An Eric Hoffer Award Finalist!
UNBOXING GOD–An Unevangelical Guide to Christianity
Unboxing God introduces us to a God who is bigger than we often think, a God who not only inspires wonder but who also invites questions. From the 4th Century to present day, theologians in the western church created numerous theological frameworks—or boxes—from which many of us were taught, even if we weren’t brought up in the church. However, there is life outside of the box. And that is what we need to explore.
Unboxing God mirrors the author’s personal journey as he follows a bigger God, and finds a bigger faith, while remaining firmly grounded in the creeds of the early church.
From sources including secular, Jewish, Orthodox, and evangelical, the book examines issues of reason and faith, who God is, and what the Bible is and where it came from. It is, as the subtitle indicates, a guide—a travelogue of sorts—through the broad Christian landscape.
Reviews
From Netgalley/Goodreads reviewer Sarah Jenson:
In Unboxing God: An Unevangelical Guide to Christianity, Alden Swan dismantles the rigid frameworks of traditional evangelicalism, inviting readers into a faith that thrives on questions, paradox, and sacred ambiguity. Blending memoir, theology, and cultural critique, Swan reframes Christianity as a dynamic conversation rather than a doctrinal monolith—one where “God is bigger than the boxes we build” (p. 42). This is not a deconstruction manifesto but a reconstruction blueprint for the spiritually curious. …
Unboxing God is a sacred rebellion—against easy answers, small gods, and faith that fits in a tweet. Swan doesn’t just question the box; he sets it on fire and dances in the ashes.
From Reader’s Favorite:
Many books have been written about Christianity, but this work is unusual in its approach and stands apart due to its perceptiveness. It challenges convention by presenting an incisive commentary on the evolution of Christianity and its doctrines in a manner that will promote deep reflection. It is highly recommended.