Urban Apologetics: Cults and Cultural Ideologies: Biblical and Theological Challenges Facing Christians

by Eric Mason

We know that Urban isn't just a place but a culture now. Followers of Jesus face many challenges to their faith, among them the rising influence of contemporary cults, alternative theologies, and ethical issues that challenge traditionally held beliefs and practices. Urban Cults and Cultural Ideologies, is a follow-up to the bestselling Urban Apologetics, and it provides a guide to addressing these challenges with grace and wisdom. In addition, throughout the book are short essays by leaders in the church sharing their convictions on successful ministry and reflection on today's challenges in light of the past.

This all-new volume addresses several of today's most-talked-about issues,

Jehovah WitnessesThe Prosperity GospelBlack Liberation theologyLGBTQ+ IssuesCritical Race Theory (CRT)White NationalismFaith DeconstructionEdited by Dr. Eric Mason and featuring a top-notch lineup of contributors such as Anthony Bradley, Brandon Washington, and Thabiti Anyabwile, Urban Cults and Cultural Ideologies equips pastors, churches, and everyday believers to engage the most common ethical, biblical, and theological challenges faced by Christians and the church today.

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

About the author

DR. ERIC MASON is the founder and pastor of Epiphany Fellowship in Philadelphia, PA. He and his wife, Yvette, have four children. After more than two decades of gospel ministry, Dr. Mason has become known for his passion to see the glory of Jesus Christ robustly and relevantly engaged in broken cities with the comprehensive gospel. He helps coach and train families to plant churches locally, nationally, and internationally. He is the founder and president of Thriving, an urban resource organization committed to developing leaders for ministry in the urban context, and is the author of three books, Manhood Restored, Beat God to the Punch, and Unleashed. He is the recipient of multiple earned degrees, including a BS in Psychology from Bowie State University, a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctoral degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Read

I was drawn to this book because I knew it was composed by a group of serious Bible scholars who have a heart for the gospel and a fervor for saving souls.

I found that it delivered exactly what it said it would. Each writer took their time to expound on the chapters they covered, leaving no stone unturned so that the reader could walk away with a robust knowledge and feel equipped to understand and defend the gospel to those they are trying to reach who may fall into one of the cults or cultural ideologies that were explained.

The book also had healing elements to it. It was well balanced, with each chapter explaining not just the problems of each faulty belief system, but also solutions for the Church.

It also highlighted what a believer can do if he or she had ever fallen prey to one of the belief systems described.

I would say my favorite chapter had to be the one on White Christian Nationalism. The author eloquently explained how evangelicalism is historically biased against blacks and how in order for it to reconcile with scripture, the foundation needs to be examined and revised.

Overall, I think this book would be a great resource for churches, Bible studies, and individuals in the urban communities. It would also be beneficial for those who currently hold to the groups described within it.

[Tamika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great discussions

I truly felt this was an educational discussion. Every argument was presented with factual information. It's apologetics which is in defense of the faith and this book did an amazing job by hit not only, various topics important in the world today but aims to look for solutions.

I truly enjoyed it.

[Taja Hereford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of information. As a Christian who is black, it was helpful to see the influences of the cults and cultural ideologies broken down and explained. This is by no means exhaustive of every issue, but it gives thorough understanding of the foundations of these movements. Helpful for the mature believer to dive into if we want to reach the lost.