Has American Christianity Failed?

by Bryan Wolfmueller

American Christianity has many strengths. It is earnest, takes the Bible seriously, and waits eagerly for the Lord Jesus to return. It strives to make the world a better place. But, in the end, American Christianity and its teaching fall short of Scripture. It dilutes the Lords commandments and confuses the Lords promises, and the result is that churches are full of confusion and Christians dont receive the full comfort that Jesus intends for His people.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Faith

250 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2016

Reviews

[Jeff Kukuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one of the best theological books I've read. This book clearly outlines the differences between law (what to do) and Gospel (already done) that I've ever read. It's great insight into how much of mainstream Christianity has stolen Gods precious gifts of grace for us and unknowingly made them more law for us.

A fantastic read if you are tired of being in mainstream Christianity and can't seem to "do" enough. Get off the roller coaster of pride and despair. The nagging feelings that "I am a super Christian and done an excellent job today" followed by "I'm the worlds worst person, God can't love me after all my failures. I've gotta work harder".

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ah, this book.

Pros:
--Occasional flashes of brilliance. The chapters on eschatology and baptism (as well as the introduction chapter) were really well done. There were individual paragraphs elsewhere that struck me.

...but:

Cons:
--Wolfmueller forgets his purpose very often. He is prone to rambling and highly repetitive writing. Much of it is a slog.
--There are no sources anywhere in this book. The "source" is Wolfmueller's personal experience. Some of his criticism about American Christianity resonated with me; others were things I had never experienced. I was hoping that he would engage with the topic on a higher/more accurate level and discuss more concrete examples--rather than something he read in an article once (no article is listed).
--The formatting. Good grief, the formatting. My eyes are getting twitchy thinking about it. I don't know how many different fonts were used in this book, sometimes more than one per sentence. Apparently Wolfmueller decided to emphasize whatever sentences he deemed important by making them bigger and in (multiple) different fonts. The formatting is so unprofessional and difficult to read. It reads like a 10-year-old who just discovered the font selection option in Microsoft Word. I have no idea why an editor would allow this (which makes me wonder if he had one).

I'm torn on this one. It had a lot of good stuff in it, but enough bad that I can't really recommend it. Better books on pietism and revivalism in US Christianity welcome.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting a pastor to contrast confessional Lutheranism and mainstream American Christianity. True, he harshly critiques trends in non-denom evangelicalism, and I wish he would have pointed out more positives along with the negatives. But I went in already trusting Wolfmueller's opinions, as I already know and love his work. He came from a non-denom background himself, and I think he is uniquely gifted to helpfully contrast the vocabulary and focuses in the two worlds. I like that he also distinguishes differences between different Lutheran church bodies (i.e. inerrancy in the ELCA), though I wish he'd done more of that.

I wish somebody had handed this book to me at 15 years old, when I was swimming in both confessional Lutheranism and non-denominational waters at the same time. For many years I struggled to see, distinguish, and articulate the differences. Now I have something I can point to, and something to revisit when I need to steep myself in the vocabulary and sharpen my eye again.

See Wolfmueller's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PastorBryanW...

[Leonardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The answer to the title is of course Yes. One has only to examine the fruit of mainline denominations from the close of the 19th century to now. While the answer is obvious, the solution Pastor Wulfmueller gives not so to one who grew up as I did in these churches: Return to the doctrines of baptism for your salvation and the true body and blood under the bread and wine, given and shed for the forgiveness of sins. These release is from the works-righteousness that sneaks in without us even realizing it. Mere Christianity is far easier than we can think because the Gospel is about Jesus’ work already done for us. We get in the way of ourselves when we doubt it by claiming “my relationship isn’t good enough” or “I’ve failed my savior by not doing enough good things.” It is good that our standing with God is not contingent on our doings! Rather as the Pastor points out, our standing is that of the Prodigal Son. God has welcomed us. Trust in our baptism, and trust in the promises of God.

[Ludmila · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a name like Wolfmueller, no wonder he ended up Lutheran.

He has good critiques of the American Christian zeitgeist. I especially appreciated his debunking of the premillennial dispensationalist rapture position. As a reactionary, I think he swings a bit too far against the excesses of the American Christianity. There is room for more nuance in most areas and I felt like he ignored some scriptures to make his point. I also wish he had been more precise with his critique and explained the specific denominations and their history he was against. It’s a decent book. It could have been more thorough, less vague, and better written.

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to me on the back end of a crisis that, in part, related to my way of relating to God. There is so much gospel here that I needed – some of it that I grew up with, and some that felt new. My favorite emphases:

- Repentance is not specifically turning from my sinful actions but recognizing 1) that my actions deserve wrath and 2) that Jesus has borne it and forgives me. (This doesn’t mean that I don’t end up turning away from sin, but the turning is not repentance. Contrition and faith are repentance.)

- I have two wills that are complete and entirely distinct from each other. My sinful nature can do nothing *but* sin, and my righteous nature *cannot* sin (as opposed to “I am able to sin or not to sin”). My wills don’t mix. This reality leads to a killing of the sinful nature, rather than disciplining it or “whipping it into shape.” The killing happens by hearing God’s Word, not by trying harder to be better.

-Prayer is suffering and wrestling. I have been weighed down by an abstract desire for spiritual closeness with God through prayer that never feels sufficient and that depends on my technique. Acknowledging that prayer is simply bringing our needs to the Father and wrestling with Him until He gives us His blessing brought me much peace. (Now I need to read up on the historical and monastic traditions of mysticism.) I also appreciated Pr. Wolfmueller's emphasis on prayer as one of the primary evangelistic tools of the church.

Pr. Wolfmueller does sometimes express himself in ways I don’t like – I’d have preferred him to “steel-man” the viewpoints of American Christianity rather than calling their bluff with words that lean towards ridicule. I think he’s right about many (if not most) things, but he sounds reactionary. I suspect the tone is divisive among his readers. Wolfmueller’s heart and ideas coupled with the style of someone like Dr. Jordan Cooper would be the sweet spot for me.

[Dena Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with a previous reviewer who said, “engaging in gratuitous Evangelical-bashing…reference to Evangelical culture as a ‘garbage dump’ and a ‘manure pile.’” I read this book with my mom because it was part of her church’s book club. The only reason I didn’t give it only one star was because some of the parts about Lutheran theology were interesting. However, the author continually returns to his theme of, “See how much better that is than evangelical Christianity!”

[Cassie Wolfgram · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly this was a big DNF for me. As a wife of an LCMS pastor I have seen many "Americanized" ideas seep into our churches. I was very interested to see what Wolfmuellers take would be on this. Sadly, the half of the book I have read so far is a lot of "let me point out how all other denominations in America are wrong and Americanized, but talk up how thr Lutheran church has done an amazing job not being affected by them and that's why we are the best." Sadly, this doesn't ring true to what I've witnessed in our own churches. I was looking for some guidance on how to utilize these ideas in our own churches and yet all it is, is a book about how we are already all on the right track and doing it right compared to all other denominations. I'm sorry. The LCMS is just as full of sinners as all others, American politics and materialism and "me first" mentality has also made its way into our church's and I just can't finish a book that acts like that hasn't happened and doesn't have any "solutions" for helping us deal with it in our own locations. I think this book would be more aptly titles "why the lutheran church is the best and all others suck" from the points he is actually making and by not acknowledging the problems we are facing even as Lutherans in America taking on more problematic non Biblical views.

[Jim Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I really appreciate the spirit in which the book was written, Pastor Wolfmueller spent some time as part of the evangelical church before becoming a Lutheran pastor, so his insights are reinforced by a genuine understanding of many of the positions that are widespread in "American Christianity" and he makes his case with humility and sincerity. The points he makes are valid and freeing, it would be my wish that many evangelicals would read this and truly take stock of the points argued, this is much to gain, the gospel itself in fact. Despite the title this book is equally applicable to much of UK evangelicalism and so do not be deterred thinking that it only applies to the America context, it does not. I intend to re-read it, it is a great starting place for any Christian weary of looking for the comfort of the gospel in the treadmill of Christian living and perceived good works, it gives the opportunity to properly and biblically reorient our focus away from ourselves to the place where true comfort is freely given in Christ. As Christians we need this as much as ever.

[Marie Wilfong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well written treatise on Lutheran theology...gained some new thoughts, but also had to discard some of what he had to say. If his intention was to write an apologetic piece about the Lutheran Church, I think it could have been done without bashing and dismissing nearly all other denominations because his interpretations of scripture, and his views of Christian practice differ. Granted, as long as humanity remains there will never be a perfect church...but the church is not a building, rites, traditions...the church is people loving God, receiving Jesus' gift of forgiveness and loving others as we love ourselves...Jesus stated this as the greatest commandment of all!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard hitting maybe at times too caustic and I think putting too many groups together in his criticism nevertheless the less when he is good it’s such a great book. Many chapters I loved; right now thinking of vocation, prayer, end times crazy/ comfort and the Christian life
I did not realize he was Lutheran ( my bad for not checking) so not expecting his views on communion and baptism. He also was I think misrepresenting the Reformed faiths but I’m still very glad I listened. Recommend with the above caveats for those not Lutheran.

[Ruth Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write this book than Bryan Wolfmueller. After spending years in the mindset of American Christianity (which is a broad definition not aimed at any particular denomination), Wolfmueller eventually became a Lutheran pastor, so he knows very well the theology of both. He explains his experiences in American Christianity as follows: “There were times of great joy, but there were times of great sorrow, even despair. Altogether, it was a time of trouble and a teaching of burden. The teaching focused on my Christian life instead of on Christ, on my resolve instead of on God’s mercy, on my decision instead of on the death of Jesus” (p 8). In this book, he explores how revivalism, pietism, mysticism, and enthusiasm influence American Christianity, and quite possibly even your own thinking as well. He discusses the teachings of original sin, justification, good works, prayer, and even the end times. Through it all, he points always and only to Jesus as the center of our theology and worship.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has put quite a bee in my bonnet.

Some of it is familiar teaching in the Lutheran church.

Some it I think is quite inaccurate as he describes teachings in "American Christianity", which he basically defines as everyone outside the Lutheran church, from Catholics, Calvinists, Baptists, non-denominational, and everyone in between. I do think a lot of the issues about what "American Christianity" is teaching is true in many churches, but I think a lot of what the claims are not at all what I hear in Christian non-Lutheran podcasts, books, etc.

A third category would be teachings he claims to be consistent with Lutheran interpretation of Scripture, but I am not familiar and I am not sure if that is because his interpretation is inaccurate, or if his interpretations are accurate but they haven't really been delved into in any of the many Lutheran churches I've attended. Further and closer study of the Bible passages he uses and others that might contradict his view will follow, as will interviews with some of the Lutheran pastors I know well.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clear description of common current theological errors, with plenty of Scriptural support. This book is definitely worth your time if you are interested in what makes Lutherans Lutheran and how that differs from what can be found in a lot of modern Christian churches. The last two chapters were not as strong as the rest of the book, in my opinion, but I am so thankful for Wolfmueller's direct and easy-to-understand style of writing. His videos are also very helpful.

[Paris Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Catholic, and the author is clearly Lutheran. However, this book drives home on exactly the points it intended. An excellent read about where Christianity is failing, and how misunderstandings create false teachings. Goes in depth about scriptures to shed light on the truths of The Bible and not the feel good version of Christianity that our culture promotes. Excellent read.

[Teo]

To me this seems like a great example of the best of conservative, Missouri Synod understanding of the interaction between theology and American life/culture. I'm on a slow, bit-by-bit read of this. Appreciating the positive portrayal of the church I grew up in, but also appreciating the differences in emphasis from the church I am now in.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to list the chapters that I found to be helpful, but on finishing the book, I realized there were just a couple chapters that I wouldn't have listed. The whole book is very well written, easy to follow, and an excellent source for understanding what people of the world are thinking and why this idea of American Christianity is lacking.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful analysis of the worrying weaknesses of American Christianity. Much would apply to the UK too. Beautiful, compelling presentation of what we're missing out on.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet balm to the weary Christian soul. Here, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller breaks down the key problems of American Christianity (aka "Pop-Christianity" or "Pop-American Christianity"), pointing out how its tendencies of revivalism, pietism, mysticism, and enthusiasm all focus on the Christian rather than on Christ, as well as thoroughly confuse Law and Gospel. With warmth, clarity, and personal insight, Pr. Wolfmueller extols the joy of the Gospel, pointing the reader to the wonders of the Scriptures, the awesomeness of Jesus Christ, the comfort of justification by grace through faith, the power of the Sacraments, the heart of prayer, the truth about the end times, and the surprise of the Gospel itself. I would recommend this book to both new and experienced Christians.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read on the trends in American Christianity and exposing the errors being preached from pulpits. Scripture is used in context and expertly. It is evident that the author is handling the Word of God correctly and this book was a joy to read. I have been a Christian for about 11 years and am currently transitioning from a church I felt was losing its focus from the Word of God and Instead concentrating its attentions on methods and "law and no gospel" preaching. Highest possible recommendation for those seeking a good book discussing the serious errors and false teaching being propagated in American Christianity today.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource for those coming out of evangelicalism. But also helpful for Lutherans who have been sucked into the "American Evangelical" brand of Christianity. Each chapter addresses critical areas. If I used with a group study, I would expand studying the Bible for examples and correcting false evangelical narratives.

[Jeffrey Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Perspective

Pastor Wolfmueller points out where contemporary Christianity in America has strayed away from the basic message of salvation that occurs outside of ourselves. He warns of the dangers of pride and despair that can result from looking for meaningful Christianity within your heart and in your feelings. Very thought-provoking!

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most incisive, helpful books for those facing the empty wasteland of American Evangelism. In America, Christianity is often phrased in terms of our works, our will, an instructional or self-improvement class. The truth of what Christ has done for us is so much more wonderful than we often hear. American Christianity is frequently sick and lost—hear the beautiful, true alternative.

[Anni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very biased Lutheran teaching.

[James Tetley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christ-centred book that exposes the dangers of pride and despair, dismantles works-based theology, and powerfully proclaims that Jesus alone forgives, cleanses, and saves—essential reading for every believer.

Review:

There are very few books I would call essential reading for every believer, but this is one of them. While I don’t agree with every detail, it has profoundly challenged the way I think about faith.

For years I’ve been learning to see how Christ is not only the centre of all Scripture but also the centre of how we live out our faith. It’s not about us—our works, our change, or our progress—but about Christ’s proclamation over us.

This book speaks powerfully to the reality many Christians face: feeling that they should be doing better, yet often feeling like failures. It rejects that works-based mindset and instead reminds us that though we remain broken, Christ has already forgiven us and given us everything we need.

One of the book’s clearest insights is how dangerous it is when theology is centred on ourselves. It shows how both pride and despair are two sides of the same coin. Pride says, I can do it myself, I don’t need Jesus’s words. Despair says, I can’t do it, and Jesus’s words aren’t enough to cover me. In both cases, we make ourselves the focus and end up doubting Christ’s promise that He forgives, cleanses, and saves.

The book also highlights how often the gospel is preached to unbelievers, while works and effort are preached to believers. The author insists that Christ must remain the message for all—whether inside or outside the church. It also shows how the law is still vital—not as a way of saving us, but because it reveals the very character of God and His design for our lives.

Challenging, refreshing, and deeply Christ-centred—highly recommended.

PS I heartily recommend the 59 (!!) lectures on faithcapo.com by Pastor Jeremy Rhodes if you really want to study the content in-depth. A 2 year journey for me…but deeply rewarding.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well worth the read! Though I couldn't have articulated it so well at the time, this book explains well, with Scripture, why much of mainstream Christianity is missing the mark - not preaching the comfort of the Gospel (not rightly using Law and Gospel, either), not teaching accurately from the Scriptures, and has shifted focus from Jesus and His cross to feelings, experiences, self, and what we can "do" for God (instead of what God has done for us in Jesus!)

I left the Southern Baptist church a little over 6 years ago. The church I had attended for years changed to a more seeker-driven, "we must reach the young people" focus. The louder music with its concert atmosphere made it impossible for me to continue attending church due to my own sensory issues. I could no longer take communion. I could no longer be with other believers in a service. I went looking for a more liturgical congregation in the area where I could be with other believers in person, take communion, and be part of a church family again. That is how I wound up in the Lutheran church.

We don't need the flashy things to draw people in. We have the Gospel of Christ. Such a deeply rich thing that many have lost sight of!

[Tom Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this book is very good theologically, especially the beginning where he explains how the American church has become focused on the individual experience and entertainment rather than the gospel.

However, towards the middle, it becomes an apologetic for being Lutheran. While it’s interesting to hear why they believe what they believe, he misrepresents what other “evangelicals” believe several times and goes so far as to say they don’t base their beliefs in scripture. That’s simply false. I was really disappointed in that shift of the book.

He also presents the Lutheran understanding of absolution, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper as the only way to truly understand the relevant passages, as if any other reading is just stupid. Yet, he ignores obvious scripture that contradicts his explanations that other denominations clearly point to when discussing their doctrine.

That part of the book seems dishonest and an obvious ploy to try to “steal sheep” from other denominations. However, in my opinion, his explanations of those Lutheran doctrines really just pointed out how contradictory their doctrine is.

[Abigail Burdett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished this book!😮‍💨While not terribly long, this book very dense and I will definitely need to reread it to truly understand everything better. The author poses a very challenging idea, that the American culture and mindset of hard work, individualization, and self-sufficiency has imprinted itself deeply into our theology, causing us to, often without realizing it, rely on our good works, confession, decision to follow Christ etc for our salvation, redemption, comfort, and ultimately, ticket to Heaven. The author’s main message is one of God’s sovereignty and gift of grace—our salvation can only come from Him and it is not from anything we have done to garner it. Our works, prayers, worship, even our decision to follow Him are not what activate our salvation, but rather, it is God’s loving sacrifice of His Son given to us through the waters of baptism that saves. I particularly enjoyed his sections on prayer, vocation, and Revelation. My only tiff with the book is that it is written from a purely denominational standpoint, where the author diagnoses the issue and then offers his denominational theology as the solution. It didn’t always sit right with me.

[Tori Van Brunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

So thought-provoking that I'm eager to read it again.

A welcome rebuke/warning to American evangelicals. I'll be chewing on these ideas for a while. Particularly the warning that (1) our evangelistic efforts, at times, are driven by anxiety and fear; operating out of a crisis mode that is not biblically supported and (2) our emphasis is often too much on progressing in the Christian faith - doing/being better - and thus we rise and fall in our own minds based on our own assessment of our sanctification instead of resting in Christ's past, present, and future work.

I will say, that the book seemed to be written to Lutherans and in defense of Lutheran doctrine. Therefore, as a former Lutheran, current "evangelical", I felt a little misunderstood/mischaracterized at times. I also didn't appreciate the perceived insults of evangelicals and sarcasm, but perhaps the audiobook sounded more sarcastic than the author intended.

Overall, I was encouraged throughout the entire book to lift my eyes to Jesus instead of looking to myself. Thankful for the warning against looking to myself and for the truth of Jesus that was described - it is and ought to be a comfort to all Christians.

[Elise Temme · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in-depth analysis of the ways in which mainstream American churches have shifted their focuses away from Jesus and more on the self (e.g. making a decision for Jesus, defining a relationship with Jesus based on emotions, etc.). As a Christian with baggage from this type of thinking, it is refreshing and comforting to review the alternative to the theology of glory, which is the theology of the cross: Jesus for you and His gifts through His Word and Sacraments. This basic tenet affects every aspect of Christianity: the way we view good works (done for our neighbor, not for God), how Baptism works (God's work for us which saves us from our sins through the water and the Word), how we read the Book of Revelations, and so much more. I highly recommend to anyone, but especially to those who are frustrated with mainstream Christianity or who are interested in learning more about confessional Lutheranism.