Matthew J DiStefano

Contrary to what some may say, this sequel, rather than being nine tenths of a lie, is an open and honest set of answers to another set of questions wrestled with by countless Christians the world over. And while nothing in Heretic, Too is completely unique-that is, much of the theology contained herein goes back as far as Christianity itself-Distefano again creatively puts his unique perspective and humor onto the pages with care. Restorative and healing, this is a must read for any who continue to question their inherited doctrines.

What happens when two philosophically-minded friends sit down around a firepit to chat about life's biggest topics? Within these pages, you'll find out. In The Bonfire Sessions: The Long Road to Redemption, authors and podcasters Matthew J. Distefano and Michael Machuga give their readers a glimpse into their very real lives, modeling for others what they believe conversation should look like.With rawness and vulnerability, as well as a large dose of salty language, this set of conversations delivers quite a punch. Sometimes funny, sometimes profound, but always honest, the two hosts of The Bonfire Sessions podcast come together to deliver the entire Year Two collection of booklets that will be sure to challenge your heart, soul, and mind. So, pour your favorite drink and fill your long-stemmed pipe, and get ready for some high-quality fellowship.

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are some of literature's most beloved. For decades, scholars, fans, and critics alike have been discussing and debating the professor's Legendarium-much ink has been spilled, many books bound, all offering their unique perspectives.Add The Wisdom of Hobbits to that growing number.In this hopeful yet at times poignant homage, Matthew J. Distefano focuses on everyone's favorite halfling friend: the Hobbit. A charming people, this Shire-based race has captivated, enthralled, and enchanted the hearts and minds of millions. Though not a religious society, the author argues that spiritual truths-love, kindness, generosity, hope, and compassion-can be found within their familiar yet still relevant and didactic tales.So, come and enter a world of adventure and intrigue. Whether it is your first foray into Middle-earth or the Shire is your second home, allow Distefano to inspire you toward discovering your own inner Hobbit.

Learning to Float is a life preserver when you find yourself adrift in the midst of your faith journey. When waves of doubt and anxiety threaten to rise above your head, or when you simply find yourself weary of swimming in the midst of unending waters, this book is your buoy. It's the gentle arms of friends holding you up so that you can breathe, even as currents of questions continue to sweep you up and move you along. It's the comforting whisper in your ear when you need it the most: "It's okay; I've got you. You're not alone." Matthew J. Distefano knows his theology and philosophy, but far more importantly, he is 100-percent authentic. And as he mediates his story through conversation with Michelle Collins-whose wisdom, compassion, and friendship guide him as he articulates his deconstruction process-readers are bound to see parallels to their own journeys and struggles.

"Don't be a dick." In today's world, these four words can be the key to making our existence a kinder, more loving place. Within the pages of this book lives 69 practical ways of helping out your fellow human being. Between advice on how to not be a dick to your family and friends, to how to not be a dick to people online, this little hurricane of a page turner covers it all. By the end of it, you'll be returning your shopping carts, cleaning your sweat off the gym equipment, and getting consent prior to any sexual encounter like a boss. Read Don't Be a Dick, put the advice into practice, and I guarantee you'll see your life and the lives of those around you improve.* (*Results not guaranteed.)

The biblical book of Genesis is a violent masterpiece. Deception. Treachery. Murder. But it is also a book of redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation.In The Genesis of Violence, author Matthew J. Distefano and artist Zak Parsons collaborate on a one-of-a-kind creative project that details and highlights the main themes of the book of Genesis. From the fall of humankind, to the murder of one brother at the hands of another, this work of art explores it all.

What happens when two philosophically-minded friends sit down around a firepit to chat about life's biggest topics? Within these pages, you'll find out. In The Bonfire Sessions: A Year of Shadow and Flame, authors and podcasters Matthew J. Distefano and Michael Machuga give their readers a glimpse into their very real lives, modeling for others what they believe conversation should look like. With rawness and vulnerability, as well as a large dose of salty language, this set of conversations delivers quite a punch. Sometimes funny, sometimes profound, but always honest, the two hosts of The Bonfire Sessions podcast come together to deliver the entire Year One collection of booklets that will be sure to challenge your heart, soul, and mind. So, pour your favorite drink and fill your long-stemmed pipe, and get ready for some high-quality fellowship.

If you're looking for a cheery, always-uplifting devotional, then you've come to the wrong place. Not that Devoted As F*ck won't uplift and renew your spirit at times, it's merely that the goal of this book is not to make you feel good. Instead, it is an irreverent look at today's version of Christianity that is meant to shake you to your core. Sometimes cheeky, other times profound, but mostly in your face, Distefano has constructed the perfect devotional for the spiritual misfit who doesn't quite fit the cookie-cutter mold.

Contrary to what some may say, this book, rather than being the product of a demonic lie, is an open and honest set of answers to the questions wrestled with by countless Christians the world over. And while nothing in Heretic is completely unique--that is, much of the theology contained herein goes as far back as Christianity itself--Distefano creatively puts his unique perspective and humor onto the pages with care. Refreshing and liberating, this is a must read for any who dare question their inherited doctrines.

While millions of believers around the world are finding their understanding of Christianity to be outdated and untenable, Matthew Distefano has managed to paint the Gospel in such a way that even an atheist could appreciate its beauty. Rather than a message of rapture, or rewards and reprisals, Distefano presents the good news of what God has done in history to stem the tide of our own violence and evil--inviting us into a whole new way of living and being in this world. By integrating Ren Girard's "mimetic theory" and Ernest Becker's "death anxiety," Distefano is able to diagnose the root causes of human violence and then offer the life-giving solution in the person of Jesus. Both the struggling evangelical and unbeliever alike can take refuge here, finding in this Gospel the thing their soul--and the disintegrating world around them--is thirsting for.