Reading Francis

I have a close friend and colleague who often makes me very uncomfortable. Whenever we are meeting new people together, she will gush at some length about how great I am. She knows that it horrifies me, but she does it anyway. 

I’m not sure why I have such a visceral reaction to receiving praise, but it’s not new. While I write quite a bit about myself, it’s usually in the vein of chuckling about some shortsightedness or confessing some misguidedness I’ve recently stumbled upon in my life. Basically, I’m deeply uneasy about seeing myself promoted. 

This is a challenge if you’re trying to get people interested in your book. 

While I tried to write an enthusiastic blurb and bio for myself, it was a lot harder than writing the actual book. So I asked Claude, an AI tool recommended to me by a friend, to read my manuscript and write a blurb for me. Though I wouldn’t use Claude to help write the book, it’s pretty good at writing a blurb that’s suitable for an Amazon listing. 

Thanks to Claude, here’s what my book is about:

In “Abandoning Temples: Letting Go of What We Worship to Find What Truly Matters,” Jeff Johnson invites readers on a transformative journey from misplaced devotion to authentic purpose. With unflinching honesty and deep insight, Johnson explores the subtle and pervasive idols of modern life—from career ambitions and political ideologies to relationships and self-image.

Drawing from personal experiences, biblical wisdom, and cultural observations, Johnson illuminates the ways we unknowingly construct “temples” around false gods in our lives. He challenges readers to examine their own priorities and attachments, offering a compassionate guide to identifying and dismantling these idols.

But “Abandoning Temples” is more than a critique; it’s a roadmap to rediscovery. Johnson shows how letting go of our misplaced worship can open the door to what truly matters—a deeper connection with God, authentic relationships, and a life of genuine purpose. He provides practical insights for repurposing our energies and reorienting our hearts toward lasting fulfillment.

This timely work speaks to Christians grappling with their faith in a complex world, as well as to spiritual seekers looking for meaning beyond materialism and tribalism. Johnson’s voice is both relatable and prophetic, offering hope and direction for those feeling lost in a sea of competing priorities.

Part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part cultural commentary, “Abandoning Temples” is an invitation to a more intentional and purposeful life. It challenges readers to let go of the false securities we cling to and embrace a faith that transforms not just our beliefs, but our very way of being in the world. For anyone seeking to align their life with what truly matters, this book offers a compelling and compassionate path forward.