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Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World
In a time of division and discord, Christians have come to be seen not as bearers of good news and love but of judgement and intolerance. How did we get here? And what can we do about it?
With a reporter's eye and a compassionate heart, Philip Yancey—bestselling author of What's So Amazing About Grace?—suggests practical ways in which we can live as salt and light within a society that is radically changing.
What can we learn from those who shun church but consider themselves spiritual?How do people like artists, pilgrims, and activists model for us a more compelling path to faith than our usual concept of evangelism?Can the good news, once spoiled, ever sound good again?
In Vanishing Grace, Yancey tackles challenging and timely questions and offers a discerning look at what contributes to the rising hostility toward Christians—acknowledging the ways that Christians themselves have contributed to this hostility and exploring how we can respond with both grace and truth.
In the wake of recent events and cultural shifts, people both inside and outside the church are thirsty for grace. Vanishing Grace calls us to see their thirst, and ours, in a hopeful new light as we listen, love, and offer a grace that is truly good news.
With a reporter's eye and a compassionate heart, Philip Yancey—bestselling author of What's So Amazing About Grace?—suggests practical ways in which we can live as salt and light within a society that is radically changing.
What can we learn from those who shun church but consider themselves spiritual?How do people like artists, pilgrims, and activists model for us a more compelling path to faith than our usual concept of evangelism?Can the good news, once spoiled, ever sound good again?
In Vanishing Grace, Yancey tackles challenging and timely questions and offers a discerning look at what contributes to the rising hostility toward Christians—acknowledging the ways that Christians themselves have contributed to this hostility and exploring how we can respond with both grace and truth.
In the wake of recent events and cultural shifts, people both inside and outside the church are thirsty for grace. Vanishing Grace calls us to see their thirst, and ours, in a hopeful new light as we listen, love, and offer a grace that is truly good news.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2018
About the author
Philip Yancey
299 books2,404 followersA native of Atlanta, Georgia, Philip Yancey earned graduate degrees in Communications and English from Wheaton College Graduate School and the University of Chicago. He joined the staff of Campus Life Magazine in 1971, and worked there as Editor and then Publisher. He looks on those years with gratitude, because teenagers are demanding readers, and writing for them taught him a lasting principle: The reader is in control!
In 1978 Philip Yancey became a full-time writer, initially working as a journalist for such varied publications as Reader’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, National Wildlife, Christian Century and The Reformed Journal. For several years he contributed a monthly column to Christianity Today magazine, where he also served as Editor at Large.
In 2021 Philip released two new books: A Companion in Crisis and his long-awaited memoir, Where the Light Fell. Other favorites included in his more than twenty-five titles are: Where Is God When It Hurts, The Student Bible, and Disappointment with God. Philip's books have won thirteen Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, have sold more than seventeen million copies, and have been published in over 50 languages. Christian bookstore managers selected The Jesus I Never Knew as the 1996 Book of the Year, and in 1998 What’s So Amazing About Grace? won the same award. His other recent books are Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image; Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World; The Question that Never Goes Away; What Good Is God?; Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?; Soul Survivor; and Reaching for the Invisible God. In 2009 a daily reader was published, compiled from excerpts of his work: Grace Notes.
The Yanceys lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving to a very different environment in Colorado. Together they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and all the other delights of the Rocky Mountains.
Visit Philip online:
https://www.philipyancey.com
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey
Catch his monthly blog:
https://bit.ly/PhilipYanceyBlog
In 1978 Philip Yancey became a full-time writer, initially working as a journalist for such varied publications as Reader’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, National Wildlife, Christian Century and The Reformed Journal. For several years he contributed a monthly column to Christianity Today magazine, where he also served as Editor at Large.
In 2021 Philip released two new books: A Companion in Crisis and his long-awaited memoir, Where the Light Fell. Other favorites included in his more than twenty-five titles are: Where Is God When It Hurts, The Student Bible, and Disappointment with God. Philip's books have won thirteen Gold Medallion Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, have sold more than seventeen million copies, and have been published in over 50 languages. Christian bookstore managers selected The Jesus I Never Knew as the 1996 Book of the Year, and in 1998 What’s So Amazing About Grace? won the same award. His other recent books are Fearfully and Wonderfully: The Marvel of Bearing God’s Image; Vanishing Grace: Bringing Good News to a Deeply Divided World; The Question that Never Goes Away; What Good Is God?; Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?; Soul Survivor; and Reaching for the Invisible God. In 2009 a daily reader was published, compiled from excerpts of his work: Grace Notes.
The Yanceys lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving to a very different environment in Colorado. Together they enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and all the other delights of the Rocky Mountains.
Visit Philip online:
https://www.philipyancey.com
https://www.facebook.com/PhilipYancey
Catch his monthly blog:
https://bit.ly/PhilipYanceyBlog
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 12, 2023
This book was a very enjoyable reading. Yancey’s writing style is engaging without being fluffy or too flowery.
I guess I expected it to be more based on scripture rather than anecdotes.
I guess I expected it to be more based on scripture rather than anecdotes.
December 27, 2019
It's been awhile since I've read a Yancey book. Yancey is one of my favorite Christian writers. He is perceptive, stimulating, engaging, challenging, thought-provoking, and always presents a deep, biblical perspective on whatever topic he writes on. Vanishing Grace was no different. It's like an updated, 2.0 version of his earlier classic work--What's So Amazing About Grace? Which has always been one of my favorites. In this book, Yancey seeks to get at the question of why the Gospel--which is good news--is so often perceived by unbelievers as bad news, or as something judgmental and negative (very "anti" everything). This is a good question and Yancey has some solid, thought-provoking answers, and also recommendations.
Here's a quote on the reason Yancey wrote the book, which I find very useful in thinking about his thesis and search for answers: "I decided to write this book after I saw the results of surveys by the George Barna group.* A few telling statistics jumped off the page. In 1996, 85 percent of Americans who had no religious commitment still viewed Christianity favorably. Thirteen years later, in 2009, only 16 percent of young “outsiders” had a favorable impression of Christianity, and just 3 percent had a good impression of evangelicals. I wanted to explore what caused that dramatic plunge in such a relatively short time. Why do Christians stir up hostile feelings—and what, if anything, should we do about it? Many similar conversations have taught me that religion represents a huge threat to those who see themselves as a minority of agnostics in a land of belief. Nonbelievers tend to regard evangelicals as a legion of morals police determined to impose their notion of right behavior on others. To them, Christians are anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-women—probably anti-sex, for that matter—and most of them homeschool their children to avoid defilement. Christians sometimes help with social problems, say by running soup kitchens and homeless shelters, but otherwise they differ little from Muslim fanatics who want to enforce sharia law on their societies."
Here's a quote on the reason Yancey wrote the book, which I find very useful in thinking about his thesis and search for answers: "I decided to write this book after I saw the results of surveys by the George Barna group.* A few telling statistics jumped off the page. In 1996, 85 percent of Americans who had no religious commitment still viewed Christianity favorably. Thirteen years later, in 2009, only 16 percent of young “outsiders” had a favorable impression of Christianity, and just 3 percent had a good impression of evangelicals. I wanted to explore what caused that dramatic plunge in such a relatively short time. Why do Christians stir up hostile feelings—and what, if anything, should we do about it? Many similar conversations have taught me that religion represents a huge threat to those who see themselves as a minority of agnostics in a land of belief. Nonbelievers tend to regard evangelicals as a legion of morals police determined to impose their notion of right behavior on others. To them, Christians are anti-abortion, anti-gay, anti-women—probably anti-sex, for that matter—and most of them homeschool their children to avoid defilement. Christians sometimes help with social problems, say by running soup kitchens and homeless shelters, but otherwise they differ little from Muslim fanatics who want to enforce sharia law on their societies."
June 1, 2023
This one had its ups and downs. Where Yancey writes about a grace-full and a grace-filled church it's great content.
However, when he wades into political and social areas, the book gets a little lost. Some of this has to do with the age of the book. It was originally published in 2014 and a number of his political and social "that won't happen" are happening right now or have happened. Thus, proving the Christians he questioned politically and socially were more right than he was. Read the first half of the book where Yancey's discussion on grace is timeless. Skip the rest where his political and social insights are dated.
However, when he wades into political and social areas, the book gets a little lost. Some of this has to do with the age of the book. It was originally published in 2014 and a number of his political and social "that won't happen" are happening right now or have happened. Thus, proving the Christians he questioned politically and socially were more right than he was. Read the first half of the book where Yancey's discussion on grace is timeless. Skip the rest where his political and social insights are dated.
May 5, 2020
Thought Provoking
So many thoughts about how we as Christians can better show God's grace to the world...and so many ways that we have not shown it. Yancey really made me look at my own life and actions with a loving critical eye.
So many thoughts about how we as Christians can better show God's grace to the world...and so many ways that we have not shown it. Yancey really made me look at my own life and actions with a loving critical eye.
May 9, 2022
"We must always remember the news of that lofty good as humble pilgrims, not as haughty power brokers" - Philip Yancey (Ch. 13-Holy Subversion)
Vanishing Grace was an interesting book to read. It wasn't like a non-fiction book I've read that touches on the themes of faith and Christianity in the 21st century. Although published in 2014, Philip Yancey's book somehow feels appropriate for the cultural and societal upheaval that we've been in since at the least, 2012. Although the book does show its age, Philip Yancey manages to imbue the book with a healthy critique of Christianity in the U.S. in the 21st century, how it's been used by various Christians and Christian organizations and how we as Christians can begin to share the Good News of the Gospel, in a "post-Christian world."
The way that Yancey dissects not only the history of how Christianity has been used throughout the centuries and millennia since the time of Christ, but also its current usage by evangelical and fundamentalist churches here in the U.S. is strikingly powerful. I really loved the way in which he not only acknowledges the good that faith in Christ has on people's lives, but also the ways in which Christ and subsequently, Christianity has been used to negative effects by churches in the U.S., causing harm to many, especially the LGBTQ community.
This is a book I'd recommend Christians (or those professing to be Christian) read to not only hear Yancey's heart behind the book, but also to allow God to use the book to help you draw closer to Him. Even the book itself has caused me to look back on my own life and the ways in which I haven't showed the grace of God to the people around me.
I'd give this a 5 out of 5 stars.
Vanishing Grace was an interesting book to read. It wasn't like a non-fiction book I've read that touches on the themes of faith and Christianity in the 21st century. Although published in 2014, Philip Yancey's book somehow feels appropriate for the cultural and societal upheaval that we've been in since at the least, 2012. Although the book does show its age, Philip Yancey manages to imbue the book with a healthy critique of Christianity in the U.S. in the 21st century, how it's been used by various Christians and Christian organizations and how we as Christians can begin to share the Good News of the Gospel, in a "post-Christian world."
The way that Yancey dissects not only the history of how Christianity has been used throughout the centuries and millennia since the time of Christ, but also its current usage by evangelical and fundamentalist churches here in the U.S. is strikingly powerful. I really loved the way in which he not only acknowledges the good that faith in Christ has on people's lives, but also the ways in which Christ and subsequently, Christianity has been used to negative effects by churches in the U.S., causing harm to many, especially the LGBTQ community.
This is a book I'd recommend Christians (or those professing to be Christian) read to not only hear Yancey's heart behind the book, but also to allow God to use the book to help you draw closer to Him. Even the book itself has caused me to look back on my own life and the ways in which I haven't showed the grace of God to the people around me.
I'd give this a 5 out of 5 stars.
April 21, 2024
Vanishing Grace is one of those books you don't rush through. You need to stop and savour the words you have read after every chapter and that can be challenging.
At the heart of this book is the vanishing Christian faith of the Western world and the antipathy of those who no longer believe. The world is so in need of the grace of God and yet we Christians have mismanaged that grace over the decades resulting in a post Christian world. And world is poorer for it.
Philip makes suggestions how we can engage others in conversation without alienating them. Humility is the key to open peoples hearts and not the superior attitude that many people foster. We are all sinners in need of grace and calling other people evil is certain to provoke a harsh response.
It is a timely reminder of the treasure that we carry within ourselves and the responsibility we have to share the Good News in a loving way. It is better to woo one of the 'nones' rather than criticize their way of life. May God help us all.
At the heart of this book is the vanishing Christian faith of the Western world and the antipathy of those who no longer believe. The world is so in need of the grace of God and yet we Christians have mismanaged that grace over the decades resulting in a post Christian world. And world is poorer for it.
Philip makes suggestions how we can engage others in conversation without alienating them. Humility is the key to open peoples hearts and not the superior attitude that many people foster. We are all sinners in need of grace and calling other people evil is certain to provoke a harsh response.
It is a timely reminder of the treasure that we carry within ourselves and the responsibility we have to share the Good News in a loving way. It is better to woo one of the 'nones' rather than criticize their way of life. May God help us all.
November 29, 2021
UNDERSTANDING GRACE
This novel on grace is so deep that you cannot rush through it, but must take your time to contemplate the depths, the heights and the width of every chapter… I found the final chapters about grace and politics to be extremely interesting… being an evangelical, it appears that we constantly trip over our own feet in our attempt to advance the Gospel. Everyone needs to get the real grace message!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
This novel on grace is so deep that you cannot rush through it, but must take your time to contemplate the depths, the heights and the width of every chapter… I found the final chapters about grace and politics to be extremely interesting… being an evangelical, it appears that we constantly trip over our own feet in our attempt to advance the Gospel. Everyone needs to get the real grace message!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Read
May 10, 2022A timely discussion
In a hyperpolarized world the need for Grace is clear. But what does grace look like in the 21st century and how does one share the gospel in a way that comes across as good news. Yancey's observations and insights along with his love of Jesus help us to understand that good news is not only our message, it must be our posture. Followers of Jesus must be known for the Grace they have been given! This book is a must read.
In a hyperpolarized world the need for Grace is clear. But what does grace look like in the 21st century and how does one share the gospel in a way that comes across as good news. Yancey's observations and insights along with his love of Jesus help us to understand that good news is not only our message, it must be our posture. Followers of Jesus must be known for the Grace they have been given! This book is a must read.
May 13, 2024
A great book to come back to when you are feeling judgemental and then guilty for feeling that way. Grace is indeed vanishing and we need to return there. Acknowledging the faults of pharisaical Christians, Yancey also comes to the defence of Christians: "Human rights, women's rights, minorty rights, gay rights, disability rights, animal rights - the success of these modern movements reflects a widespread empathy for the oppressed that has no precedent in the ancient world" (p. 154).
April 16, 2019
Perfect reading on the holy week. I especially love all the references to pilgrims. How will the life long pilgrimage turn out in the end? "The journey will prove either to have been "Pilgrim's Progress" or "Just one damn thing after another."(p109)
February 20, 2022
Really strong book. Highly recommend for today's social problems.
November 22, 2022
2.5⭐
Skipped through some chapters ... no 'aha' moments.
Skipped through some chapters ... no 'aha' moments.
September 10, 2023
Amazing book! Bringing politics, religion, and grace to the forefront.
July 23, 2025
Fantastic book! Everyone should read this. It is so important for us as Christians to remember God’s grace is for all of us.
March 31, 2026
I read it for a church discussion that is happening during Lent. I can't say that I really understand the title, as there are many meanings to the word "grace" and I don't think that Yancey gives us a definition in this book. He did include a definition in "What's So Amazing About Grace," and if he means the same thing here, I don't get it.
I did get something out of the book, but not a lot.
I did get something out of the book, but not a lot.
April 29, 2024
Fours stars because, well, he's Philip Yancey. Most of his books have been five stars for me, so he sets the bar pretty high. I'm sure I would have liked this better if I'd read it sooner after it was published. Now, nine years later, it seems a little dated and overly optimistic. There was some great content here, but he's said a lot of it before.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews