Hell Shall Not Prevail: Essays on Ecclesiocentric Postliberalism

by Andrew K. Bobo, James R. Rogers, Peter J. Leithart

Genres: Theology, Cultural, Politics

176 pages, Paperback

Published March 18, 2024

Reviews

[Ben Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking premise at the heart of these essays: the church (with Christ as the Head) is the fundamental, first-priority unit---before individual and even natural family. The strongest parts of this book are when an essay in question is dealing with Scripture itself and drawing out their thesis. The weakest elements are found in the dissecting of liberalists of old and/or secular philosophers...and those elements outnumber the stronger elements.

In the end, I have food for thought moving forward. I believe the centrality of the Church and, by application, the local church is seen ALL through the Bible. However, I had never taken into consideration the concepts presented in this book---would be interested in reading something along these lines that is more applicable and less academic.

[Daniel Bouchoc · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more intellectually stimulating books I have read in a while. Each contributor interacts with political theorists in a critique of liberalism that offers an ecclesiocentric postliberalism—the church as the primary and central social structure under the banner: "The Church is My Polis, the Church is My Ethnos, the Church is My Oikos."

The case for the church being the polity by which all other political groupings are measured, and by which all other political groupings are made more mature is compelling. The ecclesiocentric project was newer to my evangelical ears, but much of it a breath of fresh air.

I am left with many questions. Reiter presented an odd form of Imago Dei. Does the Bible actually teach that the corporate is prior to the individual? and the church prior to the family? In addition, the application in this book was especially underwhelming—particularly Roger's final chapter which was supposed to be the application.

[Scott Moonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively very good. I especially appreciated the strong critiques of classical liberalism, and Young’s portrayal of the church as the sole institution capable of performing an enduring world-building function. There are some times it felt more ecclesio-totalizing rather than ecclesiocentric. For example, Reiter’s concept of an ecclesial rather than creational imago Dei is new to me; and at times Rogers sounds to me like he thinks of the historical church over all rather than first among equals.

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of essays! Full review coming out soon in Themelios!