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Distortion: How The New Christian Left Is Twisting The Gospel And Damaging The Faith
Can the evangelical church be saved?
Peek behind the curtain of some “hip” or “progressive” evangelical churches, past the savvy trends and contemporary music, and what you find may surprise you. Liberal evangelicals—despite how apolitical they claim to be—are gaining ground, promoting a repackaged version of Christianity that distorts the authority of Scripture and is causing a mass exodus of young people from the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In Distortion Chelsen Vicari confronts this move away from authentic Christianity and the principles that have made America great. Arming you with Scripture, historic Christian teaching, and social science that specifically addresses the challenges confronting our country, she covers topics such
· Understanding the link between faith and policy
· Unmasking the social justice disguise
· Confronting the truth about homosexuality
· Unveiling the Jesus feminists
· Living out the truth with boldness and grace
It is time to take a stand once again in the culture wars, this time for the sake of our youth and our future. To keep praying, keep acting, keep discerning truth, keep upholding Scripture as authority, and keep fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide. This is a great challenge. But it is one that every generation of evangelicals must be willing to take on for Jesus Christ.
It is worth the battle. America needs us. The church needs you.
Peek behind the curtain of some “hip” or “progressive” evangelical churches, past the savvy trends and contemporary music, and what you find may surprise you. Liberal evangelicals—despite how apolitical they claim to be—are gaining ground, promoting a repackaged version of Christianity that distorts the authority of Scripture and is causing a mass exodus of young people from the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In Distortion Chelsen Vicari confronts this move away from authentic Christianity and the principles that have made America great. Arming you with Scripture, historic Christian teaching, and social science that specifically addresses the challenges confronting our country, she covers topics such
· Understanding the link between faith and policy
· Unmasking the social justice disguise
· Confronting the truth about homosexuality
· Unveiling the Jesus feminists
· Living out the truth with boldness and grace
It is time to take a stand once again in the culture wars, this time for the sake of our youth and our future. To keep praying, keep acting, keep discerning truth, keep upholding Scripture as authority, and keep fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide. This is a great challenge. But it is one that every generation of evangelicals must be willing to take on for Jesus Christ.
It is worth the battle. America needs us. The church needs you.
- GenresChristianityTheology
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2014
10 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 19, 2015
I loved the authors boldness to confront key issues in both our country and our church. I picked this book up after reading a quick blog from the author, and it did not disappoint. I have a lot of preacher friends who have turned into the "cultural preachers" and would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a better understanding on the issues and what cultural is saying to pervert scripture on those issues.
July 6, 2017
First and foremost, this is a book by a Christian to Christians. Outside the scope of that, a lot of context would be lost or one would be left wondering, "Why do I care?"
As an exposition book describing some history of evangelism and how some churches into something different, it's great. Where it loses a lot of traction is in the argument portion that demonstrates why it is important to hold to certain values. A couple of times, Chelsen Vicari makes a broad list of liberal opinions that are distasteful to conservatives in the narrative of the agenda that the "evangelist left" is pushing within their churches and schools. However, most points in these lists are not addressed.
That said, some of the topics are. Some key arguments within are on abortion, feminism, or Zionism. The author includes some brief statistical analysis, pleads her case, and makes a thought provoking argument for each. Where it falls short is that if one is to make a substantiated argument, the source material for using Jesus as a focus point is the scripture. That said, on a topic like homosexuality with an audience of Christians, there are biblical trump cards so to speak. In other words, these topics aren't really negotiable (at least as long as Jesus and the Bible are the moral reference point). On the downside, I saw very little scripture which would make an ignorant progressive evangelist care even though such scripture does exist.
Where the author did make some solid ground is by petitioning the reader to remedy unbiblical Christians by demonstrating love by sharing the truth. In other words, don't do what the Westboro folks do by telling people that "God hates fags" and such behavior. The premise is that one corrects others of the faith because they DO love them and are NOT "equally yoked to the world". After all, "so too were some of you."
As an exposition book describing some history of evangelism and how some churches into something different, it's great. Where it loses a lot of traction is in the argument portion that demonstrates why it is important to hold to certain values. A couple of times, Chelsen Vicari makes a broad list of liberal opinions that are distasteful to conservatives in the narrative of the agenda that the "evangelist left" is pushing within their churches and schools. However, most points in these lists are not addressed.
That said, some of the topics are. Some key arguments within are on abortion, feminism, or Zionism. The author includes some brief statistical analysis, pleads her case, and makes a thought provoking argument for each. Where it falls short is that if one is to make a substantiated argument, the source material for using Jesus as a focus point is the scripture. That said, on a topic like homosexuality with an audience of Christians, there are biblical trump cards so to speak. In other words, these topics aren't really negotiable (at least as long as Jesus and the Bible are the moral reference point). On the downside, I saw very little scripture which would make an ignorant progressive evangelist care even though such scripture does exist.
Where the author did make some solid ground is by petitioning the reader to remedy unbiblical Christians by demonstrating love by sharing the truth. In other words, don't do what the Westboro folks do by telling people that "God hates fags" and such behavior. The premise is that one corrects others of the faith because they DO love them and are NOT "equally yoked to the world". After all, "so too were some of you."
September 19, 2020
Great book. Vicari does a wonderful job of laying out some of the cultural and spiritual issues facing our nation and churches. I thought she was very Biblical in her thinking and explained her positions well. I do think that much more could be said about each topic she covered, but for someone seeking a basic understanding on topics like same-sex marriage, abortion, the emergent church (what I would call Progressive Christians now) Israel/Palestine etc, this book is great. She even mentions some prominent evangelical leaders by name and gives some quotes from them on their stances....people like Rachel Held Evans and Jen Hatmaker. One who reads this book will come away with a Biblical understanding on these issues, and also an understanding of how God's Word has been twisted and distorted by many within the church.
I will say that this book did feel a bit dated. I read in 2020 and so much has changed in American culture and even amongst many prominant professing Christians in America in just the past few years. I also would have liked to see more Scripture references throughout.
Overall, what I gleaned from this book was the challenge to stay Biblical. Don't be swayed by the changing culture, as many believers have been. Also, true believers need to take a stand on cultural issues that are against the Bible and what God desires and not be afraid to speak out. The left is loud, and as a result usually control the narrative. Biblical Christian's need to speak the truth in love.
I will say that this book did feel a bit dated. I read in 2020 and so much has changed in American culture and even amongst many prominant professing Christians in America in just the past few years. I also would have liked to see more Scripture references throughout.
Overall, what I gleaned from this book was the challenge to stay Biblical. Don't be swayed by the changing culture, as many believers have been. Also, true believers need to take a stand on cultural issues that are against the Bible and what God desires and not be afraid to speak out. The left is loud, and as a result usually control the narrative. Biblical Christian's need to speak the truth in love.
October 21, 2019
Great book about the "Christian Left" and their effect on Millennials.
September 16, 2020
Confusing faith with politics and patriotism.
May 15, 2015
It is very welcome to hear a millennial's defense against hot topics which can be so readily mischaracterized by critics. This is a good resource for a general understanding of big issues that must never be reduced or shrank from, like same-sex marriage, abortion, feminism. It also touches on lesser known issues, like the emerging church movement--which is fundamental for understanding why the "hot topics" have become so muddled among evangelical communities to the point of confusion or fear or turnabout stance.
My own critique focuses on only one issue Ms. Vicari expounds on: Chapter 9's perspective on Israel. She, self-admittedly, is no expert in theology, and yet in regards to this topic, takes an unnecessary and dismissive theological stance--in rejecting "replacement theology." I wish this chapter had not been included, or else I would have no reservations recommending this to more people. On page 152, she rejects Dr. Gary Burge's sentiments on New Testament theology. As an evangelical with multiple degrees in biblical theology, I see this topic differently. I've read Dr. Burge's commentary on the Gospel of John, and it contains solid interpretive perspectives. I find it curious that some threads of evangelicalism (always diehard premillennialist) do indeed place such an emphasis on Israel's socio-political sustainability when the New Testament makes it clear that the Old Covenant has found its completion in Christ. I heavily recommend Dr. Brent Sandy's "Plowshares and Pruning Hooks" (2002) for a healthy understanding of biblical prophecy.
Other than this unnecessary diversion, the rest of this book is a refreshing reminder that, while Christianity has always been counter-cultural, and has always been at odds with the non-believing world's morality and ethics, the culture war is not over yet. I would encourage young Christians, both conservative and non-conservative, to read it.
My own critique focuses on only one issue Ms. Vicari expounds on: Chapter 9's perspective on Israel. She, self-admittedly, is no expert in theology, and yet in regards to this topic, takes an unnecessary and dismissive theological stance--in rejecting "replacement theology." I wish this chapter had not been included, or else I would have no reservations recommending this to more people. On page 152, she rejects Dr. Gary Burge's sentiments on New Testament theology. As an evangelical with multiple degrees in biblical theology, I see this topic differently. I've read Dr. Burge's commentary on the Gospel of John, and it contains solid interpretive perspectives. I find it curious that some threads of evangelicalism (always diehard premillennialist) do indeed place such an emphasis on Israel's socio-political sustainability when the New Testament makes it clear that the Old Covenant has found its completion in Christ. I heavily recommend Dr. Brent Sandy's "Plowshares and Pruning Hooks" (2002) for a healthy understanding of biblical prophecy.
Other than this unnecessary diversion, the rest of this book is a refreshing reminder that, while Christianity has always been counter-cultural, and has always been at odds with the non-believing world's morality and ethics, the culture war is not over yet. I would encourage young Christians, both conservative and non-conservative, to read it.
August 2, 2015
Excellent book. Chelsen is a gifted writer with a great understanding of how the Left is twisting and defiling Christianity. I encourage my fellow Millennials to read this and then share it with friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2016
My favorite book!
November 19, 2014
good information about the perversion of the faith.
March 30, 2017
Excellent book. Well-cited, thought-provoking. She pulls no punches. I also appreciate her somewhat sly humor in the middle of some very serious topics.
May 3, 2017
Are you a couch-potato Christian, a cafeteria-style Christian, or a convictional Christian? Chelsen Vicari has been all three.
A few weeks ago, my pastor read an excerpt from an article in a Christian magazine that Chelsen Vicari, Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democray, had written. When I pulled the article up online, I found it to be an excerpt from this book; and to put the article into context, I decided to read it. Religious liberty is increasingly under attack in America. Absolute truth is no longer absolute. Social justice and political correctness are being shoved at us from all directions without regard for God's Word. We are, in Vicari's words, "fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide."
What is behind this, how is it affecting our culture, what does it mean for Millennials and future generations, and what is our role in effecting Godly change? Vicari delves into these issues and more. In her introduction, she writes, "It is time for 'the adults in the room' to take a stand once again in the culture wars, this time for the sake of America's young evangelicals. Through your example your generation can teach my Millennial generation to keep praying, keep acting, keep discerning truth, keep upholding Scripture as the authority, and keep fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide." (Introduction, page xiv)
As I started reading, the thought crossed my mind that I needed a highlighter because so many things that Vicari was saying really hit home -- and some were very convicting. While I did not agree with everything, I did agree with most. My copy of the book is covered with yellow highlighter. I am adding this book to my spiritual war chest.
A few weeks ago, my pastor read an excerpt from an article in a Christian magazine that Chelsen Vicari, Evangelical Program Director for the Institute on Religion and Democray, had written. When I pulled the article up online, I found it to be an excerpt from this book; and to put the article into context, I decided to read it. Religious liberty is increasingly under attack in America. Absolute truth is no longer absolute. Social justice and political correctness are being shoved at us from all directions without regard for God's Word. We are, in Vicari's words, "fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide."
What is behind this, how is it affecting our culture, what does it mean for Millennials and future generations, and what is our role in effecting Godly change? Vicari delves into these issues and more. In her introduction, she writes, "It is time for 'the adults in the room' to take a stand once again in the culture wars, this time for the sake of America's young evangelicals. Through your example your generation can teach my Millennial generation to keep praying, keep acting, keep discerning truth, keep upholding Scripture as the authority, and keep fighting on the battleground where Christianity and public policy collide." (Introduction, page xiv)
As I started reading, the thought crossed my mind that I needed a highlighter because so many things that Vicari was saying really hit home -- and some were very convicting. While I did not agree with everything, I did agree with most. My copy of the book is covered with yellow highlighter. I am adding this book to my spiritual war chest.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews