The title of this book is probably one that many people, some calling themselves Christians, some not, can echo - so many Christians can be off-putting to those searching for God, and to other Christians. This book takes a lighthearted and yet also sometimes serious look at several areas in which Christians may be distracted from Jesus's core message and may become a stumbling block to others. The areas are judgmental attitudes, hypocrisy and condemnation; mixing politics and the gospel; anti-science attitudes; prosperity gospel teachings; obsession with the end times; uninformed opinions about others' beliefs; unprofessional Christian media and entertainment and Christians who give God a bad name through false advertising.

The writing style is always lighthearted and easy to read although the font style in this pre-release copy was a little awkward to read at times. The authors laid out some of the believers' outlandish behaviour, explained the reasons behind it and then gave an alternative view as to how Christians could be more effective in today's world, backed up by Bible passages. There is a clear understanding of the nature of the world in the 21st century and that Christianity's pre-eminent place in American cultural life is now over. Although an American-authored book with some chapters that were less relevant to life in the UK, the overall message of the book was very apt and helpful. Whether those who fall into any of the listed categories would read this and then mend their ways is debatable but it was encouraging to read a book that reflects modern-day Christianity as it must appear to many of those on the outside, rather than the false view that is so often carried. It's good to be reminded of the importance of being salt and light and that so many of the ways in which we act can be the opposite of this.