The title itself seems controversial: Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back by Frank Schaeffer.  I somehow managed to grow to adulthood in an evangelical faith without knowing anything about Francis Schaeffer ( father of Frank).  Since reading this book, I notice Francis Schaeffer as a source in many other books.

I first heard of this book when the author was a guest on Fresh Air on NPR.  The conversation between him and Terry Gross immediately resonated with me.  At one point in the interview Frank Schaeffer said if he wanted to be an atheist his first reaction would be to pray for help.  Faith was just a part of him.  At different crossroads in my life I have similar conclusions.  Even in doubt, faith is more than a set of beliefs to me.  It is perhaps an ever changing part, but it remains.

“Memoir obviously demands introspection, and Schaeffer doesn’t hold back…Schaeffer describes a life that was by turns happy, difficult, idyllic, and completely nuts…He’s a world-class storyteller…He can make us laugh, make us wince, and make us really think about things, all at the same time.” — Christianity Today’s Books & Culture

“This is not just a book about rejecting Christian evangelicalism. It has parallels in secular culture and is an honest read about family life and its challenges. Suitable and recommended for large libraries.” — Library Journal

I chose the last comment because, I feel that some may reject this book by the title alone.  It is not a book on rejecting God.  It is a story of a life thus far.  I admit, I love these sort of books.  The reader gets to follow along through the memories of Frank Schaeffer.  His writing is vivid in describing both people and places.  He discusses his parents as people, complete with flaws.  I am aware that some readers have been offended by this portrayal.  I can not know if I would feel differently if I had been raised reading Francis Schaeffer.  I feel that this idea is something this book discusses.  A christian scholar may be well educated and a talented writer–but human and flawed nonetheless.

This book impacted me more than any book I have read in the last year.  I lived a much different life than the author, yet I related to his struggle.  I have felt the need to do things because they are supposed the right things.  Yet, at times the right things seemed so wrong.  I don’t mean to sound glib, but I know many others must also feel the same way.  I have let go of a lot of my fundamentalist Southern Baptist rules.  I have struggled to realize where the rules end and faith began.  It seemed to be too intertwined at times.  Like the author, I have alienated friends and even some family along the way.  I also have lived along enough to start taking back things I once swore I would always believe.  Frank Schaeffer wrote an honest portrayal of life.  This metaphor about life also describes this book–It may have twists and turns along the way, but is well worth the journey.

1. Frank Schaeffer Says:
   July 18th, 2009 at 11:10 am

   Anne: Frank Schaeffer here: Thank you for the kindness to my book and your interest in my writing. Very Best, Frank

2. Rosemary Says:
   July 18th, 2009 at 2:09 pm

   No kidding, Anne? You got Frank Schaeffer himself to come comment? You go, girl. I haven’t read this book yet, but I’m interested in it. I went through an obsessive phase (high school and early college days) of reading everything written by Schaeffer’s father, Francis Schaeffer. Though my own beliefs have obviously changed a lot since then, I still credit the senior Schaeffer with getting me to think through the deeper issues of faith and take an interest in theology. I also read a book by Mrs. Edith Schaeffer on homemaking (if you can believe it of me) and a book by Frank when he still went by Franky–Addicted to Mediocrity–credit that one with my vehement distaste for the likes of Thomas Kinkade.

   Anyway, after being such an avid Francis fan who has veered away from fundamentalism as a whole, I’m curious to read this book soon–it’s on my wishlist now.

3. Judith Says:
   July 22nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm

   Right on! A gracious comment from Frank makes me an even bigger fan. On your recommendation, I think I was about one week behind you in devouring this book. Definitely top 10 in spiritual memoirs. (I notice you didn’t mention there was a bit too much sex talk for your taste, haha!)