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Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church
The American church is at a critical crossroads. Our witness has been compromised, our numbers are down, and our reputation has been sullied, due largely to our own faults and fears. The church's ethnocentrism, consumerism, and syncretism have blurred the lines between discipleship and partisanship.
Pastor Eric Costanzo, missiologist Daniel Yang, and nonprofit leader Matthew Soerens find that for the church to return to health, we must decenter ourselves from our American idols and recenter on the undeniable, inalienable core reality of the global, transcultural kingdom of God. Our guides in this process are global Christians and the poor, who offer hope from the margins, and the ancient church, which survived through the ages amid temptations of power and corruption. Their witness points us to refocus on the kingdom of God, the image of God, the Word of God, and the mission of God.
The path to the future takes us away from ourselves in unlikely directions. By learning from the global church and marginalized voices, we can return to our roots of being kingdom-focused, loving our neighbor, and giving of ourselves in missional service to the world.
Pastor Eric Costanzo, missiologist Daniel Yang, and nonprofit leader Matthew Soerens find that for the church to return to health, we must decenter ourselves from our American idols and recenter on the undeniable, inalienable core reality of the global, transcultural kingdom of God. Our guides in this process are global Christians and the poor, who offer hope from the margins, and the ancient church, which survived through the ages amid temptations of power and corruption. Their witness points us to refocus on the kingdom of God, the image of God, the Word of God, and the mission of God.
The path to the future takes us away from ourselves in unlikely directions. By learning from the global church and marginalized voices, we can return to our roots of being kingdom-focused, loving our neighbor, and giving of ourselves in missional service to the world.
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Published July 19, 2022
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September 21, 2022
Summary: The three authors propose that voices from the margins and the kingdom-focused vision of service to the neighbor, even the most needy, may be the voices that bring renewal to the American church.
It seems that a favorite current topic is the parlous state of the American church, at least the White evangelical church. Some other parts of the church in America, particularly the immigrant churches, are doing well. And that leads to the point of this book, that it is time for the American church to listen to those we have considered “on the margins,” whether from other countries, especially in the global south, or even marginalized communities in our own country.
The authors are a pastor who works among the marginalized in Tulsa, a missiologist who came here in childhood as a Hmong refugee, and an immigration reform advocate. They are people who were raised in white evangelical culture but have been listening to the voices of those on the margins. They contend that these voices have called their attention to “inalienable truths,” not from the American founders but the pages of scripture. They are truths that confront us with the “there is no other God” (a good translation of the Latin alius).
They center on four themes. First of all, the inalienable truth of the gospel is centered on the kingdom of God, the growing, global advance of God’s rule of justice, peace, and life in Christ. Our call is not one of trying to retrieve an ideal of national greatness but to press into what God is doing. To do so will require “de-centering” white leadership–a recognition that Christians are pursuing the mission of God’s kingdom from every part of the world, and one group, whites, do not get to speak for them. Rather than fearing the increasing diversity of peoples in America, we ought celebrate the increasing realization of God’s multi-ethnic kingdom in our midst.
The second theme is the forsaking of our American idols and embracing the image of God in our neighbors. The writers identify individualism, materialism and consumerism, celebritism, Christian nationalism, and tribalism and partisanship. The Instagram tag, PreachersNSneakers with pictures of the expensive footwear of celebrity pastors is reflective of several of these idolatries. There is nothing for this but lament and repentance. Instead of idols, we need to recognize God’s “images”–the diverse peoples of our community and world who are the real deal of which idols are counterfeits–people made for relationship with God, and as those fully alive through Him, reflecting his very glory. This includes the “others” we dehumanize (the first step to a Holocaust). The authors offer a chilling example of how the words we use can accelerate this dehumanization process.
Third, our brothers and sisters from marginalized churches teach us that nothing transforms like God speaking through the scriptures. While we have unprecedented Bible study resources, are we those who see and yet do not see, who hear but don’t truly hear or understand? Perhaps listening humbly and honestly to those from other cultures, to stop thinking we must be teachers and to place ourselves in the place of learners might help us hear afresh. When we do so, we will hear the concern of God for the poor, for those on the margins, and for the refugees whose number include Hagar, Moses, the refugee from Pharoah’s court, Rahab of Jericho, Ruth the Moabite, and the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Fourth, and perhaps most challenging is the call to mission. Many Christians assume this is either partisan, pursuing a political agenda from which religious renewal is hopefully the fruit, or apolitical–witness without advocacy. They invite us into the mission of the gospel of the kingdom that proclaims our hope in Christ in both reconciliation with God, and reconciling all things, including unjust structures in Christ. Witness and advocacy are not opposed but joined. At the same time, as we think of God’s global mission, we are in the age of the Great Collaboration, a time when we work alongside indigenous believers in bringing a contextualized gospel to those who do not yet believe.
This is a book of hope rather than hand-wringing. The reflection questions and action steps in each chapter evidence a conviction that we may change and there is good to be done. But it involves humble listening and to learn from the other rather than think that we have all the answers. Perhaps the devastating exodus and scandals of the white evangelical church have a silver lining of calling into question the things we thought were “answers.” The question is whether we will double-down, allying ourselves with those who seek a return to some form of mythical greatness, or whether we will lament and repent and listen to those on the margins who may be bringing a “Word of the Lord” to us to embrace the “inalienable truths” of the living God.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
It seems that a favorite current topic is the parlous state of the American church, at least the White evangelical church. Some other parts of the church in America, particularly the immigrant churches, are doing well. And that leads to the point of this book, that it is time for the American church to listen to those we have considered “on the margins,” whether from other countries, especially in the global south, or even marginalized communities in our own country.
The authors are a pastor who works among the marginalized in Tulsa, a missiologist who came here in childhood as a Hmong refugee, and an immigration reform advocate. They are people who were raised in white evangelical culture but have been listening to the voices of those on the margins. They contend that these voices have called their attention to “inalienable truths,” not from the American founders but the pages of scripture. They are truths that confront us with the “there is no other God” (a good translation of the Latin alius).
They center on four themes. First of all, the inalienable truth of the gospel is centered on the kingdom of God, the growing, global advance of God’s rule of justice, peace, and life in Christ. Our call is not one of trying to retrieve an ideal of national greatness but to press into what God is doing. To do so will require “de-centering” white leadership–a recognition that Christians are pursuing the mission of God’s kingdom from every part of the world, and one group, whites, do not get to speak for them. Rather than fearing the increasing diversity of peoples in America, we ought celebrate the increasing realization of God’s multi-ethnic kingdom in our midst.
The second theme is the forsaking of our American idols and embracing the image of God in our neighbors. The writers identify individualism, materialism and consumerism, celebritism, Christian nationalism, and tribalism and partisanship. The Instagram tag, PreachersNSneakers with pictures of the expensive footwear of celebrity pastors is reflective of several of these idolatries. There is nothing for this but lament and repentance. Instead of idols, we need to recognize God’s “images”–the diverse peoples of our community and world who are the real deal of which idols are counterfeits–people made for relationship with God, and as those fully alive through Him, reflecting his very glory. This includes the “others” we dehumanize (the first step to a Holocaust). The authors offer a chilling example of how the words we use can accelerate this dehumanization process.
Third, our brothers and sisters from marginalized churches teach us that nothing transforms like God speaking through the scriptures. While we have unprecedented Bible study resources, are we those who see and yet do not see, who hear but don’t truly hear or understand? Perhaps listening humbly and honestly to those from other cultures, to stop thinking we must be teachers and to place ourselves in the place of learners might help us hear afresh. When we do so, we will hear the concern of God for the poor, for those on the margins, and for the refugees whose number include Hagar, Moses, the refugee from Pharoah’s court, Rahab of Jericho, Ruth the Moabite, and the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
Fourth, and perhaps most challenging is the call to mission. Many Christians assume this is either partisan, pursuing a political agenda from which religious renewal is hopefully the fruit, or apolitical–witness without advocacy. They invite us into the mission of the gospel of the kingdom that proclaims our hope in Christ in both reconciliation with God, and reconciling all things, including unjust structures in Christ. Witness and advocacy are not opposed but joined. At the same time, as we think of God’s global mission, we are in the age of the Great Collaboration, a time when we work alongside indigenous believers in bringing a contextualized gospel to those who do not yet believe.
This is a book of hope rather than hand-wringing. The reflection questions and action steps in each chapter evidence a conviction that we may change and there is good to be done. But it involves humble listening and to learn from the other rather than think that we have all the answers. Perhaps the devastating exodus and scandals of the white evangelical church have a silver lining of calling into question the things we thought were “answers.” The question is whether we will double-down, allying ourselves with those who seek a return to some form of mythical greatness, or whether we will lament and repent and listen to those on the margins who may be bringing a “Word of the Lord” to us to embrace the “inalienable truths” of the living God.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
January 1, 2023
A little over a year ago I read After Evangelicalism. This book is everything that book could have been. Both books address the common concern that the Evangelical Church in the West (particularly the White Evangelical church in America) is in a crisis of its own making. In embracing an idolatrous nationalism and calling it Christianity, we have alienated the very ones we are called to reach. At the same time, we are losing the younger generations who are justifiably put off by our cultural Christianity that has drifted too far from the biblical Christianity we are all called to participate in.
Unlike After Evangelicalism which did little but point to (or create from straw) problems, this book offers a way out. It acknowledges that minority and immigrant evangelical churches in America. as well as the church of the Global South, are healthy and growing and they have a lot to offer if only we are willing to listen. Those offerings, and this book, are broken into four parts: the kingdom of God, the image of God, the Word of God, and the mission of God. In broad strokes, those categories address cultural (and nationalist) Christianity, racism, misreading scripture through a Western (or American) lens, and cultural colonialism masquerading as missions.
I probably should give this book five stars, but the premise and my skepticism after AE and other books and papers I have read since put my back up. I spent too long thinking this was going to be another of the same and it took a while for those barriers to drop and for my reading to really hit its stride. Had I embraced from the start that this book was approaching the issue from a pastoral perspective rather than that of a burned out skeptic, I probably would have enjoyed it and embraced it sooner. If you are reading this review before reading the book, don't make the same mistake I did. Get this book and read it with a truly open mind. If you are in ministry or Christian leadership, that last sentence was an imperative, not a suggestion.
Some quotes:
You cannot be a prophet on your way out the door. You cannot shake the Evangelical dust off your feet and then hope that your criticisms lobbed from elsewhere will somehow change things.
The new immigrants represent not the de-Christianization of American society but the de-Europeanization of American Christianity.
What happens when American Christians who place more importance on their identity as Americans go to make converts? To what exactly are people being converted?
We are called to a great, multiethnic collaboration, as the gospel message of Christ's kingdom goes "from everywhere to everywhere."
Learning to embrace limitations and weakness is not subsequent to strategy. It is the strategy.
They did not measure our value so much by what we could give as by how present we were when it mattered to them.
It is indeed time for the church of the Global South to rise and shine, and for the American church to learn to look to their leadership, because we need them as much as they need us.
Unlike After Evangelicalism which did little but point to (or create from straw) problems, this book offers a way out. It acknowledges that minority and immigrant evangelical churches in America. as well as the church of the Global South, are healthy and growing and they have a lot to offer if only we are willing to listen. Those offerings, and this book, are broken into four parts: the kingdom of God, the image of God, the Word of God, and the mission of God. In broad strokes, those categories address cultural (and nationalist) Christianity, racism, misreading scripture through a Western (or American) lens, and cultural colonialism masquerading as missions.
I probably should give this book five stars, but the premise and my skepticism after AE and other books and papers I have read since put my back up. I spent too long thinking this was going to be another of the same and it took a while for those barriers to drop and for my reading to really hit its stride. Had I embraced from the start that this book was approaching the issue from a pastoral perspective rather than that of a burned out skeptic, I probably would have enjoyed it and embraced it sooner. If you are reading this review before reading the book, don't make the same mistake I did. Get this book and read it with a truly open mind. If you are in ministry or Christian leadership, that last sentence was an imperative, not a suggestion.
Some quotes:
You cannot be a prophet on your way out the door. You cannot shake the Evangelical dust off your feet and then hope that your criticisms lobbed from elsewhere will somehow change things.
The new immigrants represent not the de-Christianization of American society but the de-Europeanization of American Christianity.
What happens when American Christians who place more importance on their identity as Americans go to make converts? To what exactly are people being converted?
We are called to a great, multiethnic collaboration, as the gospel message of Christ's kingdom goes "from everywhere to everywhere."
Learning to embrace limitations and weakness is not subsequent to strategy. It is the strategy.
They did not measure our value so much by what we could give as by how present we were when it mattered to them.
It is indeed time for the church of the Global South to rise and shine, and for the American church to learn to look to their leadership, because we need them as much as they need us.
July 31, 2023
The authors bring a fresh perspective to American Christian and especially Evangelical culture. The Evangelical Church is at a sort of crossroads and needs to diversify its leadership in terms of intellectual input in order to improve its function as a part of the global body of Christ. The book proceeds topically and I thought the authors did a good job being fair and giving the benefit of the doubt to those whom they seek to correct, rebuke, and encourage. They rely on a myriad of sources, including quotes from theologians in all parts of the world-mostly from the global South. The Church is in decline in the West, but thriving in Africa and South America. We would do well to listen more to the voices from those continents.
March 5, 2022
Every once in a while, a book comes along that is like a breathe of fresh air. Inalienable is like an emergency oxygen mask to resuscitate the Church. It hits hard like a defibrillator to deadened hearts. However, even more precious than simply being a hard-hitting wake up call is that Inalienable also somehow manages to be a beautifully hopeful book. Eric Constanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens, at the beginning of their book, write that “While we’re uninterested in simply resuscitating a damaged religious brand, we believe–because we have seen it–that God is still at work in the American church, and we want to be a part of restoring her gospel witness. To do so, we’re going to need to learn to listen…”. Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens have very admirably and excellently accomplished what they set out to do. “Speaking the truth in love,” as Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to do, is already difficult in and of itself. Costanzo, Yang and Soerens, however, not only manage to do it but, they also manage to do it with joyful hopefulness, open listening ears, and deep humility.
As a minister of the gospel living abroad, I have witnessed the sad reality that “American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our ‘little brothers and sisters,’ as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries.” Inalienable makes some very good steps to remedy that by not only including but, highlighting hidden voices of wisdom, the voices of theologians, refugees, and believers from all across the nations, and setting them alongside the voices of Jonathan Edwards, N.T. Wright, and etc… The willingness and intentionality of Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens to not just talk about listening but, actually listen and include those voices sets Inalienable apart.
On a more personal note, each of the three authors briefly offer a bit of their background early in the book. Being American-born Taiwanese and having grown up in a Chinese Taiwanese American church, Daniel Yang’s testimony struck me very deeply. Yang shares, “Some might say God sent refugees like us to the United States so that Americans could reach them with the gospel. Others might say we were socialized into a version of American civil religion. I am starting to wonder if God sent some refugees like us to shake up American civil religion, and to reach Americans with the gospel.” The courage to write that perspective, one that I myself have long considered but, been too afraid to articulate, pierces my heart. Inalienable is a courageous book desperately needed for the church in this hour.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. Thanks go to NetGalley and IVP for providing the ARC.
As a minister of the gospel living abroad, I have witnessed the sad reality that “American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our ‘little brothers and sisters,’ as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries.” Inalienable makes some very good steps to remedy that by not only including but, highlighting hidden voices of wisdom, the voices of theologians, refugees, and believers from all across the nations, and setting them alongside the voices of Jonathan Edwards, N.T. Wright, and etc… The willingness and intentionality of Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens to not just talk about listening but, actually listen and include those voices sets Inalienable apart.
On a more personal note, each of the three authors briefly offer a bit of their background early in the book. Being American-born Taiwanese and having grown up in a Chinese Taiwanese American church, Daniel Yang’s testimony struck me very deeply. Yang shares, “Some might say God sent refugees like us to the United States so that Americans could reach them with the gospel. Others might say we were socialized into a version of American civil religion. I am starting to wonder if God sent some refugees like us to shake up American civil religion, and to reach Americans with the gospel.” The courage to write that perspective, one that I myself have long considered but, been too afraid to articulate, pierces my heart. Inalienable is a courageous book desperately needed for the church in this hour.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. Thanks go to NetGalley and IVP for providing the ARC.
November 5, 2022
Great book!
February 18, 2024
This book was recommended to me because of my work with refugees. There are many good concepts in this book, and I appreciate the heart of the authors.
There were two issues that didn’t sit well with me, though. The first was that throughout the book, the authors seemed to push very hard to present the fact that people from other races and ethnicities have valuable biblical insights to share. Now, I am all for that, and think that’s wonderful, but my impression was that the authors felt they had to prove this to me, as if I were coming from a place where I wouldn’t believe that. I had to check the date of printing to see if maybe this book had been printed in the pre- Civil Rights era, but it wasn’t. I was more than slightly baffled as they kept hitting this point so hard. I’m not sure who the target audience is?
The other thing- and this seems to be common with cross-cultural books,- is to compare the differences between Eastern culture with Western culture. This can be helpful and illuminating, as we are often blind to the pitfalls of our own culture, and may fail to see great concepts from other cultures. However, it seemed to me that this book kind of pushed that idea so far that it was magnifying Eastern culture, and belittling Western culture. Can we not learn from both?
I do appreciate though, the main thrust of this book, and that is, that each person, despite cultural differences, adds value to the church.
There were two issues that didn’t sit well with me, though. The first was that throughout the book, the authors seemed to push very hard to present the fact that people from other races and ethnicities have valuable biblical insights to share. Now, I am all for that, and think that’s wonderful, but my impression was that the authors felt they had to prove this to me, as if I were coming from a place where I wouldn’t believe that. I had to check the date of printing to see if maybe this book had been printed in the pre- Civil Rights era, but it wasn’t. I was more than slightly baffled as they kept hitting this point so hard. I’m not sure who the target audience is?
The other thing- and this seems to be common with cross-cultural books,- is to compare the differences between Eastern culture with Western culture. This can be helpful and illuminating, as we are often blind to the pitfalls of our own culture, and may fail to see great concepts from other cultures. However, it seemed to me that this book kind of pushed that idea so far that it was magnifying Eastern culture, and belittling Western culture. Can we not learn from both?
I do appreciate though, the main thrust of this book, and that is, that each person, despite cultural differences, adds value to the church.
December 11, 2022
Eric Costanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens begin Inalienable: How Marginalized Kingdom Voices Can Help Save the American Church with an incisive look into why the American church is in the position of needing saved. They make the argument that the American church (by which they mostly mean the white evangelical American church) has sacrificed integrity and faithfulness for political power and social authority. The result is a church that is a tool of the state, a civil/cultural religion that even as it claws to retain power is losing authority and size. Adjacent to this group are many global evangelicals who are mostly united with the theological tenets of evangelicalism, but staunchly reject the social and political byproducts. If the white evangelical American church can hear these marginalized voices, we just might be able to turn the ship around, repent of past wrong, develop a faith that is more faithful and fruitful.
Inalienable is written in four parts: the Kingdom of God, the image of God, the word of God, and the mission of God. In summary, Costanzo, Yang, and Soeren’s argument is as follows: 1) the Kingdom of God is multicultural and we must decenter the white American church, 2) we must lay down the idols of wealth and celebrity and see the image of God in all people, 3) the word of God shows God’s favor on the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable and we should follow God’s lead, and 4) the mission of God transcends political and cultural empire. The authors write as theological evangelicals who have been critical of the sociopolitical trends in white American evangelicalism. Costanzo is a pastor in Oklahoma who runs an organization focusing on aids marginalized people groups. Yang is the director of a think tank for evangelism and church planting. Soerens is the US director of church mobilization and advocacy for World Relief. Three different people, three different backgrounds, all united in their belief that the American church must listen to the voices it has silenced in order to survive.
Inalienable is irenic and accessible. I, in my cynicism, would probably have been a little more brusque and little more pointed in my criticisms. The authors walk a fine line between prophetic honesty and speaking truth in a way that’s palatable. I tried to read this from the perspective of someone entrenched in white American evangelicalism and the authors do a good job of addressing the primary stated concerns of that group while pushing them toward something different. They are biblically-based, hold to a high view of Scripture and offering solid explanations for how Scripture informs their practice.
Marginalized Kingdom voices are going to continue to speak out. That’s what prophets do. The question is whether white American evangelicalism—now in power—will repent and reform. The authors state that their goal is to “save the American church.” My question, one that I think Inalienable could have spent more time on, is whether or not it is worth saving.
Inalienable is written in four parts: the Kingdom of God, the image of God, the word of God, and the mission of God. In summary, Costanzo, Yang, and Soeren’s argument is as follows: 1) the Kingdom of God is multicultural and we must decenter the white American church, 2) we must lay down the idols of wealth and celebrity and see the image of God in all people, 3) the word of God shows God’s favor on the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable and we should follow God’s lead, and 4) the mission of God transcends political and cultural empire. The authors write as theological evangelicals who have been critical of the sociopolitical trends in white American evangelicalism. Costanzo is a pastor in Oklahoma who runs an organization focusing on aids marginalized people groups. Yang is the director of a think tank for evangelism and church planting. Soerens is the US director of church mobilization and advocacy for World Relief. Three different people, three different backgrounds, all united in their belief that the American church must listen to the voices it has silenced in order to survive.
Inalienable is irenic and accessible. I, in my cynicism, would probably have been a little more brusque and little more pointed in my criticisms. The authors walk a fine line between prophetic honesty and speaking truth in a way that’s palatable. I tried to read this from the perspective of someone entrenched in white American evangelicalism and the authors do a good job of addressing the primary stated concerns of that group while pushing them toward something different. They are biblically-based, hold to a high view of Scripture and offering solid explanations for how Scripture informs their practice.
Marginalized Kingdom voices are going to continue to speak out. That’s what prophets do. The question is whether white American evangelicalism—now in power—will repent and reform. The authors state that their goal is to “save the American church.” My question, one that I think Inalienable could have spent more time on, is whether or not it is worth saving.
June 26, 2023
This is an outstanding book; well-researched, well-written, challenging, encouraging, eye-opening. I appreciated the reflection/discussion questions and action steps at the end of each chapter, and I'd like to go back and spend more time on them. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone in American evangelical spaces.
July 12, 2024
Convicting, thought-provoking, and ultimately hopeful. I really appreciated Costanzo, Yang, and Soerens voices in this along with the inclusion of voices of many, many Believers and leaders on the margins.
December 26, 2022
Awesome
I've been hoping to find more non American Christian voices and this book highlights several. An excellent and thoughtful read.
I've been hoping to find more non American Christian voices and this book highlights several. An excellent and thoughtful read.
January 16, 2025
This book gave me a lot to think about. Considering where the church is now and where it should be is mind boggling. Worth another read for sure.
February 5, 2022
I have not lived in the United States for the past eleven years, but I think this is an important book for the North American church to read. Published by InterVarsity, and written primarily for an evangelical Christian audience, the three authors share about their deep love for the church— but also the deep brokenness they see. This book is their call for the American church to rediscover the good news of the Kingdom of God, recognize idolatry in the church and repent from it, and humbly learn from brothers and sisters around the world.
While the term “Inalienable” is often associated in American minds with ones’ rights as a citizen (“inalienable rights to liberty, justice, etc…), this book challenges the reader to take a look at what should be inalienable for followers of Christ. I highly recommend this book, especially those in the USA.
While the term “Inalienable” is often associated in American minds with ones’ rights as a citizen (“inalienable rights to liberty, justice, etc…), this book challenges the reader to take a look at what should be inalienable for followers of Christ. I highly recommend this book, especially those in the USA.
November 1, 2022
I read this book from a unique perspective: I'm currently living outside of the US and get to attend an incredibly diverse church where I'm blessed to call friend so many people who would fit the book's definition of marginalized. I have learned so much and been molded and shaped by people like the ones whose stories and perspectives are presented in "Inalienable." The authors don't shy away from pointing out problems in the American church, but the focus of the book is a hopeful one. One thing I appreciated is all of the global Christians quoted in the book. I came away with a long list of other authors I want to read. Besides wanting to reread this book immediately, I will be recommending this to all of my American friends.
October 30, 2022
Very engaging book about how the American church needs to look globally for wisdom and truth from Scripture. The authors talk about what has gone wrong with the American church and how we can get back to kingdom building and sincere and honest faith in Christ alone. Eye opening read done in a spirit of grace and humility.
April 26, 2025
This book serves as a reminder about what our purpose is as Christians in this world, and how often marginalized global Christians offer a lot of wisdom for all of us. I was pleased to see that the authors referenced books written by my esteemed friends, Richard Middleton and Esau McAuley.
October 3, 2023
I finished this a couple of weeks ago, so it's not completely fresh in my mind, therefore this review will be short because I've forgotten some of the things I found myself wanting to say about the book as I was reading it.
First and foremost, I really wish more of my fellow Christians would read this and other similar books (for example, When Helping Hurts) which hold up a mirror to American Christianity, and particularly American Evangelicalism, and reveal the white saviorism, Christian nationalism, and American exceptionalism that tend to run rampant is certain Christian circles. Honestly, I think books like these could do much more to educate the majority of white America on issues of racism than, for example, books like White Fragility, which carry such an air of preaching to the choir that the people who really need to get the message probably won't feel inclined to listen.
This book, on the other hand, takes the "I'm one of you" approach. Written by people who grew up in Evangelical Christianity, they speak in language that Evangelicals are comfortable with and they speak with love about the religion in which they were raised, while at the same time taking a stand and saying, "We can do better." The "do better" pill is often a difficult one to swallow, no matter how beautifully it is packaged, but this book nevertheless does a good job of packaging it with care.
The only critique I'll give is of the subtitle, which almost seems to imply that simply listening to and embracing the views of Christians from around the world is some sort of magic bullet that will instantly save American Christianity. There are no magic bullets, and the battle for change has to happen within human hearts, otherwise the change will be superficial at best. Plus, marginalized Christians are just as human and flawed as Christians living in positions of privilege, and cannot be expected to have all the answers about something as difficult to discern as God's will. But, subtitle aside, the content of the book does get to the heart of the issue, which is a worldview that places Americans, and especially white Americans, at the center of God's plan and relegates everyone else to the fringes. I wish that all American Evangelicals would read this just to get a different perspective on things.
I tend to think in song lyrics at times, so I'll wrap up with a reference to a song my dad wrote several years ago called I Am the Harvest. The refrain goes, "I am the harvest, you are the worker. It seems I need your helping hand to lead me to the Lord." It was inspired by a sermon our pastor preached one Sunday, saying that so much of our focus as Christians is on being the worker. On going out and making disciples. But sometimes, we are the harvest, rather than the worker, and we are the ones who need someone to come along and help us find our way. This book can be the beginning of the journey to view ourselves in that way.
First and foremost, I really wish more of my fellow Christians would read this and other similar books (for example, When Helping Hurts) which hold up a mirror to American Christianity, and particularly American Evangelicalism, and reveal the white saviorism, Christian nationalism, and American exceptionalism that tend to run rampant is certain Christian circles. Honestly, I think books like these could do much more to educate the majority of white America on issues of racism than, for example, books like White Fragility, which carry such an air of preaching to the choir that the people who really need to get the message probably won't feel inclined to listen.
This book, on the other hand, takes the "I'm one of you" approach. Written by people who grew up in Evangelical Christianity, they speak in language that Evangelicals are comfortable with and they speak with love about the religion in which they were raised, while at the same time taking a stand and saying, "We can do better." The "do better" pill is often a difficult one to swallow, no matter how beautifully it is packaged, but this book nevertheless does a good job of packaging it with care.
The only critique I'll give is of the subtitle, which almost seems to imply that simply listening to and embracing the views of Christians from around the world is some sort of magic bullet that will instantly save American Christianity. There are no magic bullets, and the battle for change has to happen within human hearts, otherwise the change will be superficial at best. Plus, marginalized Christians are just as human and flawed as Christians living in positions of privilege, and cannot be expected to have all the answers about something as difficult to discern as God's will. But, subtitle aside, the content of the book does get to the heart of the issue, which is a worldview that places Americans, and especially white Americans, at the center of God's plan and relegates everyone else to the fringes. I wish that all American Evangelicals would read this just to get a different perspective on things.
I tend to think in song lyrics at times, so I'll wrap up with a reference to a song my dad wrote several years ago called I Am the Harvest. The refrain goes, "I am the harvest, you are the worker. It seems I need your helping hand to lead me to the Lord." It was inspired by a sermon our pastor preached one Sunday, saying that so much of our focus as Christians is on being the worker. On going out and making disciples. But sometimes, we are the harvest, rather than the worker, and we are the ones who need someone to come along and help us find our way. This book can be the beginning of the journey to view ourselves in that way.
March 6, 2022
Every once in a while, a book comes along that is like a breathe of fresh air. Inalienable is like an emergency oxygen mask to resuscitate the Church. It hits hard like a defibrillator to deadened hearts. However, even more precious than simply being a hard-hitting wake up call is that Inalienable also somehow manages to be a beautifully hopeful book. Eric Constanzo, Daniel Yang, and Matthew Soerens, at the beginning of their book, write that “While we’re uninterested in simply resuscitating a damaged religious brand, we believe–because we have seen it–that God is still at work in the American church, and we want to be a part of restoring her gospel witness. To do so, we’re going to need to learn to listen…”. Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens have very admirably and excellently accomplished what they set out to do. “Speaking the truth in love,” as Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to do, is already difficult in and of itself. Costanzo, Yang and Soerens, however, not only manage to do it but, they also manage to do it with joyful hopefulness, open listening ears, and deep humility.
As a minister of the gospel living abroad, I have witnessed the sad reality that “American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our ‘little brothers and sisters,’ as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries.” Inalienable makes some very good steps to remedy that by not only including but, highlighting hidden voices of wisdom, the voices of theologians, refugees, and believers from all across the nations, and setting them alongside the voices of Jonathan Edwards, N.T. Wright, and etc… The willingness and intentionality of Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens to not just talk about listening but, actually listen and include those voices sets Inalienable apart.
On a more personal note, each of the three authors briefly offer a bit of their background early in the book. Being American-born Taiwanese and having grown up in a Chinese Taiwanese American church, Daniel Yang’s testimony struck me very deeply. Yang shares, “Some might say God sent refugees like us to the United States so that Americans could reach them with the gospel. Others might say we were socialized into a version of American civil religion. I am starting to wonder if God sent some refugees like us to shake up American civil religion, and to reach Americans with the gospel.” The courage to write that perspective, one that I myself have long considered but, been too afraid to articulate, pierces my heart. Inalienable is a courageous book desperately needed for the church in this hour.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. Thanks go to NetGalley and IVP for providing the ARC.
As a minister of the gospel living abroad, I have witnessed the sad reality that “American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our ‘little brothers and sisters,’ as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries.” Inalienable makes some very good steps to remedy that by not only including but, highlighting hidden voices of wisdom, the voices of theologians, refugees, and believers from all across the nations, and setting them alongside the voices of Jonathan Edwards, N.T. Wright, and etc… The willingness and intentionality of Constanzo, Yang, and Soerens to not just talk about listening but, actually listen and include those voices sets Inalienable apart.
On a more personal note, each of the three authors briefly offer a bit of their background early in the book. Being American-born Taiwanese and having grown up in a Chinese Taiwanese American church, Daniel Yang’s testimony struck me very deeply. Yang shares, “Some might say God sent refugees like us to the United States so that Americans could reach them with the gospel. Others might say we were socialized into a version of American civil religion. I am starting to wonder if God sent some refugees like us to shake up American civil religion, and to reach Americans with the gospel.” The courage to write that perspective, one that I myself have long considered but, been too afraid to articulate, pierces my heart. Inalienable is a courageous book desperately needed for the church in this hour.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. Thanks go to NetGalley and IVP for providing the ARC.
January 21, 2025
This was a well-written and clear book. At its heart is the belief that the American church has fallen prey to many of the idols prevalent in our culture. As a result, we have often neglected and rejected the voices of those who are "not like us."
Many of the authors' observations about the American church will resonate with readers. They accurately describe how cultural idols have damaged or hindered the church's witness. As someone in ministry, I have seen this firsthand and share their alarm at how the American church has drifted in some ways.
However, I do feel the authors may have overstated their case in certain areas, occasionally painting with too broad a brush. For example, they write, "To the extent they think of them at all, American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our 'little brothers and sisters,' as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries." In my experience, this is not a prevalent attitude among most Christians in American churches. Instead, many have great admiration and respect for believers in other contexts. When condescension does occur, it is often due more to a lack of knowledge or experience than to ill-will.
Another challenge is the authors’ use of the term "evangelical," which they do not clearly define. This term encompasses people with vastly different beliefs and worldviews. A more specific definition would have been helpful. As written, the book gives the impression that the majority of evangelicals are guilty of the issues it raises, rather than recognizing that these attitudes may represent a vocal minority. To be fair, it is difficult to gauge the extent of these problems, especially in the current climate. However, as a pastor, I believe that most people in our churches have the right heart and are not wholly overcome by the idols of this world. In fact, I’ve found many to be open and eager to learn from other cultures and perspectives.
That said, this is a helpful book that reminds us of our blind spots and the need for outside perspectives to address them. I have personally been enriched by listening to and learning from brothers and sisters in different contexts. My faith has grown stronger through these interactions. The book rightly emphasizes this need and encourages American Christians to learn from others across cultures and contexts. It also highlights how God is at work globally, not just in specific countries or continents—a beautiful and inspiring reminder.
I deeply appreciate the heart behind this book and the empathy and concern the authors demonstrate. It’s clear that this topic is a passion for them, and their commitment adds to the value of their message.
Many of the authors' observations about the American church will resonate with readers. They accurately describe how cultural idols have damaged or hindered the church's witness. As someone in ministry, I have seen this firsthand and share their alarm at how the American church has drifted in some ways.
However, I do feel the authors may have overstated their case in certain areas, occasionally painting with too broad a brush. For example, they write, "To the extent they think of them at all, American Christians have far too often made the mistake of viewing Christians from other parts of the world as our 'little brothers and sisters,' as if they are less equipped by the Holy Spirit because they have fewer resources and smaller theological libraries." In my experience, this is not a prevalent attitude among most Christians in American churches. Instead, many have great admiration and respect for believers in other contexts. When condescension does occur, it is often due more to a lack of knowledge or experience than to ill-will.
Another challenge is the authors’ use of the term "evangelical," which they do not clearly define. This term encompasses people with vastly different beliefs and worldviews. A more specific definition would have been helpful. As written, the book gives the impression that the majority of evangelicals are guilty of the issues it raises, rather than recognizing that these attitudes may represent a vocal minority. To be fair, it is difficult to gauge the extent of these problems, especially in the current climate. However, as a pastor, I believe that most people in our churches have the right heart and are not wholly overcome by the idols of this world. In fact, I’ve found many to be open and eager to learn from other cultures and perspectives.
That said, this is a helpful book that reminds us of our blind spots and the need for outside perspectives to address them. I have personally been enriched by listening to and learning from brothers and sisters in different contexts. My faith has grown stronger through these interactions. The book rightly emphasizes this need and encourages American Christians to learn from others across cultures and contexts. It also highlights how God is at work globally, not just in specific countries or continents—a beautiful and inspiring reminder.
I deeply appreciate the heart behind this book and the empathy and concern the authors demonstrate. It’s clear that this topic is a passion for them, and their commitment adds to the value of their message.
February 13, 2025
There’s a lot that I really like in this book, but the perspective from which it comes is just the other side of the same coin that it attempts to correct. Diversity is good, but not simply for the sake of being diverse alone. The chapter on biblical interpretation, for example, openly implies that one need not care about proper biblical interpretation (and yet the authors are concerned about their biblical interpretations being correct throughout the book).
There is some white, evangelical guilt here, but I think the authors caricature evangelicalism too much—I believe I know quite a few conservative, white evangelicals who aren’t as misguided as the authors seem to imply. And I know a lot of right-leaning policies/talking points that are formed out of a heart to be loving and bring biblical justice.
Unfortunately, the book often comes across like a Trojan horse against traditionally conservative views. One example is that the authors give lip service to being prolife, but only so that they can quickly chide those who are prolife for not being truly prolife enough: one must care about all stages of life (as if conservative prolife Christians don’t).
There are a lot of great points in the book, but I’m spitting out a lot of bones.
(Another example of what I mean: the conclusion begins with a story that seems to blame a woman’s loss of faith on her dad’s social media posts, and yet the hypothetical woman also lives with her boyfriend; I don’t know how the authors missed the obviously bigger pull away from faith).
There is some white, evangelical guilt here, but I think the authors caricature evangelicalism too much—I believe I know quite a few conservative, white evangelicals who aren’t as misguided as the authors seem to imply. And I know a lot of right-leaning policies/talking points that are formed out of a heart to be loving and bring biblical justice.
Unfortunately, the book often comes across like a Trojan horse against traditionally conservative views. One example is that the authors give lip service to being prolife, but only so that they can quickly chide those who are prolife for not being truly prolife enough: one must care about all stages of life (as if conservative prolife Christians don’t).
There are a lot of great points in the book, but I’m spitting out a lot of bones.
(Another example of what I mean: the conclusion begins with a story that seems to blame a woman’s loss of faith on her dad’s social media posts, and yet the hypothetical woman also lives with her boyfriend; I don’t know how the authors missed the obviously bigger pull away from faith).
December 31, 2022
I led a book study on this one. Honest thoughts:
-It has a lot of good things to say that I wish more Christians would agree with or at least consider
-Even though it’s ethically and biblically right about a lot of things, it doesn’t offer much hope in the person and work of Jesus. That’s my main knock. If Christ isn’t the power, the kind of work that this book is trying to set in motion won’t go far or stay true.
-I don’t think that it‘s the sort of book that’s likely to change someone’s mind. It’s more likely to help those who are already leaning towards the authors’ views be more confident in what they think. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a thing
-it’s not written at a super accessible level
-the reflection questions and action steps are for the most part outstanding
-It has a lot of good things to say that I wish more Christians would agree with or at least consider
-Even though it’s ethically and biblically right about a lot of things, it doesn’t offer much hope in the person and work of Jesus. That’s my main knock. If Christ isn’t the power, the kind of work that this book is trying to set in motion won’t go far or stay true.
-I don’t think that it‘s the sort of book that’s likely to change someone’s mind. It’s more likely to help those who are already leaning towards the authors’ views be more confident in what they think. That’s not a bad thing, it’s just a thing
-it’s not written at a super accessible level
-the reflection questions and action steps are for the most part outstanding
January 22, 2023
You should read this book. It’s hard and convicting at times, but also hopeful and very much needed today.
“Jesus Christ promised that his church will endure until he returns again (Mt. 16:18). He did not make that promise to the American church, however.”
“We cannot possibly be a ‘pleasing aroma of Christ’ in any culture when we reek of un-Christlike attitudes, behaviors, and alliances. The kingdom of God is wholly incompatible with such things.”
“Is our version of the gospel we proclaim actually good news for the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable? Or is it mostly good news for people like us?”
“Jesus Christ promised that his church will endure until he returns again (Mt. 16:18). He did not make that promise to the American church, however.”
“We cannot possibly be a ‘pleasing aroma of Christ’ in any culture when we reek of un-Christlike attitudes, behaviors, and alliances. The kingdom of God is wholly incompatible with such things.”
“Is our version of the gospel we proclaim actually good news for the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable? Or is it mostly good news for people like us?”
February 3, 2025
I listened to this as an audio book. The authors walked an excellent balance between simply discussing the American churches faults and painting an overly rosy picture. They mentioned examples of what the American church does well and focused on what non-American Christians can teach us. I finished the book feeling encouraged and with a great appreciation for how big and diverse the church is all over the planet. I highly recommend this to anyone, whether you love the church or are frustrated with how the American church has sometimes emphasized power and individualism over humility and loving everyone made in the image of God.
January 1, 2023
This book is right on, but it seemed like more of the same that I have been reading the past 3 years. I applaud their efforts and believe the message is gravely important for the American church - gave it 4 stars to validate the importance, especially if you haven’t done much learning in this area yet. But found the book lacking in more depth to the subtitle. I really wanted to hear from our global brothers and sisters and tho there were mentions here and there.. it really wasn’t the focus (it was all the why behind we need to listen.. more than it was the content to learn from)
February 28, 2023
“The challenge for American Christians is to be captivated by a picture of the church that is ancient and global, rather than by one that is Western and American. If the American church is to be saved, we must not onlv understand but also come to desire the influence coming from our historically marginalized communities and other Christians from around the world, which is an inalienable aspect of Christ's commission to his church by design.”
Such a great study of both the great shortfalls of the American church and the great opportunities it has to become more Christ-like in so many ways.
Such a great study of both the great shortfalls of the American church and the great opportunities it has to become more Christ-like in so many ways.
January 13, 2024
I am with the core idea. Listen to the world church, not just American, corporate, program based, white populated "Evangelicalism."There are some good points
However the book does not escape the gravitational field of what it criticizes. Chapter 3 presents the idea of not doing things by programming and organizing, but yet puts out a program
Three Americans write this book. Why not add other voices? Perhaps to be published one has to have the possibility of a market, or a "platform".
It is an OK 101 course, but so much more is needed
However the book does not escape the gravitational field of what it criticizes. Chapter 3 presents the idea of not doing things by programming and organizing, but yet puts out a program
Three Americans write this book. Why not add other voices? Perhaps to be published one has to have the possibility of a market, or a "platform".
It is an OK 101 course, but so much more is needed
September 18, 2023
I think for me this book wasn't as helpful as I wanted it to be. In part. That's because I've engaged with a lot of these ideas to begin with. The authors of the book are in a mode of persuasion to their audience. This doesn't mean that the book didn't have things for me to learn, but if I was on the fence about some of their ideas, I think this book would have been more impactful.
December 30, 2024
This book has been on my shelf for far too long. I found myself writing so many notes as I finished this last book of the year. Some I will take with me into this next year follow:
“May we be known more by who we are for than who we are against.”
“Words matter.”
“American evangelicalism has built as many fences as we have bridges.”
Highly recommend!
“May we be known more by who we are for than who we are against.”
“Words matter.”
“American evangelicalism has built as many fences as we have bridges.”
Highly recommend!
July 28, 2022
A needed read when much of the religious right has gone from “Christian Nationalism isn’t real” to “We’re Christian Nationalists, what about it?”
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgj-yn4uM...
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgj-yn4uM...
November 29, 2022
I'm thankful for this book, which reminds us that there is a whole world outside the United States. The Church is global and we would be wise to listen to what others outside (and the marginalized within) our borders have to say.
November 11, 2023
Thank you Libby for recommending this book. Helpful to be reminded that the Pharisees thought they were doing the right thing, but Jesus rebuked them. Humility is a key theme—be willing to learn from other Christians.
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