Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsDisappointingly politically-rooted in American cultural conservatism
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2020
Disappointingly politically-influenced theology with an aggressive stance.
As a Christian, I often have questions about my faith and how I should approach cultural ideas. I read this book hoping it would address modern topics and help me also think about how to thoughtfully talk with my kids. But instead of diving into why people believe things and how that reveals a deeper desire that only God can fill, the authors take an aggressive ‘the liberal agenda is out there to get your kids!’ tone. It’s very us-vs-them. The authors assume you agree with them (Socialism, Feminism, linguistic theft—bad!) and you need to protect your kids from these ideas with a slaying quip. But there’s no Biblical reason given to justify their premises. Their positions seem more rooted in modern American cultural Christianity than Biblical text. For example, one author seems terrified that Bernie Sanders could even be considered a viable candidate in modern American politics, as it indicates that our foundation of God-honoring social structures are crumbling. She writes that Socialism wants to destroy “the old guard” of leaders within Capitalism (she assumes you believe that Capitalism is good, but again—no Biblical reason). Um... “drain the swamp!”??? Same premise, opposite team. If you’re going to pick apart politics, see the flaw in both sides or else don’t claim to be apolitical. The authors label Social Justice movements as a sneaky cover for Marxist ideas and fighting for more equitable wages is somehow unfair to those who are wealthier. There’s plenty of theological topics in this book that I think they accurately explore, but again—those have a Biblical foundation. The political topics lack Biblical foundations and are obviously more aligned with party thinking. The answer to the flaws in Marxism isn’t Capitalism, it’s the hope that God will one day restore His creation with perfect justice. The answer to feminism isn’t patriarchy, it’s the comforting truth that our Father is good and loving and made men and women in His image.
I was raised Christian in the 90’s where the rally cry was that the church was being attacked by liberal-agenda media. We “needed” to be equipped with facts to retort. Treating non-believers as sly Jesus-haters to be defeated was why I nearly left the church. Church felt political and that wasn’t attractive. That perspective, also found in this book, doesn’t leave any room for people like me who may have different political beliefs but still believes in the preeminence of God and the saving work of Jesus. God is neither a Socialist nor Capitalist—we are broken people trying to create social structures with an inherent longing for the peace and equality of the Kingdom of God. I wish this book pointed more to God as our ultimate answer and less to Western society in the 50’s.
