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Exposing Myths About Christianity: A Guide to Answering 145 Viral Lies and Legends
Renowned historian, Jeffrey Burton Russell, famous for his studies of medieval history, turns to the serious questions that confront Christianity in contemporary culture. Russell examines a wide array of common mispercerptions, characterizations, stereotypes, caricatures and outright myths about Christianity that circulate heavily within today's society, and are even believed by many Christians. In a succinct and engaging manner, Russell discusses these errors and provides thoughtful, even-handed, carefully researched and sharp-witted responses. The author sets the record straight against the New Atheists and other cultural critics who charge Christianity with being outdated, destructive, superstitious, unenlightened, racist, colonialist, based on fabrication, and other significant false accusations.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2012
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187 people want to read
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Jeffrey Burton Russell
32 books168 followersJeffrey Burton Russell was an American historian of medieval Europe and religious studies scholar.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 3, 2015
Exposing Myths About Christianity by Jeffrey Burton Russell, Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2012.
Summary: Under eight headings, this book offers 145 short essays responding to lies, legends, and half-truths about Christian faith in contemporary discussions, giving concise, thoughtful and catholic responses (in the sense of representing the wide swath of Christianity) helpful both to the person exploring the faith and to apologists and others who proclaim it.
"Christianity is anti-scientific." "Christians are creationists who deny evolution." "Early Christians suppressed the true religion of Jesus." "Protestantism is puritanical." "Miracles are explained away by science." "God is a product of structural and chemical arrangements in the brain." "Nothing is true."
Perhaps you've heard these ideas and wonder if there is a cogent response. Perhaps you believe them and wonder how Christians with a brain in their heads could still embrace Christian belief.
Jeffrey Burton Russell is a Guggenheim fellow and professor of medieval history who has probably written the landmark work on the concept of the devil in five volumes as well as a book that argues that 19th century anti-theists invented the idea that medieval Christians believed that the world was flat. So he comes with impressive credentials for debunking the debunkers.
Following a chronology of pre-Christian and Christian history, his book is organized around eight headings:
1. Christianity is Dying Out
2. Christianity is Destructive
3. Christianity is Stupid
4. Jesus and the Bible Have Been Show To Be False
5. Christian Beliefs Have Been Shown to Be Wrong
6. Miracles are Impossible
7. Worldviews Can't Be Evaluated
8. What's New is True
The articles range from a paragraph or two to five pages or more, depending on the subject. Because of the nature of this project, none can be considered an exhaustive response and in fact books have been written on many of the issues he covers (and he provides an ample bibliography at the end of the book for further study). At times, one wishes for greater nuance, as in his discussion of Christianity as a western colonial religion. While acknowledging the millennium long ascendancy of western Christianity, the plea that both early and contemporary Christianity is global in scope does not excuse the complicity of Christian institutions in colonialism at certain points in history. At other times, such as discussing Christian views of war, one finds a far more nuanced discussion. All this is to say that no one will agree with Russell at all points.
Nevertheless, what I found winsome was Russell's discussion of the broad sweep of Christianity rather than one particular segment, particularly in a work published by an evangelical publisher. In discussing Mary, for example, he respectfully presents Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox views of Mary. He argues that what all have in common is that none permit the worship of Mary.
Sometimes his discussions are careful to define both what Christians mean and don't mean by a particular term, such as "original sin". This particular essay, as many others, included sparking insights, this being an example:
"Original sin is actually a democratic idea. Without believing in original sin, one person might pride himself or herself on being better than another and one group or race or nation might claim to be better than others. The idea that absolutely everyone is a sinner makes it much harder to be arrogant and judge others" (p. 263).
I think there are several groups of people who will find this book of help. One would be those who are considering Christian faith but have been given pause by one or more of these contentions. To read through this book, or at least sections on issues troubling one, is to listen to a cogent defender of the faith who provides good counter-reasoning to the myth purveyors and debunkers of Christian faith. Those whose interest is apologetics (the defense of the faith) will find this as a good primer on the wide range of questions that arise with pointers to more in-depth resources where further study is needed. Finally, many who preach or otherwise proclaim the faith will find themselves called upon to respond to many of the questions raised in this book. Most of the time, what is wanted is not a dissertation but a concise and thoughtful response, precisely what Russell gives us.
Summary: Under eight headings, this book offers 145 short essays responding to lies, legends, and half-truths about Christian faith in contemporary discussions, giving concise, thoughtful and catholic responses (in the sense of representing the wide swath of Christianity) helpful both to the person exploring the faith and to apologists and others who proclaim it.
"Christianity is anti-scientific." "Christians are creationists who deny evolution." "Early Christians suppressed the true religion of Jesus." "Protestantism is puritanical." "Miracles are explained away by science." "God is a product of structural and chemical arrangements in the brain." "Nothing is true."
Perhaps you've heard these ideas and wonder if there is a cogent response. Perhaps you believe them and wonder how Christians with a brain in their heads could still embrace Christian belief.
Jeffrey Burton Russell is a Guggenheim fellow and professor of medieval history who has probably written the landmark work on the concept of the devil in five volumes as well as a book that argues that 19th century anti-theists invented the idea that medieval Christians believed that the world was flat. So he comes with impressive credentials for debunking the debunkers.
Following a chronology of pre-Christian and Christian history, his book is organized around eight headings:
1. Christianity is Dying Out
2. Christianity is Destructive
3. Christianity is Stupid
4. Jesus and the Bible Have Been Show To Be False
5. Christian Beliefs Have Been Shown to Be Wrong
6. Miracles are Impossible
7. Worldviews Can't Be Evaluated
8. What's New is True
The articles range from a paragraph or two to five pages or more, depending on the subject. Because of the nature of this project, none can be considered an exhaustive response and in fact books have been written on many of the issues he covers (and he provides an ample bibliography at the end of the book for further study). At times, one wishes for greater nuance, as in his discussion of Christianity as a western colonial religion. While acknowledging the millennium long ascendancy of western Christianity, the plea that both early and contemporary Christianity is global in scope does not excuse the complicity of Christian institutions in colonialism at certain points in history. At other times, such as discussing Christian views of war, one finds a far more nuanced discussion. All this is to say that no one will agree with Russell at all points.
Nevertheless, what I found winsome was Russell's discussion of the broad sweep of Christianity rather than one particular segment, particularly in a work published by an evangelical publisher. In discussing Mary, for example, he respectfully presents Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox views of Mary. He argues that what all have in common is that none permit the worship of Mary.
Sometimes his discussions are careful to define both what Christians mean and don't mean by a particular term, such as "original sin". This particular essay, as many others, included sparking insights, this being an example:
"Original sin is actually a democratic idea. Without believing in original sin, one person might pride himself or herself on being better than another and one group or race or nation might claim to be better than others. The idea that absolutely everyone is a sinner makes it much harder to be arrogant and judge others" (p. 263).
I think there are several groups of people who will find this book of help. One would be those who are considering Christian faith but have been given pause by one or more of these contentions. To read through this book, or at least sections on issues troubling one, is to listen to a cogent defender of the faith who provides good counter-reasoning to the myth purveyors and debunkers of Christian faith. Those whose interest is apologetics (the defense of the faith) will find this as a good primer on the wide range of questions that arise with pointers to more in-depth resources where further study is needed. Finally, many who preach or otherwise proclaim the faith will find themselves called upon to respond to many of the questions raised in this book. Most of the time, what is wanted is not a dissertation but a concise and thoughtful response, precisely what Russell gives us.
July 14, 2012
Picked up Jeffrey Burton Russell's book because I was familiar with his historical writings (having read a couple of his books on historical views of the Devil and having carried his book on heaven cross country last summer, while failing in my intentions to read it). Here he answers 145 questions or attitudes about Christianity - its reasonableness, its beliefs, its history. His answers are winsome and wise and never overbearing as they range over history, philosophy, science, Biblical studies, religious studies, and popular culture. He is surest in ancient and medieval history (one or two quibbles from me on American religious history and on his sources, all "experts" and partisans will have more than quibbles I am sure, but nothing I found altered the rightness of his arguments). He comes from a broadly Christian view (pulling in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox - you should be able to guess where he is coming from by the end), does not coddle fundamentalists or antitheists, while refraining from condescension and admitting the numerous errors Christians have made through history. A pleasure to read through and it will be useful as a reference in the future, as much for tone as for detail.
March 29, 2013
There are times as you read from beginning to end that the answers will sound alike, but that's because the author is answering these questions as if you may read just one or two. All 145 are worth reading.
Great book and has much to think about. Answers questions I've heard over and again and some I haven't but enjoyed the answer anyway.
Highly recommend!
Christ's peace!!!
Great book and has much to think about. Answers questions I've heard over and again and some I haven't but enjoyed the answer anyway.
Highly recommend!
Christ's peace!!!
September 23, 2012
This book is chock full of church history. I learned a ton about Christianity. And evolution. And atheism. In fact, the scope of this book is pretty impressive. It must've taken a lot of research to complete. So, even though the author basically calls me stupid, I still highly recommend the book.
December 11, 2015
Some people would do well to read this. There are so many misconceptions about Christianity circulating on the internet. This is a good source for refuting them.
April 5, 2013
In general, I enjoyed this one. I hardly agreed with everything Russell wrote—probably no Christian will—but it introduced several thought-provoking topics. The subtitle is A Guide to Answering 145 Lies and Legends, and that’s what it is. 145 short discussions, under the following headings:
Christianity is Dying Out
Christianity is Destructive
Christianity is Stupid
Jesus and the Bible Have Been Shown to Be False
Christian Beliefs Have Been Shown to Be Wrong
Miracles Are Impossible
Worldviews Cant Be Evaluated
What’s New Is True
I may as well get this out of the way first: Russell comes down hard on liberal Christians, who he says dilute the message of the Bible. Guys like me are allowed to call themselves followers of Jesus, but never Christians. Oddly, the book then closes with a passionate plea to recognize and embrace truth. Eh? Mr. Russell, it was my search for Truth—my deep, hard-nosed research into the Bible, with all its warts and human touches—that turned me into a liberal. Anyway …
The word “myth” may not be quite what Russell means. His “myths” seem to fall mostly into two categories: (1) inappropriate stereotypes about Christians, and (2) misinterpretations of scripture. For example, one of the myths is that Christians hate Jews, but guess what? Some do, and they find their justification in scripture to do so. Russell’s point is that such feelings and scriptural interpretation aren’t “Christian.”
I noticed that Russell has some strange ideas about atheism, and may need help dispelling some of the “myths” he himself believes about atheists. For example, in discussing the myth that Christians need a crutch, Russell turns the tables, explaining that atheism can also be a crutch; indeed, “The most persuasive argument for atheism is its permission to do whatever we feel like doing.” Huh?
Russell loves to talk about cosmology and science. He feels the findings of science now indicate that the existence of God is more likely than not, so such topics get quite a bit of press time.
The book is bold and serves as an apologetic for Russell’s particular brand of Christianity, which makes it interesting reading. You’ll learn who really burned down the great library at Alexandria (not the Christians), what the Word of God is (not the Bible), how quickly Christians began to worship Jesus as God (immediately), and where to find heaven and hell (in a spiritual state, not in a place). 145 topics was probably too many for 350 pages, as many of the discussions left me hungering for more.
Christianity is Dying Out
Christianity is Destructive
Christianity is Stupid
Jesus and the Bible Have Been Shown to Be False
Christian Beliefs Have Been Shown to Be Wrong
Miracles Are Impossible
Worldviews Cant Be Evaluated
What’s New Is True
I may as well get this out of the way first: Russell comes down hard on liberal Christians, who he says dilute the message of the Bible. Guys like me are allowed to call themselves followers of Jesus, but never Christians. Oddly, the book then closes with a passionate plea to recognize and embrace truth. Eh? Mr. Russell, it was my search for Truth—my deep, hard-nosed research into the Bible, with all its warts and human touches—that turned me into a liberal. Anyway …
The word “myth” may not be quite what Russell means. His “myths” seem to fall mostly into two categories: (1) inappropriate stereotypes about Christians, and (2) misinterpretations of scripture. For example, one of the myths is that Christians hate Jews, but guess what? Some do, and they find their justification in scripture to do so. Russell’s point is that such feelings and scriptural interpretation aren’t “Christian.”
I noticed that Russell has some strange ideas about atheism, and may need help dispelling some of the “myths” he himself believes about atheists. For example, in discussing the myth that Christians need a crutch, Russell turns the tables, explaining that atheism can also be a crutch; indeed, “The most persuasive argument for atheism is its permission to do whatever we feel like doing.” Huh?
Russell loves to talk about cosmology and science. He feels the findings of science now indicate that the existence of God is more likely than not, so such topics get quite a bit of press time.
The book is bold and serves as an apologetic for Russell’s particular brand of Christianity, which makes it interesting reading. You’ll learn who really burned down the great library at Alexandria (not the Christians), what the Word of God is (not the Bible), how quickly Christians began to worship Jesus as God (immediately), and where to find heaven and hell (in a spiritual state, not in a place). 145 topics was probably too many for 350 pages, as many of the discussions left me hungering for more.
March 30, 2013
As always, Russell backs up his persuasive arguments with meticulous research. I've been a fan of his work for a considerable time (even swiping the title of one of my books The Singing Silence: What the Design of the Universe Tells Us about God from the subtitle of his A History of Heaven: The Singing Silence), so where he makes a historical point, there's not much new. He's fleshed it out more fully elsewhere.
However his thoughts on contemporary culture are truly fascinating and the added bonus of this book is that Russell has stepped out of the academic straightjacket, enabling him to make some personal observations. I loved the comment about a university chancellor with a background in engineering who was completely gob-smacked when Russell explained the basics of deconstructionism to him. The eminent professor muttered that he'd like to see someone deconstruct a bridge. In fact, the sections I most enjoyed were about deconstructionism, perhaps because Russell afforded me a genuine lightbulb moment with his comment: Deconstruction is a reversion to ancient mythologies that lack the idea of rational connections and regularities.
The ending, of course, is a masterpiece of lyricism. If there is one thing where Russell stands head and shoulders above every writer I know, it's the quality of his final paragraphs. That's my Everest when it comes to the last page.
However his thoughts on contemporary culture are truly fascinating and the added bonus of this book is that Russell has stepped out of the academic straightjacket, enabling him to make some personal observations. I loved the comment about a university chancellor with a background in engineering who was completely gob-smacked when Russell explained the basics of deconstructionism to him. The eminent professor muttered that he'd like to see someone deconstruct a bridge. In fact, the sections I most enjoyed were about deconstructionism, perhaps because Russell afforded me a genuine lightbulb moment with his comment: Deconstruction is a reversion to ancient mythologies that lack the idea of rational connections and regularities.
The ending, of course, is a masterpiece of lyricism. If there is one thing where Russell stands head and shoulders above every writer I know, it's the quality of his final paragraphs. That's my Everest when it comes to the last page.
June 25, 2012
This is a necessary read! Plain, lucid, straightforward, minced with wit, Russell documents and educates with reasonableness and deft treatment of historical and contemporary currents of thought--all on the hot button topics and buzz of the market place! I admit, the more you know, the more you appreciate Russell's depth and breadth, but why not go to school? The classroom is open to all!
June 19, 2013
I should have known that anything Peter Kreft liked was bound to be lean on legitimate scholarship. Don't get me wrong - there's a lot of facts and details to feast on. but in typical Apologetic form... the conclusions are determined in advance and the logic to defend them only work if you already assumed the Christian myths are true.
When read objectively - the book fails.
When read objectively - the book fails.
January 24, 2013
Things that make you think. Good.
April 21, 2014
A collection of many short answers to objections about Christianity. I wouldn't recommend it as much more than one of those books you keep by the loo to read a short section at each visit.
April 10, 2017
Brilliant rebuttals to the usual childish nonsense we see online or from liberal academics!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews