guy. John’s co-author is truly inspired. The back flap contains a picture of John–but there’s “no picture available” of the co-author.  (I’m not sure if that’s to avoid the problems the Danish are dealing with regarding the “cartoons.”) Seriously, you don’t need to be a “believer” to get a lot from this book. The writing style is unbelievably brilliant. The voice is great. The pace is perfect. This is really skillful stuff. I still don’t agree with the substance of a lot of the book but that’s fine.  I will say that if most people could sit around and have a brew with the co-author of this book, it would do more for “spreading the Gospel” than all of the stuff coming from those churches and TV preachers.”–Brian Shields, Morning Executive Producer, KCPQ-TV (Q13 FOX), Seattle

“Mr. Shore is on his way to becoming the C.S. Lewis of the new millennium. This book is sure to help people on their journey toward God.” — John Penrose, president, Children To Love (a Christian adoption organization serving Romanian families and orphans).

“Shore’s infectious energy and singular style make for an out-of-the-ordinary literary treat, where raucous humor and heart-rending emotion unite to create sheer page-turning pleasure.” — Jenna Peterson, National Director of Content, AOL

“I’d rather read John Shore’s work than any other author I know (including the great David Sedaris). Shore’s an incredibly moving, incredibly hilarious writer — and, astoundingly, very often within the same sentence.”— Kory Lueders, winner of 12 national and regional awards –including a Golden Mike (1997) and a Gabriel Award (199 — for writing and producing human-interest radio stories for KPBS, one of the largest public broadcasting stations in the country.

“John Shore’s musings on Christianity are very funny, thought-provoking and touching.  In his book and in person, he shows that one needn’t be ignorant, clueless, superstitious, or friendless to be a Christian in our modern world.”—The Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, Director of Spiritual Formation, St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego.

“I appreciated this book because it gives non-believers like me insight into the mind of the believer. Unfortunately, I’m one of those who tend to lump all Christians together as the ‘repressive, fear-based, guilt-driven, women-hating, sin-obsessed, money-hungry, homophobes’ that ‘God’ speaks of in this book. Penguins reveals the side of Christianity many outside the faith do not see or understand. It’s consistently funny, and a truly refreshing approach to Christianity. It’s just a great read—and perfect for those reluctant to read any book about religion.” — Kim Cohn, chair (retired), Chemistry department, California State University at Bakersfield

“I truly loved this work—it systematically, and in an unpretentious, engaging way, answered ever single question non-Christians have and always ask. I felt as if I was speaking with this book, actually conversing (and laughing) with it, rather than reading words on paper. (It was a strange phenomenon, ‘speaking’ with Penguins, considering that the Bible endeavors to speak to those who live by it.) I read and re-read this book, and continue to think about it every day.” — Jessica Kruskamp, editor, UCSD Guardian (student newspaper at the University of California, San Diego).

“I’d always wondered why God felt no need for a sequel to his original bestseller. Now, it turns out He was just in no hurry. Penguins reveals the Supreme Being’s sense of humor, and Lord knows (and now says) we Christians could use a little more of that. Best of all, for me, author John Shore’s personal revelations in the afterward struck a chord. This book inspired me to explore going to church again, and my daughters and I are now preparing to join a more open and affirming congregation.”— Catt  Fields, publisher, Serving Arizona and Serving San Diego magazines.

“Penguins is one of the best things I’ve ever read. As I was reading it, I kept thinking how badly I wanted to give it to just about everyone I know. Shore (who writes like Streisand can sing) makes me proud to be a Christian. This book finally makes the uncool (being Christian) cool. I think Christians will buy copies of it to tuck into all their Christmas cards. I also think it’ll have a huge following among the Calvary Chapel churches. They talk a lot about how Christianity is ‘not a religion, but a relationship’—but have trouble illustrating what exactly that means. Penguins shows a relationship with God in a way that has never been done before. I’m very excited about this book: I can’t wait to give it to about 100 people.” —Debra Lee Baldwin, bestselling author, award-winning freelance writer for Sunset, Better Homes & Gardens, and others.

“Reading Penguins took me back to my days as a raging skeptic/agnostic. Many of the thorny theological questions it tackles—in its unique and humorously penetrating way—are the very questions I wrestled with back then (‘then’ being the 60s). In those days, I rejected all traditional presentations of Christianity—but I would have welcomed the way these issues are handled in Penguins. I think there are many, many people out there who would never read anything having to do with the God of the Bible except in the fantastic form He’s presented here. Yeah, this book goes out on the edge—but it’s bound to get people thinking seriously about, and perhaps even embracing, the most important truths in life. I think this book will serve as a sort of primer for many folks who find traditional God-talk too stilted and dry. In Penguins they’ll get good laughs—and a very firm, very loving spiritual nudge toward God.” — Allen Randall, director, Ladle Ministries, First Presbyterian Church of San Diego

“John Shore is a great writer—possibly the best ever. I laughed so hard reading this book I just about peed my pants. With every couple of lines, I was hit with the feeling of, ‘Whoa—I totally get that,’ or, ‘Oh yeah—that’s why that is!’ It really put a lot of things in perspective for me. Penguins has given me a lot to think about for, I know, a long time to come. I’m very grateful for this book.” — Jaime Windon, freelance writer, Baltimore

And here are some comments about Penguins left by readers on its Amazon page:

Reviewer: J. S. Mccullough (New York) -     
Thank GOD for this book! I laughed until I cried. This book was so fun to read. Pure genious. You have very carefully understood GOD’S word and helped to drive home some very important points in a memorable way. It is a book that I will read again.

Reviewer: M. Franzel (Dundee, MI USA) -     
I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing to read a book with a spiritual message that was not “preachy” but down-to-earth. Often times, when I am done reading a book with a christian message, I feel like a child that has just been given a lecture. This was nothing like that. It was thought provoking and intelligent. It was also funny. It was nice to know there are fellow christians out there that remember that God gave us a sense of humor and it is nothing to be ashamed of. I recommend this book for both believers and non-believers of any age, but I especially think that generation X needed something like this. Reviewer: spiritual seeker - 
John Shore is both very funny and very serious at the same time. This book takes little time to read, yet it answers many profound questions, gives you lots of chuckles, and makes you think. His personal conversion story at the end of the book is very powerful. For me as a Christian, the book helped me with questions I struggle with, especially the question of evil. I would definitely share this book with those who are attracted to Christianity and want to check it out but have been turned off by the image of Christians we unfortunately see too often - legalistic, exclusionist, voicing judgment instead of love. This book offers an alternative vision of a loving, healing, life-affirming God with a sense of humor to boot!Reviewer: MelToneMusic “MelToneMusic” (Dallas, TX USA) - 
This book rocks. Simple, funny, …actually hilarious, inspiring, thought provoking,…it is a gift to be able to communicate thoughts through such an amazingly creative means, John Shore has that gift. It is a book that I love to revisit again and again, and would most highly recommend to anyone looking for a fresh, insightful, highly understanding, and true perspective on life, God …and, well .. .the whole shebang.Reviewer: Hjordes Norman “home educator” -    
Did you ever want to answer those questions from your non-believing friends without sounding preachy? John does it for you in this book - with laughter, thoughtfulness, and tons of love. This is the book I would give to a friend who wanted to know MY God… the One with a sense of humor, and the one who makes so much sense.  It’s refreshing for believers, too… This is the book I’m going to buy everyone for birthday and Christmas gifts this year. This is humor and love, wrapped in a storyline that keeps you turning the page.P.S. Don’t skip the wrap-up - his testimony at the end is weird and awesome. Very cool.Reviewer: Lissa -
This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read in my life. I have been struggling with depression and problems with my boyfriend. This book made me laugh out loud about 10 times when I was reading it. My boyfriend dumped me the night I read it, and because of this book I was okay with it. It changed my perspective on a lot of things. It’s hysterically funny, but the theology is really good at the same time. It will make your sides cramp up from laughing, and make you really think. I recommend this book to every single person on the planet, no exceptions at all. “Penguins” is absolutely amazing.Reviewer: The Evangelical Ecologist -
John’s little book … is a wonderfully concise, plainly spoken, unorthodox (but theologically-sound) conversation with God on a few key life issues (why is there evil if God is good, etc) that every believer should have on their bookshelf ready to share. Recommend you buy three. Pass a copy to that guy sitting in the next cubicle or over and the other to the lady up in Seat 16C. Give a fouth to your kids to help them answer these questions from their school chums, or maybe answer their own questions. Go, my friends - do it now. And besides; who doesn’t just love penguins?Reviewer: Monica Gregory “Monica’s Motif” (San Diego, CA) -     
John does an excellent job of putting you in God’s shoes and vice versa. You really get a sense of what lengths God is willing to go to get our attention! It is a fun and humorous book to read and doesn’t even take that long to read it so it’s painless! Absolutely loved it and would read it again and again..lolReviewer: Judith H. Potter (Desert Hot Springs, CA, USA) -     
I loved this book. It was amusning, moving, and a wonderful witness to the power of God to change lives.