I have very mixed feelings about this book. The title of "Shepherds for Sale" ultimately seems misleading and unproven. I don't feel that a narrative I have very mixed feelings about this book. The title of "Shepherds for Sale" ultimately seems misleading and unproven. I don't feel that a narrative of evangelical leaders being bought is proved, nor does it seem argued for all that much after a certain point. I also don't think the "follow the money" line ultimately works, which, even if all the money-following is accurate, it doesn't ultimately prove that people are sold. A fairer thesis would be that various progressive ideologies are making inroads in certain "elite" circles, as the temptation is to capitulate more in a culturally acceptable way.
I have seen enough demonstrable misrepresentations that I am inclined to take many of Basham's assertions with a grain of salt. I listened to the audiobook, so I don't have the notes to doublecheck, but my general impression was a lack of charity, casting aspersions, and imputing motives to those who were characterized negatively. From what I have observed, this seems like a common journalistic practice where the "antagonists" of the story don't get much positive said about them, while the "protagonists" get spoken of in rather glowing terms. Given that these are brothers and sisters in Christ we are discussing, I would see this tendency to be overall unhelpful.
My other mixed feelings are related to the mix of issues that she sees as signs of evangelical drift. The outright promotion of the LGBT agenda is unarguably heretical, while certain applications of CRT certainly verge on it as well. There's not really room for disagreement on the Christian sexual ethic, while the more extreme usages of CRT ultimately lead to division and heresy. Yet topics of illegal immigration and climate change are not so clear-cut from a theological perspective, while the chapters on #MeToo and the response to Covid-19 (at least as far as the church is concerned) are more matters of questions of judgment. Not all of these issues are of equal value and, even if all accusations are true, do not necessarily indicate theological drift. We don't want to confuse political and scientific questions on which Christians may legitimately differ with historic orthodox Christian belief.
As someone who doesn't spend any time on Twitter but who has heard people who do, I felt like the book and tone just reflected that of people who spend far too much time on it.
This seems like the opposite of Alberta's The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. Alberta highlights a real problem affecting segments of evangelicals (idolization of Trump and fear-based political action), but I think he overestimates the extent. I feel the same way about this book. Basham highlights another problem affecting another segment of evangelicals (capitulation to the "respectable" culture trajectory), but I also think she overestimates the extent. In the face of the current cultural moment, some are tempted to respond out of fear and dig in their heals, while others are tempted to go with the flow. These two temptations may be somewhat defined by social and physical location. The rural and smaller regions with less upward mobility can tend toward a political savior who can conserve what is loved, while the more urbanite and upwardly mobile tend toward those agendas that continue that upward mobility. Maybe that's too much psychologizing, but that's my impression of the two temptations.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that evangelicals should not be looking to "elites," parachurch ministries, and institutions with the frequency that they do and have done for the past few decades. Faithful ministry in the local church, not large platforms and organizations, should be the ideal....more
Because American church history is relatively short, this book skips over fewer events than might be expected in a "turning points" book. Part of the Because American church history is relatively short, this book skips over fewer events than might be expected in a "turning points" book. Part of the reason for this is that Coffman does not simply look at the specific turning point, but then traces its effects down through the years. That leads to my one big complaint: The chapters felt misleading. The highlighted event is usually a relatively small part of the chapter which sets up a larger discussion. I felt like I would have been led through the book better if the chapters better encompassed what the overall theme was.
Coffman definitely takes an overall view of American Christianity in decline in her presentation. And I don't think it's without reason. American Christianity has been much too triumphalist and ignorant of the past. It needs to acknowledge its errors, recognize and separate the cultural accretions, and then hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints. ...more
A helpful corrective to the consumer mindset that has so defined much of American Christianity. I'm not sure how much has changed since this was writtA helpful corrective to the consumer mindset that has so defined much of American Christianity. I'm not sure how much has changed since this was written about 15 years ago, so still something that needs emphasized....more
I expected this book to be another book in the cottage industry of "why did evangelicals vote for Trump?" It is in a way, but in a rather different waI expected this book to be another book in the cottage industry of "why did evangelicals vote for Trump?" It is in a way, but in a rather different way. Instead of a book written by an outsider, it's written by an insider. And it's not just an exposé to show how bad evangelicals are, but its intent seems to be to call evangelicals toward reform.
I'll say up front that there are both methodological weaknesses and somewhat one-sided depictions. Overall, the sample size he uses is not all that large, and so I find his generalizations to be overly broad. He does not paint those he is critiquing in the most favorable light, while those he holds up as models are presented in rather glowing terms. There is also some theological ignorance/dismissiveness, as when he calls the idea that women should serve as pastors, i.e. the position held by almost all Christians prior to the modern era, "thin and unconvincing," ultimately betraying either a lack of knowledge of the debate or a willful one-sided aside. There is also the matter of what an "evangelical" is. I have long since been convinced that the term is almost useless nowadays. Alberta basically follows the "political" definition, which has the inherent weakness of casting a very broad net and having no theological distinctions that characterize it. It also ends up encompassing many non-churchgoing "evangelicals" in the definition, a portion that a theological definition would exclude.
Perhaps my biggest critique is that Alberta essentially takes a two kingdoms approach to politics. The church's preserve is the spiritual realm and it should not meddle in worldly affairs. This perspective shaped his analysis in various ways throughout, such that, generally speaking, he presents the faithful pastors as those who refuse to engage in politics.
Those critiques aside, I believe this is a book that Christians, particularly those of the evangelical variety, should read. There are undoubtedly sins that need to be repented of. Theological drift does not only occur to the left, but also occurs to the right. The rightward drift, in my estimation, is more insidious because those who drift that direction can more easily claim to be holding fast to what is true, when instead they have exchanged orthodoxy for an idiosyncratic American vision.
While I do believe Alberta probably generalizes overly broadly, much of what he described rings true as I reflect upon my own years of being brought up in and moving among conservative Christian circles. I remember the fear over Obama becoming a dictator, the hysterics over Obamacare, the name-calling that was rather ubiquitous, the callous disregard for "illegals," dismissing of all Muslims as "head-choppers," the American flag displayed prominently in church, declarations that Democrats can't be Christians, people discipled more by Fox News than by their pastor, and more. The conflation of conservative (read Republican) identity and Christian identity is a real problem and one that needs highlighted.
I do believe Alberta touched upon why Christian engagement with politics has spiraled out of control is fear. I recognize now how much of what I heard in my younger years was all about fear and outrage. "This is the last chance to save America." "This is the most important election of your life." "Christians are being marginalized." "We're losing our nation." Right-wing (I hesitate to call it conservative) media fosters fear and outrage. It gets viewers and generates cash. Many Christians have ingested a steady stream of this content and are fearful of the future. Trump seemed like a savior who could stem the tide.
The phrase that constantly comes to mind as I read of the sins and excesses of all these people who claim the name of Christ is "the name of God is blasphemed amongst the Gentiles because of you." We can't simply ignore them because they didn't come from our tribe or we didn't participate in it. The name of Christ is being blasphemed in the eyes of the watching world, and it is not without reason that many people think evangelicals are evil. When all they see are the Eric Metaxas's, the Greg Lockes, the sexual abuse cover-ups, or the Benny Hinn/Kenneth Copeland-type hucksters, it's hardly surprising. Faithful Christian witness needs to be set in opposition to these abuses.
Agree or disagree with the two kingdoms approach of Alberta, the book is worth the time to wrestle with. There is simply too much scandal and outright wickedness within Christian circles to just put our heads in the sand....more
Overall a mixed-bag. Some of the articles were better than others, with some interesting insights into the history of economic market forces on evangeOverall a mixed-bag. Some of the articles were better than others, with some interesting insights into the history of economic market forces on evangelicalism and attitudes towards money. It seems dated already, however, and we could use a follow-up. Evangelicals definitely need more conscious reflection on its relation to money, particularly given the massive parachurch ministry industry that now exists....more
Going in, I really expected another book in the "why did Evangelicals vote for Trump?" sort of vein. What I got was far better. This book is a thoughtGoing in, I really expected another book in the "why did Evangelicals vote for Trump?" sort of vein. What I got was far better. This book is a thoughtful exploration of the history of American Biblical interpretation and political engagement, and the often fraught mixture of the two. Far too often, political presuppositions have shaped how Americans have read Scripture rather than the reverse. Since this is a common occurrence, the lessons from the past should help make us more aware of where we might be tempted to do the same in the present. Very much worth the read....more
The Scripture passage that immediately comes to mind as I've learned a little about the phenomenon that was the Duggars (being previously largely ignoThe Scripture passage that immediately comes to mind as I've learned a little about the phenomenon that was the Duggars (being previously largely ignorant of it) is Romans 2:24: "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." They were involved with an absolute perversion of Christianity in the IBLP and Bill Gothard's teachings, and this perversion is what many now associate with conservative Christianity due to the influence of the Duggars.
There's nothing groundbreaking in this story or in the theology. It is competent enough, but not a standout. Who the author is is really why this book is even known. That said, it is encouraging to hear that Jinger was able to walk out of her cult-like background and disentangle the perversion from authentic Christianity. I imagine this book will be helpful for people who came from a similar background. ...more
Dealing with our theologically conservative ancestors' openly racist theology is something that definitely needs dealt with and we can't simply ignoreDealing with our theologically conservative ancestors' openly racist theology is something that definitely needs dealt with and we can't simply ignore. It is a lesson to all of us that our "biblical" understanding of certain issues and the theology that we use to defend it may be more conditioned by our cultural circumstances and desire to justify ourselves than by fidelity to the text of Scripture. This is plainly the case of those who tried to argue that segregation was a God-ordained reality; in what ways may it be that way for us in the present?
Where I find Hawkins reaching is more towards his conclusions and in his (what I call) scholarly omniscience, where he is able to discern what really lies behind people's public statements and rationales. Were "family values" and private schools largely initiated due to segregationist motivations? I think he proves well enough that there was a direct correlation in South Carolina. But did coded racist language and motivation continue? That is harder to prove, especially given other issues at play in public schools (as well as the fear-mongering that no doubt drove many to flee).
Hawkins seems to want to imply that unless conservatives essentially wholeheartedly adopt a more liberal outlook on society, then they continue to be closest racists (even if unintentionally). Do evangelicals, especially in the South, need to deal with their history? Most definitely. But does dealing with it thus imply following Hawkins's preferred path toward social justice? That is open to debate.
Unfortunately, how I fear many will read this book will be to see racist dog whistles everywhere. Family values? Dog whistle. Private schools? Dog whistle. Parental rights? Dog whistle. To learn of how movements began and terms were used in the 50s, 60s, and 70s is not to gain insight into the hidden workings of the evangelical mind in the present, only of some of the cultural currents that influenced them and their parents. ...more
This is an interesting snapshot into a specific time period in history, but I didn't find it to be as helpful as other works from Noll.This is an interesting snapshot into a specific time period in history, but I didn't find it to be as helpful as other works from Noll....more
This is an excellent resource detailing how dispensationalism came to dominate the American Evangelical theological landscape, and how, even as it hasThis is an excellent resource detailing how dispensationalism came to dominate the American Evangelical theological landscape, and how, even as it has fallen out of favor in academic circles, it still continues to exert influence. A very worthwhile read for understanding some of how we have come to the present day. ...more
This is an excellent study on the history of Christian Zionism. Lewis highlighting that it is not simply a dispensational idea but one that arose as fThis is an excellent study on the history of Christian Zionism. Lewis highlighting that it is not simply a dispensational idea but one that arose as far back as the 17th century in England is helpful. There was a definite development and evolution of the idea that has come to so define American evangelicalism, and thus American politics.
Some things I learned: - Originally, Zionism was primarily a Christian phenomenon. Most Jews took issue with the idea. - It was secular Jews who were initially the most in favor of establishing a Jewish homeland. Many Orthodox Jews considered the establishment of the state to be illegitimate due to the way it was accomplished. - The idea of the Jews as a nation rather than a people was influential in the rise of Zionism. - J N Darby was not a Zionist, and the later activist Zionism that characterized later dispensationalists was not present in the earliest dispensationalists. - William Blackstone is considered the be a father of Zionism. - Israel has actively courted the support of Christian Zionists. - Messianic Judaism is a relatively recent phenomenon with roots in the charismatic movement.
I would highly recommend this book to understand how evangelical theology has developed an almost unwavering and unquestioning support of the modern state of Israel....more
A well told story of a the opulence and corruption that surrounded Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker (especially Jim). What is crazy is that Bakker may have eA well told story of a the opulence and corruption that surrounded Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker (especially Jim). What is crazy is that Bakker may have even pulled many of his schemes off if he was a bit more patient and with less corruption in the ministry. A good reminder that public figures like the Bakkers have, fairly or not, shaped public perceptions of Evangelicals....more
Going into this biography, I half expected for it to largely be hagiography. Instead, this was an intimate look into the life of Keith Green that showGoing into this biography, I half expected for it to largely be hagiography. Instead, this was an intimate look into the life of Keith Green that showed him as he was, warts and all. You get to know Green as a brash, naive, impetuous, bold, and passionate young man. His faults are on display, as are his strengths, and you feel like you truly get to know him (and Melody) as his life story is told. I appreciated their radical hospitality, as well as the honest acknowledgement of all the struggles they faced and confusion at people who prayed the sinners' prayer and quickly turned back to their old ways of life. The way the biography is presented, you follow along with Keith and Melody's growth as they gain more experience and perspectives shift.
The end of the book is absolutely heartbreaking. I knew Keith Green died in a plane crash and that others were with him, but I never knew the circumstances or that two of his young children died with him. Hard words even knowing how his life ended.
Though I have some theological differences with the Greens, this was a powerful biography and one that I would definitely recommend. ...more
A somewhat uneven history of the usage of the Bible in the colonies through the Revolution. Where the history is good, it is engaging and helpful. TheA somewhat uneven history of the usage of the Bible in the colonies through the Revolution. Where the history is good, it is engaging and helpful. The middle drags on a bit. Some particularly helpful parts on historical exegesis, particularly how colonists/Americans had a tendency to view themselves as a new national Israel and how the curse of Canaan turned into the curse of Ham and was eventually used to justify slavery....more
An okay biography of J. I. Packer. I'm not all that familiar with him, so it has been helpful in that way. Largely focused on his public life, not mucAn okay biography of J. I. Packer. I'm not all that familiar with him, so it has been helpful in that way. Largely focused on his public life, not much on personal. I better know Packer as the public figure, but have only a small glimpse of him as the private individual.
Biographies written while the figure is still living seem weak in general since they do not have full perspective on someone's life, and this is no different. Ryken seems to engage in near hagiography of Packer, and so I feel I am walking away with a rather idealized picture.
Ryken inserts himself and his own thoughts and writings into the text more often than I would expect from a biographer. It also seemed as if it could have used a little more editorial work, as it was repetitive at points, with very similar phrases repeated multiple times....more
This book is the definition of lack of nuance and actually proving your case. Butler makes sweeping statements about "racism being a feature, not a buThis book is the definition of lack of nuance and actually proving your case. Butler makes sweeping statements about "racism being a feature, not a bug" in Evangelicalism, arguing that it is built into its theology, but she fails to show how that would be so. There is little real theological engagement, which would be required to show how racism is built into the theology. There is undeniably a racist streak that has run through conservative American Christianity, and there is actually a better case to make for it than Butler makes; her actual historical examples are smaller in number than I was expecting.
The most glaring weakness is that Butler creates a definition of Evangelicalism that could never fit any Evangelical's definition. She completely dismisses the theological definition that is generally promoted by scholars like George Marsden, Mark Noll, and Thomas Kidd. Butler instead says that her working definition of Evangelicalism is that Evangelicals are "concerned with their political alliance with the Republican Party and maintaining the cultural and racial whiteness that they have transmitted to the public." She also defines it as "a nationalistic political movement whose purpose is to support the hegemony of white Christian men over and against the flourishing of others." Theological convictions be damned. Such a definition allows to include whoever you want and to exclude others who don't fit the narrative.
Butler engages in what I would call basically "scholarly omniscience." She apparently knows the true motivations hiding behind the claims. This leads to claims that are made with no actual backing, such as the underlying message behind groups like Focus on the Family "was that morality was essential to preserving the nation and that the sexual immorality of America, including race mixing, would be its downfall." No attempt to substantiate this, just a statement.
Other random observation, I'm probably just ignorant of it happening, but Butler made much of Evangelicals referring to Donald Trump as "King Cyrus." I had never heard of anyone referring to Trump that way, so I'm not sure if that speaks more to my ignorance or Butler elevating something that was not all that common.
This book just falls into the cottage industry of books about Evangelicals that have arisen after Trump's election. It lacks historical understanding of Evangelicals (though Butler thinks she knows better) and is simply poorly researched (the lack of footnotes makes its trustworthiness dubious). Yes, there are serious issues within Evangelicalism, and prejudice of various sorts is undeniably present in many arenas. But to simply boil the whole of Evangelicalism down to a racist heritage is seriously lacking. This is book is further proof that the term "Evangelicalism" is pretty much a worthless term that refers to nothing in particular....more
This was an interesting look at the Jesus Movement of the 1960s with some firsthand perspective from Greg Laurie and a few others. Too much of the booThis was an interesting look at the Jesus Movement of the 1960s with some firsthand perspective from Greg Laurie and a few others. Too much of the book was spent on the general history of the period, and I'm not sure those parts tied into the overall narrative all that well. I'd prefer to find a book on the time period that considers the movement more broadly and is not mostly uncritical of its legacy....more
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