Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


After Evangelicalism by David P. Gushee


Offers useful principles for Christian politics, but while the author rejects the fundamentalist view of Scripture, he does not offer a viable alternative



 

After Evangelicalism - GusheeAfter Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity
By David P. Gushee
Westminster John Knox
ISBN 978-0-664-26611-0
Reviewed by Pieter Lalleman

 
This is an American book, written for Americans about an American form of Christianity which hardly or not at all exists in the UK (I hope). Gushee argues that white American Evangelicalism in the 21st century is in fact a form of fundamentalism, and that by supporting Donald Trump it has shown its true colours more clearly than ever. Gushee has broken with this religion and his calls on his readers to follow him. 

The strengths of the book are in the final chapters which offer useful principles for Christian politics and discuss the racist roots of white (American) Christianity. Especially the latter chapter made me reflect on my own roots. The interested reader also gains more general insights into Christianity US-style and gets some information about what the New Testament teaches on sexuality (although Gushee subsequently contradicts this teaching). Clear summaries at the end of each chapter help to digest the theological discussions which will be hard for non-theologians. The author’s love and respect for the Jewish people is heart-warming.

On the downside, Gushee may reject the fundamentalist view of Scripture, but he does not offer a viable alternative; he is so impressed by what he sees as the diversity in the Bible that he can’t see its unity. Likewise, his view of God is rather one-sidedly that of a God of love. Gushee is rather proud of his own track record as an author and opinion leader, not least in arguing for complete acceptance of LGBTQ persons. In his post-evangelical sexual ethics, the idea of a covenant is central, and he seems to be surprised by the call of some other post-evangelicals for polyamory. 
I sincerely hope that non-American evangelicals do not need to leave Evangelicalism behind and therefore do not need this book. 
 

The Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman is the minister of Knaphill Baptist Church



 
Baptist Times, 05/11/2021
    Post     Tweet
Mindful Formation by Shaun Lambert
'Blends academic, practical, and devotional content seamlessly - a modern spiritual classic'
Slow Wisdom by Ruth Moriarty
'If taken on board, it should see the church meeting becoming more of what it should be: a dynamic, prayerful, joyful space of listening to God as we listen to one another'
What’s Up, by Joanna Adeyinka-Burford
Recommended devotional book for Key Stage 2 children who have some knowledge of Christianity, created by someone with a strong understanding of the world of the child
Mind Fuel for Young Explorers, by Bear Grylls and Will Van Der Hart
'A brilliant tool to aid our young people as they navigate our changing modern world, non-preachy yet shot through with Christian wisdom'
The Martyr and the Red Kimono by Naoko Abe
'I am personally very grateful to Noako Abe for this outstanding piece of work... Through her assiduous research she has retrieved the whole of Maximilian Kolbe’s life story'
Unforgiveable? by Stephen Cherry
'Explores forgiving and forgivability in the aftermath of serious, traumatic and life-changing harm. An important book, which deserves serious study'
    Posted: 04/10/2024
    Posted: 01/03/2024