Publisher's Synopsis
Jim Valekis' The Christian in the Cult: And How I Discovered Humanity in Christ uses the author's life story to take us deep inside the culture of the Greek Orthodox Church, Herbert Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God, and modern Evangelicalism. After journeying through three versions of "the only true church," Valekis deftly invites his readers to join him in his ongoing discovery of humanity in Christ and what it can mean for the church and the world.
Endorsement: Millions of religious believers will clearly recognize the spiritual journey narrated by Jim Valekis in this powerful story. A son of the Greek Orthodox Church finds himself in Herbert W. Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God, which eventually takes him into more traditional Christianity and out again. Where he ends up at the end of this fascinating pilgrimage will be a big surprise. But Valekis astutely narrates his journey and brings readers along with him to a spiritual destination that includes the whole world. In a religious and political landscape that has become a culture war of all against all, Valekis's final message of oneness and wholeness in Christ is a welcome antidote.─Andrew Manis, Emeritus Professor of History Middle Georgia State University, Macon, Georgia In your hands is a book that speaks powerfully to both the complexities of living and growing in the Church, and to the way God moves in our individual lives as believers. Through the story of author Jim Valekis, we see a riveting faith testimony passed from one generation of family to another -- across cultures, continents, and denominations. We experience through Jim's journey how our Christian faith can ground us and cover us spiritually, despite a fallen world, broken relationships, and vocational volatility. Jim reminds us that while our conditions and surroundings rise and fall, our steadfast relationship with Christ is All. I commend this book to you. ─Chuck Proudfit, President At Work On Purpose
About the Author: Jim Valekis was born in Alabama with a "bouzouki" on his knee. His Greco-American parents raised their family as part of a thriving Greek Orthodox community in Birmingham. As a teenager captivated by the radio teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong, Valekis defied his roots and eventually followed a call to pastor in the Worldwide Church of God. When the former cult transitioned into Evangelicalism, Jim followed, continuing to pastor in Grace Communion International. Most recently Valekis co-founded the vision for the Tipp Center, a faith-based business and resource hub, where he is the chaplain. Jim holds a master's degree in Biblical Studies from Earlham School of Religion. He enjoys hanging out with his wife Becky, biking, painting, and sharing (especially over Greek comfort food) how his new theological understanding connects back in profound ways with the ancient Trinitarian fabric of his Orthodox upbringing, a relational Christ-centered fabric expansive enough to include every human being.
