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Testimonials

“McCartney wants us to understand more fully the God who came in Jesus, not to condemn the world, but to save it. He is especially hopeful that this book will teach us to read the Bible through ‘the lens of Jesus.’ When we do this, we will find a God who, even in the midst of tough Old Testament stories, is at work endeavoring to overcome pain and suffering, while defeating the works of the Devil. ‘Let the Light In’ presents sophisticated Biblical research and theological reflection in readable fashion for the Christian layperson. I believe that anyone who carefully reads this book will give it, and its author a thumbs up. I certainly do.”
Dr. Tony Campolo
“I love Colin McCartney. We’ve been friends for over a decade. I’ve read all his books. And this one is special. He deconstructs the things that need deconstruction, but he helps you reconstruct a better, more robust faith. He doesn’t come with a wrecking ball, but with the precision of a surgeon. As Colin reminds us, the word “gospel" means “good news”… but much of what you hear in the church doesn’t sound like good news at all. Colin helps you cut through the funk of Christendom and get to the real good news of Jesus. That good news is that God is love, nothing more and nothing less. And anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is lying.”
Shane ClaiborneAuthor, Activist, and Co-Founder of Red Letter Christians
“In this engaging, insightful and immensely practical work, Colin McCartney helps readers deconstruct their fear-based conceptions of God as well as their “flat” ways of reading Scripture in order to help them reconstruct their conception of God in light of the revelation of God in Christ. I believe that readers who take this easy-to-read book to heart and who put into practice its wise instruction will discover a relationship with God and a way of reading Scripture that is as beautiful as it is transforming. I couldn’t recommend a book more strongly than I recommend Let The Light In.”
Dr. Greg BoydTheologian, Pastor, Professor, Author
“This is a must read for those who are ready to be honest and transparent with their theological struggles. Through McCartney’s own spiritual journey, the reader is invited to join in deeply personal reflection. Disturbing questions are validated and nagging doubts are acknowledged. The potential reward for participating in this exercise of deep reflection is worth the discomfort it may cause. It is honesty that will bring the relief and allow truth to set you free.”
Willard MetzgerExecutive Director, Citizens for Public Justice, former Executive Director, Mennonite Church Canada
“Colin McCartney has an uncanny ability to simplify complex theology in his explanation of who Jesus was and is. Sharing his own stories, we are invited to see how he deconstructs his childhood understanding of God to better follow Jesus daily in his ministry amidst urban poverty. “Let The Light In” is a challenging, encouraging and must read book.”
Brian BaumanRetired Mission Minister for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada
“Whether you are a pastor, church member, casual participant, or among the growing cadre of ‘none’s and done’s,’ Colin’s book is a courageous challenge to all of us to reclaim Jesus as the centre of who we are and all we are called to be. Getting to know Colin in the course of the journey unpacked in this book has been a blessing. Seeing Colin’s journey impact a new generation of church planter’s has been and continues to be an inspiration! Let the Light In, will be a must read for all our church planters.”
Norm DyckFounder and Team Leader Innovate Be The Change; Mission Minister for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada
“This important book deals with some of the key questions that many are afraid to ask and many leaders are afraid to tackle. Drawing on a broad range of teachers from the earliest centuries up to the present, and integrating his personal faith journey, Colin deals with: simplistic ideas of a harsh, judgemental God, dictation theories of inspiration, the importance of Jesus as the Living Word of God and other questions that are causing many to leave more conservative churches. While it is highly unlikely that anyone will agree with every idea advanced, the issues raised deserve the attention of all thinking Christians. The book itself is easy to read and thought provoking.”
Malcolm SeathChurch Elder; Retired President, Whitehall Robins Inc.; Previously President, Parke-Davis & Company, Ltd
"As a pastor navigating a church through the idea that our ‘Good News’ actually feels like ‘bad news’ to most hearing it, this book has proved to be an invaluable resource. Colin doesn’t shy away from tough topics but approaches them with a humility, humanness, and excitement that you can’t help but want to come along for the ride. He invites us to put on a ‘Jesus lens’ and see just how 'good' the ‘Good News’ really is."
James Scholl M.Div, BA (hons).Lead Pastor, Wellspring Worship Centre Toronto
“Through sharing personal experiences, relying heavily on scripture and looking closely at church history, Colin contributes to the process of deconstruction or rather, in his own words, ‘renovation’ whether you identify as a follower of Jesus or are skeptical. Above all, Colin draws us back to celebrate a ‘lost treasure’ that has been ‘found’ which is that in Jesus Christ the fullness of God dwells. This revelation of a Jesus like God brings healing to the distorted images of God that religion and bad theology has placed on us. As someone who is from, and also serves in the inner - city, I can see how this book will make sense of a lot of questions that have held us in bondage. Through seeing the love of God, displayed in Jesus, I can also see the liberation from that bondage.”
Jordan ThomsPastor, Warden Underground Community Church; Rap Artist
“This book was like a breath of fresh air. Like I've been trapped inside a house without knowing for a long time, looking out a window, dreaming of adventure but not venturing outside. McCartney gently leads you through a door that gives you new perspectives. My curiosity about the great outdoors is now validated. What I thought I knew about God needed deconstruction - and now I can begin renovation in my soul with a pretty good carpenter I know.”
Duane ForrestMusician and Playwright; Founder of Genesis Community Of The Arts
“Faced with enormous questions, McCartney understands what's at stake and takes his search for Biblical answers very seriously. His passion for Jesus and his love of justice are evident on every page as he wrestles with issues that few churches are addressing but many individuals are discussing on their own. As a result, Let the Light In is a challenging, stretching and even painful journey at times but it's also incredibly worthwhile. McCartney's desire is not to convince the reader of one 'right' path but rather to inspire their own journey into scripture with renewed imagination and a deeper passion for the reality of Christ in our lives. Whether you agree or disagree with his arguments (or both), his ultimate goal is to invite you to think with a 'Jesus lens' and let that change the way you see the world.”
Steve NortonFounder and Editor www.screenfish.net
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Step Into The Light - Webinar / Seminar / Speaking

“What if the boundless love that we see in Jesus Christ isn’t just one of many traits of God? What if that infinite, absolute love is, well, everything?”

Are you filled with questions concerning your faith? Do you struggle with toxic images of God you might have in your mind or from what you have heard from others?  Are you confused with negative and violent portrayals of God as seen in the Bible or through various doctrines you were taught to believe? Are you in the process of deconstructing your faith but do not know how to reconstruct your faith? Are you looking for a safe forum that can create a healthy environment to allow for constructive discussion on questions that plague many Christians?

Make 2022 the best year yet by connecting with God and others. To help you do this Connect City will be hosting “Step Into The Light”’ seminars based on the book; “Let The Light In” led by the author of the book, Rev. Colin McCartney. “Step Into The Light” is a FREE interactive, webinar / live seminar based on the book that can help you and others understand:

  • The dangers of having a toxic image of God
  • The necessity of deconstruction as a healthy form of spiritual growth
  • How to read the Bible the way Jesus did – through a Jesus lens
  • Alternative, yet Biblical ways, to understand violent portrayals of God in the Scripture so that they actually reveal a loving God
  • Biblical challenges to doctrines that portray God in a negative light to different doctrines that reveal a God of love
What will we be discussing?

In our time together we will focus on the need many of us have to deconstruct any negative concepts of God that might be harming how we view ourselves and others. In doing this, we will learn how to read the Bible through a Jesus lens to see how God has complete and eternal love for all people. While doing this we will also tackle the tough passages that appear to reveal God in a negative, violent light. You will be surprised to see that even the most toxic view of God in Scripture actually reveals a God of eternal love.

What Does the seminar look like?

Each session lasts about 60 minutes and includes interaction and Q & A with Rev. McCartney. You will also be set up on Google Drive to receive a workbook as well as articles, etc based on what we are learning together. It is not necessary, but we do recommend you purchase the book; “Let The Light In” by Rev. Colin McCartney as the seminar is based on the book. You can purchase the book through Amazon, Indigo / Chapters or other book stores.

If you are interested in having Rev. McCartney lead a seminar, please contact us through the form below.

    From the Author

    Purchase 'Let The Light In'

    You can purchase “Let The Light In” on Amazon, through the Herald Press (both linked below) and at any bookstore near you.

    More from Colin McCartney

    The Other Side Podcast (Coming Soon)

    Other Books

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