Religiously Transmitted Diseases: Finding a Cure When Faith Doesn’t Feel Right

Ed Gungor
Nelson Books (2006)
ISBN 1599510014
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (5/06)

From the moment this book was delivered I was eager to begin reading. While the book cover did not tempt me, the title peaked my curiosity. The author’s attempt to get the reader to examine their faith was a success. I found myself examining my faith and comparing it to the illnesses he discusses.

The author uses witty illustrations to connect with the reader. I felt as though I were having a discussion with him. His style is simple and clear.

Some of the many “diseases” Rev. Gungor discusses are Borg Disease, Pharisaic Disorder and Deadly O. Those with Borg disease want everyone to be just like them. They think all people should dress and think alike. They do not allow for individual ideas, personality or thinking. Those with Pharisaic Disorder are caught up in laws. “We’ve always done it this way” is one of their favorite phrases. They like to build fence laws to protect others and themselves from sinning. They end up placing restrictions on their and other’s lives. Those with the Deadly O are striving to be good rather than accepting the Grace that God freely offers. The diseases are traps we allow ourselves to fall in. Rev. Gungor offers a prescription for prevention and a cure.

I’m glad I read “Religiously Transmitted Diseases.” It is well written, humorous, easy to read and very interesting. I think Ed Gungor has written a winner. I intend to recommend it to my friends and don’t be surprised if a quote or two doesn’t end of in one of my sermons.
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Reviewed by Cyndy Zoch for Reader Views (6/06)

I have to admit that I was a little concerned about reviewing this book. As a Christian, I couldn’t imagine what kind of book about Christian living would be titled, “Religiously Transmitted Diseases”. I got even more worried when I read the first sentence in the book, in which a young girl proclaims, “I have herpes.” I honestly debated whether or not I wanted to read any more.

Fortunately for me, I kept reading and found that my preconceived idea of what the book was about was completely inaccurate. Pastor Gungor’s book is not talking about the spread of physical diseases in the church. He discusses diseases that are more subtle but, in many cases, just as deadly. He asserts that these “religiously transmitted diseases” are destroying our faith, turning something that was once beautiful and wonderful into something sick and ailing, something that no longer brings us Christians the joy and hope that it once did and that God wants us to keep experiencing.

Through the use of clever chapter titles, such as “pharisaic disorder” and “spiritual elephantiasis”, Pastor Gungor introduces us to the problems that can befall a church or individual if they are not careful. Each chapter follows the same format. Pastor Gungor describes the problem in general terms and then gives examples from his personal experiences to illustrate what the disease looks like. He follows this with quotes from the Bible to support his position and to draw the reader’s attention to what God really had in mind and then provides advice to help the reader become aware of and overcome the disease. Along the way, he touches on a few controversial areas for Christians, such as free will, dancing and drinking, and the Rapture. While you may not agree with his conclusions about these types of issues, I think you will find them worth discussing.

As a regular church-goer, I was amazed to see how many of the diseases I recognized in members of my own church and, sadly, in myself as well. I realized how easy it is to succumb to these diseases and never even recognize that a problem exists. I could especially relate to the chapters “the charley horse: when ‘get to’ becomes ‘got to’” – a chapter about what happens to us when the things we get to do become the things we got to do - and “evangelistic rabies: less biting, more listening” – which contains an interesting section on whether someone can be saved before they hear the Gospel. Pastor Gungor encourages us all to conduct a “spiritual checkup” and take note of the areas in which we can improve. Not only will we grow closer to God, but we can better serve others when we are not burdened with these diseases.

“Religiously Transmitted Diseases” is very easy to read. The chapters are short and independent of each other. The book would be a good one for a book club as you could easily split it up over several meetings without having to go back and reread the parts you have already covered. I would recommend this book to all Christians, but especially to those who can’t find the joy in church anymore or who are concerned about some of the actions and activities they see happening in their churches or in themselves. I think we all need to step back every now and then and take a good look at what we are doing and why we are doing them.
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