What If Being Human Isn't the Problem--but the Point?
Many Christians have been taught to see themselves as fundamentally broken--with a human nature defined by sin, separated from God, and constantly striving to be worthy. They have been taught that being human is something to overcome--that their deepest instincts, emotions, and desires are untrustworthy. But what if that's not the whole story? What if God is inviting us to see our humanity as, in fact, very good news?
In The Gospel of Being Human, Marty Solomon (host of the BEMA podcast) and Reed Dent invite you on a journey of curiosity, attention, and wonder--asking better questions about who we really are and what Scripture actually says about our identity. As you go to God's Word to explore ten common perspectives about sin, salvation, and our relationship with God, you'll discover a more expansive and hopeful vision of what it means to be created in His image.
- Explore ten common theological perspectives and examine how they shape our understanding of God, ourselves, and others.
- Learn how curiosity, attention, and wonder can transform your spiritual life and lead to a more vibrant relationship with God.
- Challenge the belief that humans are defined by sin--and discover how Scripture reveals our fundamental goodness as image-bearers of God.
- Reframe the gospel not as an escape from our humanness, but as a reclamation of what God called "very good" and an invitation to partner with God in restoring the world.
- Engage with timely conversations on faith deconstruction and reconstruction while holding onto a biblical faith that is both authentic and deeply rooted in Scripture.
If you've ever felt like your faith was missing something--or wondered whether God's good news is bigger than you've been told--The Gospel of Being Human offers an invitation to step into a fuller, richer understanding of who God has always intended you to be.
The gospel presented here is indeed good news for the self-righteous and shame filled alike. Whether you are new to the Scriptures or a lifelong student, this book earnestly examines some of our most entrenched assumptions about God and humanity, illuminating the story of divine love and allowing the Bible to speak on its own terms.--Amanda Held Opelt, author of A Hole in the World and Holy Unhappiness
We often hear that to question our beliefs is to question the truth of Scripture. But Marty Solomon invites us to a better understanding of Scripture that is only possible when we begin with curiosity and openness. You'll be encouraged to say maybe and I wonder and find new depths in Bible passages you thought you knew. You'll believe better, discovering a way to live as if God is actually completely free and completely good.--Mandy Smith, pastor and author
In an era increasingly defined by algorithms and automation, self-awareness has become an act of resistance. Understanding how, and why, we show up in the world is no longer optional; it's essential. Curiosity about ourselves and others is not a luxury but a moral and theological necessity. In The Gospel of Being Human, Marty Solomon offers a profound reimagining of what it means to be human, revealing our shared humanity as more than mere existence. It is, astonishingly, a divine collaboration. At a time when machines are learning to mimic us, Solomon reminds us why being human is still the most sacred vocation of all. Read this book and stay human for God's sake!--Preston Ulmer, founder and president of the Doubters' Club and author of Deconstruct Faith, Discover Jesus
Marty Solomon is a theologian, president and director of discipleship for Impact Campus Ministries, and the creator and executive producer of the BEMA Podcast. He and his wife, Rebekah, live in Cincinnati with their two children. Marty's previous book was titled Asking Better Questions of the Bible: A Guide for the Wounded, Wary & Longing for More. Find out more about Marty at www.martysolomon.com.
Reed Dent is a campus minister at Campus Christian Fellowship at Truman State University (https: //www.ccftruman.org), where he has worked for fifteen years. His gifting and passion has always been the art of preaching and discipling college students. Reed served as one of the summer teachers at Glorieta Camps from 2015-2018 and joined Marty as a co-host on the BEMA Podcast early in 2021 (www.bemadiscipleship.com/hosts). Reed graduated from Truman State University in 2007 with a B.A. in English. He and his wife LeAnn live in Kirksville, Missouri, with their three sons.