Stephen Mattson

A book designed to assist those disaffected and disillusioned by American Evangelicalism maintain faith in Jesus.

The author's personal story undergirds his exhortations, having been raised in a "fundamentalist" Evangelical religious environment. He explores the difficulties and challenges present in Evangelicalism, believing that it is experiencing a great reckoning as a result of its heritage in excessive nationalism, racism, misogyny, and the like. He encourages Christians to consider themselves first and foremost of the Kingdom of God, to seek to serve Jesus in all things, how to live faithfully despite having experienced hurt and pain, how to proclaim Jesus despite the difficulties, and being willing to change with integrity.

Many of the exhortations will resonate today. Yet it should be noted how the author has landed squarely on the side of culture on almost every major hot-button societal issue of the day, and baptizes all of it. Yes, there is a toxic legacy in a lot of Evangelicalism on many issues...but not all issues. Yes, many of the issues could have been handled in a more loving and Christlike way.

These kinds of critiques are necessary, but those who offer them must also show relevant concern about being too compromised / accommodative to culture, especially as it relates to sexual ethics.

**--galley received as part of early review program… (altro)