My Beautiful Idol (Zondervan, 2008) is the story of a would-be Christian hero who makes an idol out of his faith and finds something better on the far side of showing off for God (and people). It was written for two reasons: the first being to make sense of the five years I spent in Denver at seminary and pursuing a variety of ministry endeavors, and the second being an attempt to respond to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. Ellison’s book is about the “invisibility” of a young black man in America in the 1940s, who is made invisible because he is seen for his race or his need rather than for his character or personhood. If Ellison came from, and wrote about, the invisible culture, then the affluent, educated, drive-by churchiness of my background represents the “blind” culture that fails to see other people as real people – and instead tends to see people as ministry targets or even case studies in personal righteousness for the people who “do” ministry. It was a pretty big bone to pick, and there are distinct efforts to “respond” to Ellison’s “call” – an attempt at conversation and the comparing of experiential notes between “invisible” and “blind” – but mostly it’s the story of one young guy trying to find his way.
It’s a bit raw for many church people. Then again, Campus Crusade looked at it for the “freshman survival kit” and decided it was “too Christian.” My hope is that the book’s failure to find an easy niche might mean that it’s real and wandering enough to be worth something more than what I’ve come to expect from the old categories of books exploring faith. Maybe.
In any case, you can download the audiobook for any price (including free), or stream it using the Noisetrade widget below and decide for yourself. Thanks in advance for taking the time to do so. Oh yeah – the first track on the widget is a song I wrote with Daniel Rassum, who was once (and when we met) homeless, separated from his family, and shoplifting to buy crack. You can hear more about how we met and what’s happened since at the post where I share cobble some audio bits together about us.
Endorsements include:
“St. Augustine invented the confessional memoir. Modern examples are shorter and funnier (think Anne Lamott and Donald Miller). Now comes Pete Gall, who somehow gathers the messiness of his life into an enduring account, one both poignant and whimsical.” ~ Philip Yancey, author
“In this era of American idols, money branded “In God we Trust,” altars colonized by the US flag, and bombs baptized in patriotic prayers, this book is a delicate reminder to denounce all that dazzles that does not look like Jesus. It is an invitation to say no to all other lovers and counterfeit hopes, and to put our faith in the God that is blessing the most downtrodden people of this world, the God whose Gospel is good news to the poor.” ~ Shane Claiborne, author
“Pete Gall approaches life with such honesty and intelligence, it can be a bit unnearving to interact with his story – whether in person or in his books. If you hang in there, you discover that grace is Pete’s ultimate aim, and love is his trump card. His spiritual autobiography challenged me to explore my own personal story, hoping to experience the kind of growth and insight I drew from Pete.” ~ Jeff Johnsen, Exec Dir Mile High Ministries
“Have you ever turned on lights in a basement only to see a flurry of critters running for cover? With a wry mix of insight and transparency Pete Gall lights up a reader’s soul. Thank God for a book that becomes an honest friend! But Pete does more than expose our brokenness. He tugs us to join him in walking, stumbling, running – whatever our state and status – into the arms of a God who loves us. This book is for everyone, absolutely everyone, who knows what a prodigal is and needs!” ~ Dr. Ron Frost, Multnomah Seminary
“I knew Pete could communicate – just not so honestly or about himself. I laughed. I cried and all the while I am grateful for funny prophetic voices that challenge my own story and shine the light of God’s love into right where the darkness is most dense – the human heart.” ~ Bill Knott, World Vision
