One Nation without God?: The Battle for Christianity in an Age of Unbelief

by David Aikman

Christianity in America is under siege. From litigation over coaches starting games with prayer to expulsion from college for refusing to endorse beliefs at odds with the Christian faith, hardly a week goes by without news of the declining influence that Christianity has in the public square. Can Christianity in this country survive the advances of secularists and remain influential in our culture? And if a new spiritual awakening is possible, what form will it take?Supported by an astonishing parade of concrete examples and direct quotes from reporters, judges, bloggers, and influencers, David Aikman turns his journalist's eye on the rise of hostility toward Christian expression in America and the alarming decline of orthodox belief among those who call themselves Christians. He explores the inspiring history of Christianity in America, the powerful cultural influences that have weakened the church, and the bright spots of hope he sees across the country, suggesting possible w

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

COMPILED FROM HIS WEB PAGE AND BOOK JACKETS:
David Aikman, former Time magazine Beijing bureau chief, is an author, journalist, and foreign policy consultant. After more than two decades with Time magazine - reporting from more than fifty countries and interviewing world figures such as Boris Yeltson, Billy Graham, Magnuel Noriega, and Mother Teresa -- Aikman became a freelance writer and commentator. He has written for several magazines as well as publishing books.

With special expertise in China, Russia, the Middle East, Mongolia and religious freedom issues worldwide, Dr. Aikman is frequently invited to deliver expert testimony at Congressional hearings and is a popular speaker at conferences, seminars, panels and to academic, church and professional groups at events all over the world.

He lives in Virginia with his family.

Reviews

[Estelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a style that is immediately scholarly yet accessible, Aikman examines the commonly held belief particularly by evangelicals, that America is no longer a "Christian nation." Citing conflicts of religious freedom and discussing the history of American Christianity from the nation's inception up through the turbulent 1960s, Aikman proves that America has, in fact, declined in its cultural and political values that were once rooted in Christian principles. Instead of despairing, he ends the book with reasons for hope, reminding Christians that their religion thrives and grows most when faced with a hostile opposing culture. Dramatic increase of evangelical conviction and engagement in secular cities such as Seattle and Manhattan point to an unprecedented urban revival pioneered by prominent writer and pastor Timothy Keller and flamboyantly masculine Mark Driscoll. Informative, understandable, and hopeful, One Nation Without God? will educate, concern, but ultimately mobilize American Christians to remember the nation's faith-based roots and to resist the pull of secularization whose ideas are often dehumanizing and destructive.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a challenge to read this book, especially coming after reading the Christian Manifesto. Christian or religious values are under attack and it is possible that they are slowly coming back. Our nation may not be "Christian" as in every person is one, but it certainly is "Christian" in its values and principles.

[Tom Clawser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Aikman's study, a well written treatise. It is an interesting look at the problem in historical context. Christians often blame America's apparent disregard for God on the current generation; Aikman looks at the subject over several generations, and observes the problem in broader context.

[Thomas Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of One Nation Without God?, at Christianity Today http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2...

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking. Writing style detracts a bit.