Review of Memoir of a closet christian

LinaMueller · Post by **LinaMueller** » 22 Mar 2022, 12:49

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Memoir of a closet christian" by Roy Warren.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Memoir of a Closet Christian by Roy Warren is, as the name makes clear, a book about Christianity. The book does not approach the Christian religion historically or philosophically but in a more simplistic way. In addition to recounting various aspects of his life that made him genuinely become a Christian, there is an emphasis on the discussion of the book Pistis Sophia, which, according to the author, played a vital role in helping him find "his truth."

The author considers his work a "teaching guide about getting into heaven." It has three parts: a biographical part, another one focused on the most diverse Christian teachings, and the conclusion. There are also some photos of the author and his family members.

The book has some interesting aspects. In addition to mentioning and discussing several books, the author explains how his conversion to Christianity occurred. When he was very young, Roy went to church to "steal" the money he asked his mother for tithing. Later, he started studying religious content to impress a girl. However, as time passed, faith began to well up in his heart. Even so, when he was an adult, he had to hide his religion to avoid social isolation. I have never read a book written by a Christian in which the author is so open about his flaws. That's what I liked the most about this work.

At the end of the book, the author clarifies what any attentive reader realized from the beginning: that Roy Warren is not a professional writer. So far, no big deal, because you don't need to make a living from writing books. The problem is that this book desperately needs another round of editing. There are many grammatical errors, and the author ignores the concept of page breaks. Halfway through the book, the author discusses the book Pistis Sophia and, out of the blue, stops to talk about the life of Edgar Casey. After some pages, he goes back to discussing the rest of the chapters. All these defects significantly damaged the message to be conveyed.

Memoir of a Closet Christian is the classic case of a sound idea not so well executed. While I loved reading about his personal life and how the author had to repress his faith to avoid social conflicts, the editing flaws outweigh the positive aspects. That's why I had to deduct two stars from the final score. Therefore, I rate this book two out of four stars. After another round of editing, this book has what it takes to become a classic and touch many people's hearts. This book is for you if you don't mind grammatical errors (plus editing flaws) and would like to read about Christianity through a more unorthodox approach.

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Memoir of a closet christian
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Precious_Nzeakor · Post by **Precious_Nzeakor** » 29 Mar 2022, 05:43

I love how you do not fault the author despite the errors you encounter. Once the book is edited correctly, it'll make a good read.

Essy Nma · Post by **Essy Nma** » 29 Mar 2022, 21:00

While reading the review, what you liked most about the book was what I liked too. Being open to discussing one's flaws is an act of vulnerability and sincerity. The author did great work and I hope the errors will be worked on. Thanks for the review

Post by **Alice Fu** » 30 Mar 2022, 00:19

Thank you for writing this review! it sucks that the grammar was bad to a point that two stars had to be deducted, but I hope the author can fix it so that the story can touch the hearts of many more people

TheGayOne12 · Post by **TheGayOne12** » 30 Mar 2022, 01:53

Although your rating is very justified, I'll still give this a go and see how I like it. Fabulous review!

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 31 Mar 2022, 23:10

Would be interesting to know the various aspects of his life that genuinely made him become a Christian

Mmaduabuchi Eze · Post by **Mmaduabuchi Eze** » 08 Apr 2022, 10:52

Intrapersonal and interpersonal religious conflict is one of the major crisis humans face along the various phases of human growth and development. It's interesting to read that Warren is sincere and open while telling the story of his journey to Christian faith.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 03 Jul 2024, 04:32

Thanks for good review. Well, Roy Warren is very enthusiastic about his faith and is clearly all too aware of how modern life can repress his outward show of spirituality, but well done to him for being himself! A good and personable book.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 03 Jul 2024, 04:54

Another round of editing is something that can be organised. I appreciate the author sharing his life and his experience with us, but I don't think the book is for me. As a non-Christian, I will not feel connected. I am a little bit intrigued though by the importance of the book Pistis Sophia which is completely unknown to me.

Yahya Amir Anwer · Post by **Yahya Amir Anwer** » 03 Jul 2024, 04:55

I appreciate your thoughtful assessment. Roy Warren is obviously extremely conscious of how his outward display of spirituality can be suppressed by modern living and is quite impassioned about his beliefs, but good on him for being authentic! A pleasant and affable novel.

rusyalana · Post by **rusyalana** » 03 Jul 2024, 05:05

Memoirs are not my cup of tea and neither am I fond of books about religion. But the book seems very enthusiastic telling how the author came to religion and what hurdles he had come along the way. I'm sure the book will find its reader. Congratulations on becoming BOTD!

Rukayat Zakariyah · Post by **Rukayat Zakariyah** » 03 Jul 2024, 05:47

Your balanced approach, giving credit for the good ideas while being honest about the execution problems, comes across as fair and thoughtful. The two-star rating makes sense given what you've described.

AJIBOLA Olasunbo Aminat · Post by **AJIBOLA Olasunbo Aminat** » 03 Jul 2024, 06:01

I appreciate your concern towards the authors vulnerability. Authors mostly don't share their flaws openly. Memoir of a closet christian" by Roy Warren. has a unique approach to Christianity and the book's raw honesty is refreshing. Maybe the author will consider revising and re-releasing the book in the future. Congrats on BOTD!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 03 Jul 2024, 06:10

I am not into religious books. Based on your review, I hope this book gets another round of editing and reaches its readers.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 03 Jul 2024, 06:44

It's been over two years, so I hope the author has done his homework relative to the editing flaws. I'm intrigued about his being a closet Christian. I will give his book a try.