Review:

Almost true story of Ryan Fisher

The almost true story of Ryan Fisher is brilliantly written, hugely entertaining and full of character. But did I actually like it? Well almost, but not quite. You see TATSORF is actually a bitter satire of American mega church.

It was my hope throughout this humorous and poignant tale that there would be some redemption, some saving point in the story. Sadly there was none, just a harsh, cold and unforgiving perspective that appears to challenge the integrity of small and large churches alike.

The story centres on a non- Christian real estate agent who builds a church of thousands, effectively exploiting the opportunity for power while his marriage crumbles and his wife has an affair with the worship leader. Rob Stennett’s poison pen may have been directed towards church leaders but I felt its sting for the thousands of faux worshippers in his imaginary church. It made me wonder if he believed we could ever truly encounter Jesus or if he sees Christians as a vacuous and naive crowd so easily fooled by cheap gimmicks and free popcorn.

Ultimately I fear his satire backfired. I was left feeling sorry for him rather than challenged about church integrity.

HIGH: Wonderful characterisations and a heartbreaking story of self-gratification.

LOW: Bitter satire suggesting that the church is full of fools, easily duped by good marketing and social enterprise.

Published by: Zondervan