Too Christian, Too Pagan: How to Love the World Without Falling For It

by Dick Staub

The author, a radio broadcaster, takes on Christian evangelism, offering readers a new approach to preaching the word, and living as a follower of Christ in "The World."

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Michelle reeeeads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Your forays into the world will displease many Christians. Your spiritual attentiveness will discomfort many pagans. The road less travelled requires persistence and the endurance of suffering. In war, any casualty hurts, but casualties due to friendly fire seem particularly painful. I want to urge you to endure to the end.”
2 Timothy 4:2 and 5
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, along with Bob Briner's "Roaring Lambs," should be required reading for American Christians. Staub (like Briner) does an excellent job of describing how we should be interacting with the world around us (which, he says, will leave non-Christians thinking we are "too Christian" while some other Christians see us as "too pagan"). Really, he's describing the kind of Christian I aspire to be -- one who lives out my faith in a way that points others to Jesus without becoming so out of touch with the world around me that I can't relate to anyone outside the church.

The reasons I didn't give "Too Christian, Too Pagan" 5 stars have more to do with me (the reader) than with the book itself. I rarely rate books 5 stars, and when I do it's because they've really "wowed" me. A five-star book leaves me wishing it hadn't ended so soon and thinking about the content for days (or weeks) after I finish it. For nonfiction, that means the book gave me a new perspective and changed my thinking in some way. This book didn't make me think in new ways, but rather reinforced my existing thoughts. I might have rated it five stars if I had read it when it was first published, before I'd really thought through this topic. I guess you could say this book's major flaw was that it stayed on my "to-read" list far too long!

(On a related note, the examples in the chapters on popular culture are a bit outdated, but the principles can still be applied to current music, movies, and books.)

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick Staub has blazed a trail on a journey that is very similar to the one that I find myself in. With my own understanding of how to interact with the culture around me in many ways... underdeveloped due to some of the teachings from some of the churches I grew up in, I immediately appreciated the "back-to-basics" format that Staub uses in Too Christian, Too Pagan.

It reads much like a primer for the culturally ignorant, with scripture and examples throughout the book that drive home his points that as followers of Jesus we need to be actively involved in the world around us--reading the books, listening to the music, watching the movies--all with discernment--and foremost learning to love people the way Jesus does. At the same time, however, we must be careful to not let our thinking be conformed to the philosophy of the world in which we find ourselves. This dual citizenship is the heart of the gospel, and is why if you are following Jesus as you should, you will seem "Too pagan" for your Christian friends, but at the same time, "Too Christian" for the world at large.

This is certainly not the most detailed and scholarly book written on the subject, but I highly recommend it to fellow believers. It's fast paced, light-hearted, and easy to read, and covers an important subject matter from a stand point that we don't hear often enough.

[Mark Oppenlander · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a disclaimer. I am, and have been for a while, a Dick Staub fan. I have read his blog for years, listened to his radio show and podcasts and even (briefly) attended the same church as he does. I appreciate his perspective on what it means to be a Christian engaging with the culture in a hospitable, intelligent way.

Having said that, you'll understand why I appreciated this book, as it represents a distillation of many of Dick's core ideas on how to do just that. In this accessible, quick, easy to digest book, Staub hits on much of what it means to be "in the world and not of it" while describing some of his own journey along that narrow dividing line. To follow Jesus really does mean to be too pagan for your Christian friends and too Christian for your pagan friends.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can we be in the world but not of the world? Especially in modern society where the two sides (Christian and secular) seem to be facing each other with more and more antagonism. This books helps us find that balance: how to be relevant and approachable to the world without losing our own identity and values.
A book that will challenge, resonate and make you think.

[Ryan Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. If you only read one book this year, read the Bible. But, if you're going to read two, check this one out. It's great. Dick Staub has a insightful and compelling view on cultural engagement and redemption.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good description of what walking the "narrow road" really means and implies. It challenges you to live within the paradoxes instead of the extremes, and it's a relatively easy read.

[Melina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insights, stories, and motivation, but it didn't stand out as GREAT writing - content was good, style was lacking. I'd say it's worth reading though.

[Carrie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walking the line between the Christian life, and engaging in the culture. Great perspective and helpful advice.

[Paul Landkamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting approach to Christianity. The difficult part is how to draw the line between getting to know people and compromise.