Cover Image: Uncanceled

Uncanceled

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I always like reading Phil's books and getting a fresh perspective on some of the things that go on in this world. And it's a Biblical perspective, not political. He talks about how both sides of the political spectrum have been canceled. He went through some history on freedom of speech and how being canceled is not completely a new thing. It's very clear that he loves the Lord and he loves people, and promotes being more concerned on who the Lord says we are instead of the listening to news media, politicians, and others who want to cancel one another.

Rating: 5 out of 5

This book was provided by NetGalley and Thomas Nelson in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

Sorry for the late review. It's been a very hectic year for me to sum it up, and not quite finishing what I've started so with that I apologize. This was an engaging read and I appreciate the upfront honesty. This is something I believe we all need to be like on a daily basis. True and to the point. Written from a Christian perspective and using the Bible as our manual for life in this world of cancelled culture. I received this e-book for free from NetGalley and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

Was this review helpful?

Phil Robertson writes in a straightforward, easy to understand manner. He talks about cancel culture and how it has affected him. He was interviewed by a writer from GQ magazine and asked about his views on homosexuality. Phil discussed his views and quoted scripture. When the interview came to print, Phil became part of cancel culture. He quotes scripture throughout the book. I admire his no nonsense view and his ability to explain his stance and why he believes what he does. Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

Was this review helpful?

If you’ve ever watched Duck Dynasty then you’re familiar with the Robertson family and how Phil Robertson was “canceled” after an interview with a journalist. In “Uncanceled,” Robertson addresses cancel culture, his past, and his faith.

In the sphere of Christian reading, I would definitely say this is an interesting one. While I can’t say we agree on absolutely everything faith-wise, I will say Robertson had some interesting thoughts on cancel culture- mainly the acknowledgement that it stems from both sides of the political world. I also liked his commentary on how being a republican doesn’t make you inherently a christian and vice versa.

From there, the book rolls into a sermon type recounting of his past and what he believes of Jesus, as I figured it would. It wasn’t really anything new from the Robertson family, but if you’re a Duck Dynasty fan, you’ll likely enjoy the more succinct retelling.

In the end, I gave this book three stars. It was interesting and thought-provoking, but maybe not quite what I had hoped for. I was really hoping that we would stay on cancel culture from a communication standpoint, which was mostly just hopeful thoughts from my college-missing brain.

Thanks to NetGalley and Nelson Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Politically correct versus biblically correct.
I know which side I'd rather be on.

In this book, Phil Roberston takes readers through what's been termed "cancel culture." He even shares his story of being canceled before there was a real, solid term for it.
Robertson seems to be well researched in all aspects he addresses in this book. I am definitely interested in hearing more of his thoughts on the topic.

Was this review helpful?

This is my review for Phil Robertson's book Uncancelled. I am someone who highlights parts in a book that I like, and I pretty much highlighted this whole book and I am not kidding!

Phil Robertson wrote this book to explain his recent experiences with the cancel culture, and how he has been cancelled by some people but it hasn't stopped him one bit, because he has put his faith in Jesus Christ, who was also cancelled, and who shows us how to handle it, and what to do thru His word, which Phil in turn shares in his book! This book is full of godly wisdom, and helps us to know how to navigate these waters of the cancel culture in a godly way!

He defines the cancel culture's goal as "Simply put, cancel culture’s goal is to embarrass, intimidate, or cause someone to lose something of value, such as a contract, a job, or corporate revenue, in order to force the target to change their behavior." (ch. 1 quote). He goes on to explain how he was asked to do an interview for GQ magazine, and the gentleman who interviewed him was invited into Phil's home to do the interview, which Phil thought went great as he and the interviewer had a great time, so he thought. When this gentleman asked Phil his views on homosexuality, Phil quoted from the bible in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.". When the article came out, the man only printed verses 9-10 but Phil also quoted verse 11 as well, but they didn't print that, and because of sharing this verse Phil was cancelled, but not for long...

Here's what Phil said happened with the GQ interview guy: "I explained that homosexuality was not unlike any other sin. I also went to great lengths to share the message of Jesus and how all sin can be eradicated by simply putting our faith in Christ. In fact, I spent several hours with the young man, showing him around my land and letting him fire a gun for the first time, all the while preaching the gospel to him. As I said, it was a setup, a trap I was willing to fall into. But did I hate the man for it? Was I angry? Did I try to retaliate against him? Hardly! I just loved the guy because I knew he was under the influence of the one who had once controlled me. He didn’t know what he was doing, not really. He wanted to cancel me, but I only wanted to introduce him to the one who could give him eternal life."

This whole book talks about how to respond as a Christian to other people who want to cancel us, and helps us understand how to handle the cancel culture in general from a believers perspective, which is not in anger, or revenge, but in love. He talks all about who the true enemy is that is trying to silence Christians and other moral people who do not agree with the cancel culture who wants to intimidate and shut those up who oppose them, which is Satan.

Phil shares where he feels the anger and frustration that he's received from people who want to cancel others if they won't tow the line of their belief system comes from, which is from us turning our hearts away from God, and as a result people are searching for the void only Jesus can fill, that leads to a lot of the hostility and cancelling going on in America today. He expounds on this idea, and backs it up with the Scriptures. He always said if we love God and our neighbor, then we wouldn't have so much problems today.

The greatest thing I learned from this book is that without God, we become disconnected with reality, sin runs rampant, and then things turn south from there. Phil shares that we are made in God's image, and we have great worth to God, and turning back to Him thru Jesus is our only hope! Like Phil said, "But ever since we told God to take a hike, one of the casualties is that we have lost the ability to navigate safely through life. As I’ve pointed out, the absence of God— even though he’s not actually absent but ignored— means we are disconnected from truth and reality. Without someone greater than ourselves to guide our steps, we lose connection with the one reality that actually tells us what our true worth is. When we don’t acknowledge that we bear the image of God, how can we find our actual value? Perhaps the most devastating casualty of evicting God from our culture is that, without him, we have no path to redemption.

Also, "Those who delight in cancelling others prey upon our fear that our guilt and shame will be exposed in order to gain control over us. This is why God commands us to confess our sins openly. This has been my practice since I first became a follower of Jesus, and it’s worked well for me. Once in a while someone will point out a salty social media headline that says something like “Phil Robertson Has Affair.”My response is always the same. I laugh and say, “Well, duh! I already wrote about that in my book. That’s old news!”This is one reason neither Satan nor the cancel culture crowd can hold anything over my head: I’ve already come clean about my past before the entire world. If you are living in fear that someone will really know the true version of yourself, how about you just obey God? Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. (James 5: 16, emphasis added)".

So explaining the reasons behind the actions of the cancel culture being us turning away from God, the Good News is that we can turn back to Jesus who doesn't shame us and will forgive us unlike the cancel culture, and taught me that I don't have to fear being cancelled because Jesus has already cancelled my sin, and His opinion is the only one that matters.

The last thing I learned from this book is not to become bitter myself when others cancel me for my faith and belief in Jesus Christ because the Bible tells us we will be persecuted as well, but the way I handle it is going to speak volumes like Phil talks about in his book! I need to keep my eyes on Jesus, be aware of the enemy's schemes, not be afraid of getting cancelled, but to just keep loving God and my neighbor, and He will take care of the rest!

Phil's book is easy to read, non-judgmental, but tells the truth of what the cancel culture is doing to divide our nation! We must stand strong, but not get bitter, but to keep seeking God because He will show us how to navigate the waters of the cancel culture, and pray for our nation to turn back to God thru Jesus, and unite again as a country!

On a personal note, this past week I had a conversation with someone who did not share my beliefs, but we had some good dialogue I thought, but sadly at the end, the person told me I couldn't talk to them anymore until I realized my beliefs were wrong, apologized for them, and if I do that then I'd be allowed to talk to this person again, but if not I could no longer talk to them. I am so glad I was reading Phil's book at the time because he had a way to navigate this very thing, which was to talk it out with the Lord, give it to Him, and love and pray for that person, but to respect their wishes. It helped me not to take this personally or to get bitter or to lash back. I felt good about how I handled it because I loved and respected this person, but when asked what I believed, I told them, but in love and respect as Phil says! So I was super glad, as God sent this book right when I needed it.

So this gets a 10/10 rating, and I loved this book, and thank Mr. Robertson for sharing his experiences and godly wisdom with us!!

Was this review helpful?

Having been canceled himself, Phil Robertson writes with firsthand knowledge and experience. One may expect bitterness or a rant, but instead this book was a call to Christians to remain committed to truth no matter what. Phil provided many modern examples of others who had done just that, Likewise, he pointed repeatedly to the Bible and used the sacred text to challenge and spur on the reader in the faith.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed this book. Phil Robertson's take on cancel culture was very insightful. I really appreciated that he wrote from a Christian perspective and backed up his claims with scripture. He encourages the reader to shift their perspective and focus on the Lord. We should not be placing our hope in the world, we should be placing our hope in Jesus. Overall, a great book that I think everyone who is woried about our culture should read.

Was this review helpful?

I really love how Phil Robertson refuses to conform to the new "social norms". He stands by his beliefs no matter who opposes him.
I love reading his books because you can truly see the person behind the words. He's authentic all the time.

Was this review helpful?

A brave book about standing up for what you believe and not letting the world tell you how to dictate your life. I love the Robertson family from Duck Dynasty, but I love them even more for their candor in how they live. It is an excellent example and good read when the world seems to be against you!

Was this review helpful?

If you were a fan of Duck Dynasty then perhaps you will enjoy this book. I tried. I really tried, but I never really got into that show and it is obvious that you need to know the show to understand the man.

From the few chapters I read before I was so bored I just gave up, it seems to me that Phil Robertson is the ultimate in hypocrisy. "Liberal Hollywood" gets him a show that makes him rich and famous. But then that show got cancelled because "Liberal Hollywood" didn't like what he said in some interview. Were you always in bed with an evil institution but since it is no longer to your advantage you are calling them out on it? Did they suddenly become evil? Or were you ignorant of their evil up to this moment?

I am not a fan of cancel culture. But cancel culture isn't new and it isn't just something the "left" is doing. After all, cancel culture is just a new term for boycott. And nobody is more famous for boycotting things they don't like than the church.

From the little I read, this book was less about trying to address a social ill and more about Robertson complaining about getting cancelled and more about complaining and blaming those he doesn't like because DD couldn't go on.

Was this review helpful?

Uncanceled was a very good read. If you are a fan of the show, you might be a bit disappointed. There are very few references to the famed Duck Dynasty show or even to the fact that it got cancelled. What you will find is an straight forward presentation of the gospel of Jesus and how that truth is the key to Robertson's approach to handling the cancel culture. The message is repeated over and over in every chapter. If you don't want to hear that message, then don't read the book. However, I'd highly encourage you to summon up the courage to read it, even if you disagree with the message. Fans of Phil will enjoy the book. Opponents should find a different side of their supposed enemy if they will take the time to read the book. Overall, it's a worthy ready.

Was this review helpful?

I like to read books from other points of view besides my own. Sometimes they convince me to change my mind. This one didn't. Robertson is very firm in his religious beliefs and his opinions. If you agree with them, you're likely to love this book.

Was this review helpful?

I've said it before and I'll say it forever, Phil Robertson is an absolute gem. This is a fast read full of reminders to set our sight on the Lord instead of the world. It's not a book about the left or the right, it's a book about the grace of Jesus and how He is the only one that can save us. It gave me a lot to think about, and reminded me that hope for the future comes when we embrace Jesus and all He has done for us. I'm so grateful that Phil has the platform he does and can reach so many people in such a laid-back, relatable way. Absolutely loved this. Thank you so much to Nelson Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy!

Was this review helpful?

This is a great book that will make you stop and think. This book is very straight forward and as always, Phil Robertson tells it like it is, no sugar coating. This is a book everyone needs to read.
I received a complimentary copy from Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Review

Introduction
Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Book for allowing me to read this ARC of Uncanceled. My thoughts are my own.

I’ve heard of Duck Dynasty and the Robertson family. But I have never read any of their books, I haven’t watched the family’s show. Most of this stems from the fact that we don’t have a television.

I remember hearing about the trouble Phil Robertson got himself in though. When I saw his book available on NetGalley, I thought it would be an interesting read given today’s unquenchable cancel culture.

Background
In 2013, Phil Robertson made remarks to a GQ writer that got him canceled by mainstream media. Scripted and preplanned, the attack that followed tried to erase Mr Robertson, along with his message of redemption and grace.

Little did the writer know that the battle to cancel Mr Robertson would fail.

About the Book
After reading Mr. Robertson’s Uncanceled, I believe it can be divided into four sections. He speaks of her personal experience being canceled. Next, provides an analysis of current cancel culture trends (including canceling their own). He then provides his deeply moving personal testimony. The book finishes with Bible verses and passages that reflect God’s mission of grace.

When you get down to it, and Phil speaks to this in the book, cancel culture reflects America’s current trajectory away from God-centered nation. Instead, it shows itself as lining up with nations around the world that do not allow for freedom of religion or speech.

There were several points in the book where I felt this became so clear. To me, it is in indication that our battles are more than just flesh and blood.

Phil’s testimony is moving. Since he was redeemed by Christ, he has made it is mission to present the Gospel message in any situation he can. He brings his Bible with him and almost surprises the people he is speaking to by bringing it out and speaking from it.

What a bold way to live. Unafraid. Unashamed.

To close the book, Mr. Robertson points the reader back to the Bible to passages that speak to God’s redemption. He stresses the important fact that there is not any sin is too big for God to save you.

Any Triggers or problems?
There are two times that I remember where I felt Mr. Robertson took a political stand that was disappointing. Seeing that Nelson Books published Uncanceled makes me wonder if this was deliberately put in the book by the publisher or if Mr. Robertson wrote these ideas himself. To me, these are definitely a political stand, and I don’t think anyone reading this book can miss them.

Final Thoughts
Overall, Uncanceled is a great book. I love how Mr. Robertson shares his testimony. While he could have chosen to make this book solely about cancel culture, he instead writes about his personal experience, how God’s grace redeemed him. To me, there isn’t a better way to bring the Gospel to life.

Who Should Read Uncanceled?
Mr. Robertson holds nothing back. He speaks out against cancel culture and calls it like it is. He is once again proclaiming that mainstream media can try its best to get rid of Mr. Robertson, but he, and his message, are going nowhere. If you have friends or family members who try to act like they understand cancel culture as good, Uncanceled is the perfect book to have them read to counteract this opinion. If nothing else, it shows them a different side of things.

Was this review helpful?

Phil Robertson strikes again. I suppose I knew where he stood during his time on Duck Dynasty but he has made it even more clear recently. It's definitely interesting to hear his thoughts as well as his biblical interpretations of present happenings.

Was this review helpful?

I love Phil Robertson and was delighted when I got approved for this book. It is a great book on a tough topic. Highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?

Fresh perspective on a difficult topic. I recommend for those who already know who Phil Robertson is and for people who (like me) aren't familiar with him.

Was this review helpful?