A Private and Public Faith by William Stringfellow

by William Stringfellow

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Genres: Theology

Paperback

First published February 11, 1999

About the author

Frank William Stringfellow (April 26, 1928 – March 2, 1985) was an American lay theologian. He was active mostly during the 1960s and 1970s.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s both amazing and terrifying how much of what Stringfellow says about Christianity as it is generally practiced in the US remains true, given this is from 1962. If anything, it’s much worse today even than it was then.

It’s also a good reminder that it doesn’t have to be this way.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is forty-five years old and still incisive in its critique of American religiosity. Stringfellow was a lay Christian theologian and lawyer, a critic of civil religion, justice advocate and prophet. There are four chapters: "The Folly of religion," "The specter of Protestantism," "The Simplicity of the Christian Life," and "The Fear of God." The first two chapters are more conceptual and the last two describe Stringfellow's context (as an East Harlem lawyer and itinerate speaker) more directly.

Notable here is his critique of how religious silence has upheld the status quo and the ways in which American religion is disconnected from life. His comments on the roles of clergy and laity are also incisive. Short booklet but worth a look. My copy was an old Eerdmans paperback I found on a free book cart at a library sale. Wipf & Stock has a facsimile edition (pictured above).

[Laura Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those hard, sharp books on Christianity that are fifty years old and still feel relevant because apparently nothing changes.

[Naum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was originally published 51 years ago, it still is spot-on and prescient for today's world.

The church is called to be a witness of Christ / Word of God to the world; not to be a tribe of us v. them, or a haven for the morally righteous.

[Milton Quintanilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid read on what the church is and isn't. stringfellow calls out the deadness of religion and states that the church finds its awakening in God to be a servant in the world , and of the world in Christ!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stringfellow inspired me to think differently about the Church, my faith, and our role in the surrounding community.