The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel

by Dean Inserra

What to do when they say they’re Christian but don’t know Jesus

Whether it’s the Christmas and Easter Christians or the faithful church attenders whose hearts are cold toward the Lord, we’ve all encountered cultural Christians. They’d check the Christian box on a survey, they’re fine with church, but the truth is, they’re far from God. So how do we bring Jesus to this overlooked mission field?

The Unsaved Christian equips you to confront cultural Christianity with honesty, compassion, and grace, whether you’re doing it from the pulpit or the pews. This practical guide

show you how to recognize cultural Christianityteach you how to overcome the barriers that get in the waygive you easy-to-understand advice about VBS, holiday services, reaching “good people,” and more!If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure how to minister to someone who identifies as Christian but still needs Jesus, this book is for you. 

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Faith, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction, Evangelism

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2019

About the author

DEAN INSERRA is a graduate of Liberty University and holds a M.A. in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is pursuing a D. Min. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the founding pastor of City Church. He is passionate about reaching the city of Tallahassee with the Gospel, to see a worldwide impact made for Jesus. Dean is married to Krissie and they have two sons, Tommy and Ty, and one daughter, Sally Ashlyn. He likes baseball, wrestling, and the Miami Hurricanes. He believes Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback and that everyone who disagrees holds the right to be wrong.

Reviews

[George P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew 7:21–23 is one of the most sobering passages of the Bible. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” Jesus tells His disciples, “but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” What does it mean to say, “Lord, Lord”? Jesus explains: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’” Regardless of their displays of spiritual power, Jesus’ verdict is negative: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Dean Inserra opens The Unsaved Christian with this passage because it so starkly portrays the self-deception of self-identified Christians whom Christ cannot identify as His own. “These petitioners Jesus spoke of loved to say, ‘didn’t we?’ when they should have been saying, ‘didn’t He?’” In other words, they practiced self-righteousness, attempting to merit salvation through powerful spiritual works, rather than receiving God’s gracious gift of righteousness in Christ through repentance and faith in Him.

Today, many self-identified American Christians don’t claim to prophesy or exorcize demons or work miracles, but the central insight of The Unsaved Christian is that they are nevertheless as lost as the “evildoers” of Matthew 7:23. They are Christians in name only, practitioners of cultural Christianity. “Cultural Christianity is a mindset that places one’s security in heritage, values, rites of passage (such as a first communion or a baptism from childhood), and a generic deity, rather than the redemptive work of Jesus Christ,” writes Inserra. He goes on to provide a taxonomy of eight types of cultural Christians:

1. Country Club Christian: “Self-focused, not missional; church just happens to be the social club of their preference."

2. Christmas & Easter Christian: “Holds the Christian holidays close with sentimentality, but the implications of these holidays seem to have little impact on daily life.”

3. God & Country Christian: “Is ‘proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free’; digests everything first as an American or member of a certain political party, not as a believer. Can have blinders on to what really matters."

4. Liberal Social Justice Christian: “Feels strongly about specific social justice issues; compromises biblical teachings in light of cultural whims; believes that politicians and legislation can fix the world.”

5. Good Guy Next Door Christian: “Believes God wants people to be good and kind to each other as taught in most world religions; Jesus just so happens to be the mascot, but the specifics of Christianity aren’t really relevant.”

6. Generational Catholic Christian: “Generally either views Catholicism as a heritage or carries significant guilt to be loyal to its tenants.” (I think Inserra means “tenets.”)

7. Mainline Protestant: “Generally believes vague things about the Bible but is prone to discard it in favor of the pressing beliefs of the day. Proclaims God’s love in terms of license to seek comfort.”

8. Bible Belt Christian: “Displays external forms of religiosity and would be offended to be called an atheist, but in actuality, Jesus has little impact on their lives.”

These eight varieties of cultural Christians are ideal types, obviously, but they do describe a lot of the features of what passes for Christianity in contemporary American culture.

For each variety, Inserra elaborates on what it mistakes the gospel for, identifies starting points for gospel conversations, and shows how the gospel, correctly understood, both challenges and provides a remedy for it. Take the Bible Belt Christianity, for example. It is typically found in the South, which Flannery O’Connor described as “Christ-haunted.” Its “unofficial liturgy” is country music, and Inserra provides an insightful look at the religious outlook of three contemporary country songs.

Based on those songs, he comments: “Sadly, many people in the Bible Belt are haunted by the idea of Christ, while not understanding His love for them. The judgment of God lingers in their minds. Believing the gospel would allow them to understand that it is the kindness of God that can actually lead them to repentance (Rom. 2:4). With an awareness of God and our sins, but not the gospel, one is only left with country music theology, hoping God will let us into heaven one day after we have some fun on earth.”

Inserra closes The Unsaved Christian by enumerating three things necessary for evangelizing cultural Christians: “a refusal to be in denial, gospel clarity, and boldness to speak the truth in love” (emphasis in original). Inserra is a pastor, and he intends his book as an aid to pastors and other concerned Christians who long to “make disciples” of Jesus Christ” (Matthew 28:19). Distinguishing between authentic and nominal Christianity is never easy, especially in a supposedly Christian nation, but it’s an evangelistic necessity, lest we leave people thinking what we did, rather than what He did, saves us.

Book Reviewed
Dean Inserra, The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2019).

P.S. If you found my review helpful, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.

P.P.S. This review is cross-posted from InfluenceMagazine.com with permission.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely helpful. Dean Inserra gets to the heart of the disconnect I feel living in the Bible Belt where everyone’s a “Christian”, but still seems so lost. He breaks down different categories of cultural Christians and provides ways to approach sharing the true Gospel with them.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking I deserve heaven is a sure sign I have no understanding of the Gospel. (Deciding if someone else deserves heaven is another one.) Cultural Christians are those who genuinely believes they are on good terms with God because of church familiarity, a generic moral code, a political affiliation, a religious family heritage, etc. Cultural Christianity is largely based on confusion, whereas the hypocrite and the false teacher have a "Christianity"based on deceit. - Welcome to a new mission field.

Maybe this text is about you, maybe it's for you to grab the gospel in a different light, maybe its for you to see a whole new mission field than what you currently have been pursuing.

The text starts with the case of the unsaved Christian. One who believes or is deceived into believing that they are in the fold. It follows with Religion without salvation and what that looks like. False Assurance of salvation. How church is more of a country club than a place of worship. The cultural of holidays and political affiliations. Even how being good does not mean being saved. Each chapter is clear on the wrong believe and deed and steers the sinner to the heart of your salvation. A heart totally living for God.

So if you are doubting your own salvation, you may start reading this without any hope. I had felt that way myself but as I continued on, there is hope. There is hope in the Person of Christ, there is hope in his word, and with other like-minded believers. A text for today culture. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Moody Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kevin Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful book for someone like me who has many friends that seem to be nominal believers (what Inserra calls ‘unsaved Christians’) and who ministers to many people who think they are saved but probably aren’t.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read through was as good as the first! Many perceptive comments. Helped clarify some of the Southern cultural Christianity I have observed.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a strange little book: how exactly do you get an Unsaved Christian to read this book??? I have no idea. The Prophet Jonah would threaten them with 40 days and then destruction. (that actually works better than the nice guy approach this book seems to hint at.)

I've been trying to come up with some tests for those folks who claim to be Christians. They aren't fool proof necessarily - but they hint at the truth. Here's some:

Stop a person in mid conversation (or debate?) and ask them how much they LOVE the Jesus of the Bible. Almost anytime I felt the urge to poke at this - the person refused to answer. Personally, I'd love to have someone i'm arguing with ask me this. What a joy to answer it.

Ask a person if Jesus is 100% their Messiah, Savior, King, High Priest, Lamb Slain For the Sins of the World, and GOD. This will quickly disperse 90% of Church goers and religious liberal agnostics (and Cultic Spiritualists) who are confused about their Christianity. If you say “Sovereign God” that will get rid of another 6%.

So this book is about reaching and discerning who these unsaved people are. I doubt many of them would dare read a book like this. Not with all the Joel Osteen books, and Dr. Phil books, and Deepak Chopra books. And books that are mostly Against the claims of God's historically and factually reliable Bible. (unsaved people will always find something in God's Word to hate and confuse).

I would say that this book is mostly about the problem at hand and clarifying what exactly an unsaved person is. The Bible was full of these as well. Remember Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts (God smote them for lying about their tithes in the 1st century foundation of HIS church). Not a lot of ministry, forgiveness and counseling happened - just a God Given "Smote".

So why are people so close to the Gospel yet just don't get it? Interesting issue. Like me - some have had it poorly explained to them (freakin' Methodists and Mennonites and Wesleyan feel good sermons). But when an Elect of God hears the Good News, it should be a joy to their heart and they are desperate to pursue it. No matter what crap they've been fed for the last 25 years. Hint: Start reading your Bibles carefully and slowly and fully. This will prevent 90% of your insanity and lack of discernment.

The author shows us how Youth Groups have failed. How Bible studies have failed. How Church itself has failed. We fail because we make it about US instead of about the Jesus of the Bible. Jesus is very demanding. But loving. As long as you're humbly and truthfully pursuing Him. (most aren't).

This book also nicely bashes the bad habits and bad theology of Catholics and Charismatics and Liberals. It's almost impossible to get past those bad mountains of rebellious sin. But the Apostle Paul made it after persecuting Christians to death. So there's a small chance. (if God chooses to make it so).

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good insights and reminders of truth & remembering how important the Gospel is.

[Darrell Wayenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will preface my review by admitting my own tendency toward cynicism when it comes to the traditional conservative evangelical church. In fact it was that tendency that attracted me initially to this book. Sadly, The Unsaved Christian is merely a rehash of the same narrow traditional conservative viewpoints that I have heard since the 1980’s. For example, much of my cynicism stems from the very use of the word “church” and it how it shapes our view of what the church is. Repeatedly Inserra refers to the church as a building, or a Sunday worship service. It may seem like a picky detail, but when we fail to use the word “church” to correctly identify a community of believers rather than a place or an event, we only encourage the very cultural Christianity that Inserra is hoping to combat. So, when he says, “We regularly emphasize to the congregation the need to invite friends to church,” he makes an inaccurate distinction between the congregation (which is the church) and the building or event (which is not the church). It also perpetuates that myth that the key to getting people saved is not to “go out” into the world, but to try to attract the world in (so the professional Christians can do the work). If you are like me and see examples like this as part of the problem in the church, then, like me, you will find this to be a frustrating book to read.

On the good side, Inserra identifies several types of “cultural Christians” and expresses grave concerns that their misunderstanding, or more accurately, their lack of understanding, of the gospel endangers their eternal lives. On this I agree with him, but I find his stereotypical descriptions overly simplistic. In the preface he claims that the book provides a “comprehensive overview of cultural Christianity,” but a true comprehensive look at each type of cultural Christianity would take far more than the 5 to 6 pages he takes to describe each. Inserra does not deal with nuances, root causes or the culpability of the church itself, in perpetuating the various types of cultural Christianity, at least not in any detail.

Equally troublesome was the lack of emphasis on discipleship as part of the cure for cultural Christianity. Inserra does allude to discipleship in chapter 9, but reduces discipleship to the same formula that has been used for decades with questionable success – read the Bible, serve in some capacity in church sponsored programs, get involved in a small group, and go to church sponsored classes. These are not bad, in themselves, but I have been around a lot of cultural Christians who diligently check all these boxes. To reduce discipleship to participation in these activities misses the point of discipleship and oversimplifies the cure for cultural Christianity. It also perpetuates the myth that all we need to do is get people through the doors and get them involved in order to raise up genuine Christians.

In addition, within the descriptions and approaches to dealing with each type of cultural Christianity, Inserra reveals a narrow view of those who are truly Christian, which basically comes down to only conservative evangelicals. While Inserra repeatedly claims not to be the judge of a person’s salvation, it is clear that he does not believe you can be a Christian without believing in the inerrancy of scripture. Likewise, if you are Catholic or liberal you certainly can’t really be a Christian. That is clearly not the focus of his book, but in talking about cultural christianity those points are not so subtly made, which repeatedly caused me to cringe while I read.

I appreciate that Inserra is willing to bring cultural Christianity to our attention and his concern for those who falsely believe that they are “in” when they very likely are not, but I believe the subject is dealt with far too narrowly and simplistically in The Unsaved Christian. As someone looking for honest self reflection from the church, for the sake of doing better, this book falls far short by simply offering more of the same.

[Michelle Inman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastically written. Easy to understand. Relatable. So dang spot on! Inserra is gracious and truthful and provides so much insight to common forms of Cultural Christianity. He describes the forms, identifies their false beliefs, teaches gospel truths that are important to communicate, and gives encouragement on conversations to have and questions to ask. Absolutely outstanding and would highly recommend! I only wish that he gave more practical advice on how to have fruitful conversations with people who culturally claim Christianity.

[Arianna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Cultural Christianity is the most under-rated mission field in America.”
This book is helpful for anyone who has friends who seem to be nominal believers embedded within a false gospel culture. Inserra leaves us with a challenge to refuse to be in denial, to communicate the gospel to CCs in clear ways, and to have boldness to speak the truth in love.

[Lydia Guetzko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been sitting on my shelf forever, but when I finally started reading it I finished it in one day! It addresses nominal Christianity and how to lead people in that place. Very good, and includes much more than just the advice you’d expect!

[Brittany Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mainstream Cultural Christians aren’t wrapped up in promoting some kind of gospel message. They are simply trying to be nice to others, pursue their idea of personal happiness, pray when something bad happens, and rest in the belief that they are going to heaven after they die."

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

The Unsaved Christian is a straightforward, practical look into the false faith that our country is soaked in. This book does not condemn; the heart of this book is to help us identify ourselves or those we love who are actually Cultural Christians (as described above) and realize that this is a mission field. A commitment with eternal consequences, avoiding awkward or potentially offensive conversations with those we love is unacceptable. We are doing no one any favors if we refuse to ask the hard questions- of ourselves and those close to us. This is a book about drawing people into the family of God, not leaving them out by crossing our fingers in hopes that simple kindness unlocks those pearly gates. This is not a book of calling out and shutting out but of encouragement and open doors.

Inserra invokes these statistics: "According to a study of US adults, 80% of those polled believe in God, but only 56% believe in God as described in the Bible. Considering the fact that approximately 70% of the US population still identifies as Christian, we have a large group of people that would be likely overlooked in outreach or missions."

In a country where being a Christian is not a life or death label (though certain forms of persecution are increasing) it is easy to lay claim to this title. After all, we believe in God (you know, the loving, unoffensive God), we go to church (at least on Easter and Christmas), we pray (when we want to win our football game, it's expected of us, or when our health is in jeopardy), we are good people (well, at least better than our coworkers and our neighbors, and all those people from that other political party), we say Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays, and God is all about love so he knows we try hard and if he knows what's good for him, he will definitely let us into heaven. Heaven is for pretty much everyone but Nazis and serial killers.

But any deeper probes into this line of reasoning and there are not many convincing answers. How good is good enough? How many more good things than bad must we do to be okay? Are there no consequences for breaking the Ten Commandments? If any good person goes to heaven, then why did Jesus die? What makes us any different than people who aren't Christians? How, specifically, has knowing Jesus changed the way you live?

Inserra gives these disclaimers:
"The gospel is not church attendance.
The gospel is not “be sincere and a good person”
The gospel is not theism.
The gospel is not heritage.
The gospel is not an ethnicity.
The gospel is not making Jesus your copilot or your lucky charm."

I think this is a great book to read alongside "Word-Centered Church" by Jonathan Leeman, as we take into consideration what kind of Christianity we're "selling" by our daily example and by the ways our churches function. Things you would think are harmless may actually be perpetuating this Cultural Christianity mindset of finding eternal collateral based on traditions, values, rites of passage, or some sort of generic deity that requires no real life transformation or repentance. The gospel message and the authority of the Word is essential in this conversation.

When we aren't sharing the exclusive gospel, we are allowing people to find false security in a shallow, club-minded, politics-driven, or tradition-keeping faith that has not truly wrecked their hearts with the reality of their sin and standing before a holy God, and his necessary and life-changing redemption.

"Jesus wasn’t looking for crowds, but rather a commitment." Scripture is clear that the path to eternal life is narrow and few find it. Many have been done a disservice, their faith validated that as long as they are good people and go to church every once in awhile, the big man upstairs can't turn them away. Because God would not offend anyone by being against anything the culture deems good and our hearts deem pleasurable. And thus God's love has been detrimentally separated from his holiness.

Throughout the book, Inserra addresses several types of Cultural Christians that he labels: The Country Club Christian, Christmas & Easter Christian, God & Country Christian, Liberal Social Justice Christian, Moralistic Therapeutic Deist Christian, Generational Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Bible Belt Christian.

Are you uncomfortable yet?

I am confident in my salvation and the depth of my faith, but still felt convicted by a lot of the points he made. These mindsets are sneaky and creep in without you realizing. For me, it was his chapter about politics and Christianity. The polarization between Democrats and Republicans feels like it's an irreparable disparity today. And I find myself falling into group identities and allowing politics to often supersede the gospel when I consider other people.

Try this one on for size:
"Partisan politics might be the new religion of American, and the church is getting in step with the times, watch the social media posts of professing Christians and what provokes their most passionate writing, responses, and claims, and you will likely find it to be politics. It is a religion, but its idolatry is masked by Christian language and 'good causes.'" And then, "How many Christians would affirm that they have more in common with a Christian from a different political party than an unbeliever in their own registered party?"

Yikes. This should not be. Granted our faith drives our politics, we have to really hold captive our politics lest it undermine the unity of a gospel-believing church. Does being in a particular political party truly negate their faith and status in God's family?

Lots of relevant and important topics discussed in these pages. He presents the stark reality between Cultural Christianity and authentic faith, offering good examples of each kind of misguided mindset. Though a lot of it seemed a bit repetitive, it may take saying the truth several different ways for us to humbly realize- Oh. That's me. I do think that way...

This is a very practical and helpful book that I would highly recommend reading with an open heart and mind. It is not an open-ended questioning of salvation until any truth is subjective and future is a mystery, but rather a loving challenge to consider the truths of the Bible and a deep internal heart-check for yourself. It's a real 'aha' moment for churches to understand where a mission field is ripe for the harvest.

Each chapter has good discussion questions at the end making this book a Bible Study or small group option. Throughout each chapter he also provides practical tips on conversing with different types of Cultural Christians and offers some helpful questions. In addition to the types of cultural Christians he talks about, he addresses things like church membership, baptism, "perseverance of the saints," altar calls, and sermon content.

This is a hard reality, and reading this book is a step in the right direction of doing the most loving thing we can for people- bringing them into the family of God.

"When it comes to Unsaved Christians, one has to have the emotional discipline to accept the reality that just because someone is your husband or wife, son or daughter, brother or sister, or best friend, and raised in the same religious climate and church, does not mean they are saved… someone might know Christianity, but not Christ."

Some other quotes:

"Self-proclaimed Christians who worship a god that requires no self-sacrifice, no obedience, no submission, and no surrender are not worshiping the God of the Bible, no matter how much they claim they love Jesus. (Jn 14:15, 14:23) Many people want the good-luck-charm Jesus, not the sacrificial Lamb of God whose death requires action."

"Civic religion promotes a god without any definition and a generic faith that demands and asks nothing of its followers… In some areas, civic religion is even proudly theistic and likes the idea of Jesus. Selective words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament will be used and cited when the political cause of the day needs a rally cry...regardless of one’s adherence the authority of Scripture as a whole."

"A troubling reality in much of evangelical life is that convincing someone they are saved seems to take precedence over making sure someone is actually saved. This must change. Somehow questioning another person's salvation became taboo in evangelical culture, when it could possibly be one of the most loving things you can do for another; it could mean the difference between seeds that sprout and bloom and seeds that are snatched away."

"Unbelievers know when their friends who claim to be Christian don’t actually take their faith seriously. It is detrimental to the mission of God in a community when unbelievers see little distinction between themselves and friends who are associated with a church."

"If asked about their faith, [Cultural Christians] wouldn’t be uncomfortable, but would respond with answers about going to church and being good people. Church is a place where basic social expectations are met in the name of morals, family, and tradition… they are not defensive or awkward when it comes to questions about their beliefs. They certainly believe in avid and, as far as they are concerned, they always have and always will. But if the conversation moved to questions about Jesus, salvation, and the gospel. It would be a different story."

"I’ve never been able to figure out why Christmas and Easter would be the “can’t miss” church services for the Cultural Christian. What we acknowledge and celebrate in those days are not conventional or widely acceptable things. We acknowledge that a God-Man was born and then that He was brutally murdered and raised from the dead. These are not normal things! This has to create some sort of disconnect in the mind of a Cultural Christian, unless churches don’t preach to that disconnect."

See more of my reviews at www.shelfreflection.com!

[Rainer Erani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will be a reread and a constant recommendation.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you reach someone who doesn't know Jesus, if they say that they are already a Christian?



Mr. Dean Inserra draws from his own personal experiences as he discusses in this reader friendly and concise book the difference between knowing God, and knowing about God. Incredibly relevant, this book addresses cultural Christianity directly discussing barriers within the church that prove a challenge to a personal saving relationship and recognition of our sin and God's holiness in today's culture.



I liked how Mr. Inserra calls us not just to look at the splinter in another's eye, but to also examine ourselves for traces of cheap grace. As it is easy to be the Pharisee at times, seeing our friends and family as tax collectors. He also talks about how to initiate deeper conversations on faith with cultural Christians, as well the importance of the great commission to continue to pray and witness to others, even if they state that they are already Christians.



Mr. Inserra uses many good examples, often drawing from his own personal life to show the importance of not growing lax in our witness because someone is a good person or identifies with a few of Jesus's teachings.



Overall, a very relevant, honest read that addresses the stumbling blocks in our Christian culture, and encourages believers to strive toward the prize, with a right knowledge and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ living it out in our daily lives, and encouraging others to do likewise. I really liked how this book summarized a lot of things that I had been thinking about lately, directly speaking to the problems of cultural Christianity and what a danger it is to today's church. Thought provoking and concise, it is both challenging and easy to read. Highly recommend!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having grown up in the exact culture that this book addresses, this book was ON. POINT. Hearing the Gospel for the first time, and then saying, “Why is this something I never heard all those years in church,” was so apt. It’s a sad reality of the landscape of our American churches, but it gives us a good starting place with the Gospel.

Beings as I’m doing full-time ministry in Bible Belt America, this book was not only informative, but a helpful tool for ministry moving forward. It helped give me lots of contextual pointers for reaching this specific subculture. And really, for Dean Inserra to speak into American Christian culture as a whole in this book was good for me to hear to help me assess this reality from an outsiders POV.

The author talks in broad strokes about specific types of people, churches, areas, etc. which obviously wouldn’t always be 100% accurate of every subject. Read these parts with a filter as it’s obviously not absolute truth, but just general stereotypes.

Overall, thumbs up, exclamation point.

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best books that I’ve read about the Christian faith and what it looks like to truly prioritize the Gospel above all else. Pretty sure all my friends got sick of me talking about it all the time! Extremely convicting in reaching the nominal Christians in my life, as well as extremely valuable in giving guidance in steering conversations towards the heart of the Gospel. Couldn’t recommend this book enough!!

[Kholin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um it’s almost 2021 and I realized I never reviewed this book?? I thought it was really really excellent and so applicable to American culture, and it was just so interesting. I loved how it gave practical ideas of how to combat different kinds of cultural Christianity with gentleness and a true grasp of the Gospel.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fantastic. So insightful and helpful, and he addresses some nuance about American Christianity that was so refreshing to hear. Read this, and be edified!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who's grown up and still lives in the Bible Belt, this was such a compelling and thought-provoking book! I really enjoyed reading the authors observations and Biblical perspective on the difference between an unsaved Christian and a Biblical Christian. The end of each chapter has reflection questions, which are great for personal study but I think this book would be great for a small group to study, too.

[Isaac Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

5/5 for content and truth.

I'm SO thankful to have spent the last several years in a church that fights hard against cultural Christianity and places such emphasis on discipleship.

This is one of those books that poses a great challenge to look introspectively and ask yourself some brutally honest questions.

Knocked it 1 point because (again thankfully) very little felt "new" and I was craving more.

[John Ayena · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Somehow questioning another person's salvation became taboo in evangelical culture, when it could possibly be one of the most loving things you can do for another; it could mean the difference between seeds that sprout and bloom and seeds that are snatched away."

I've got a huge interest in the topic of Cultural Christianity - in my opinion it is probably one of the most overlooked and underappreciated mission fields. I really enjoyed Inserra's easy breakdown of the topic, but I also felt a bit confused as to who the book was directed towards. A lot of chapters felt like something that you would want your culturally-Christian friend to read, but it feels a bit optimistic to think that a Cultural Christian would pick this up. Maybe Inserra wants us to question our own understanding of Christianity and the Gospel? Never a bad thing and there were very good reminders of what our faith says about God and what it asks of us; but this left me feeling like the "Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel" part of the title wasn't addressed particularly well. When he did discuss reaching Cultural Christians, a lot of his insights felt generic - more detailed approaches and practices would have been very welcome.

3 stars.

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean Inserra's book entitled "The Unsaved Christian" immediately grabs the attention of anyone who is actually saved. As a truly saved individual knows, the title is an oxymoron. You are either saved and a Christian or unsaved and not a Christian. Hence, the intrigue. In the preface, the author states that the focus of the book is cultural Christianity and that he would focus on those who "think they are fine with God because they have a familiarity with Christian things."

I believe anyone with a heart for God and for others (and especially Christian leaders) have been exposed to the kind of people that the author speaks about throughout this 198 page book. Especially if you live in the United States of America. And especially if you live in the Bible belt.

The author's personal testimony of growing up in the type of home that he speaks to so effectively made this work even more apropos. I like how he continually hammers home the truth of pointing people to the simple, clear plan of the saving work of the gospel to combat cultural Christianity. We need to be clear with the gospel when we witness to our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. We need to be clear with the gospel in our churches.

In the first chapter entitled "Help Them Get Lost: The Case for Reaching Cultural Christians," Inserra says the following:

"The people who practice cultural Christianity are not atheists or agnostics. In fact, Cultural Christians would be offended if described with such labels. These are not the urban academics living in loft apartments who could articulate their opposition to Christian beliefs. These are the suburban, cul-de-sac folks hosting a cookout to watch the game. They believe in God. They take seriously their 'Christian' traditions, prayer in schools, nativity scenes, and Linus reciting the story of the birth of Christ during 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.'"

In this first chapter, the author points us to Matthew 7 when Jesus calls out those who will stand before Him one day and say, "Lord, Lord..." but never knew him. He then uses some phrases that we are familiar with as the excuses (like those listed by the unsaved in Matthew 7) for why they THOUGHT they knew him:

-Didn't we say grace before dinner?
-Didn't we vote our values?
-Didn't we believe prayer should be allowed in school?
-Didn't we go to church?
-Didn't we believe in God?
-Didn't we get misty eyes whenever we heard 'God Bless America' sung at a baseball game?
-Didn't we give money to the church?
-Didn't we treat women with respect?
-Didn't we own Bibles?
-Didn't we get the baby christened by the priest?
-Didn't we want America to return to its Christian roots?
-Didn't we stay married and faithful?

He then follows up that list by making a profound statement:

"These petitioners Jesus spoke of loved to say, 'didn't we?' when they should have been saying 'didn't He?'

As he closes the first chapter, Inserra makes this statement which sets the tone for the rest of the book:

"Cultural Christianity is a mindset that places one's security in heritage, values, rites of passage (such as a first communion or a baptism from childhood), and a generic deity, rather than the redemptive work of Christ."

The chapters to follow span a variety of situations that have led to this phenomenon. He then uses specific chapters to speak to different variations or groups of cultural Christians. These include chapters on reaching the good person who believes in God, generational Catholics, mainline Protestants, and those who live in the Bible belt.

At the end of the book, the author provides a helpful grid with eight different "cultural Christians," their profile, what they mistake the true gospel for, gospel conversation starting points, and the gospel remedy. A helpful chart!

I highly recommend this book and will be referring it to many of my gospel-believing friends!

The following are some of my favorite excerpts from the book:

"An almost-Christian is as outright lost as an atheist who wouldn't go to church on his best day..." p. 31

"Civic religion promotes a god without any definition and a generic faith that demands and asks nothing of its followers." p. 36

"Mainstream Cultural Christians aren't wrapped up in promoting some kind of gospel message. They are simply trying to be nice to others, pursue their idea of personal happiness, pray when something bad happens, and rest in the belief that they are going to heaven after they die." p. 38

"Self-proclaimed Christians who worship a god that requires no self-sacrifice, no obedience, no submission, and no surrender are not worshipping the God of the Bible, no matter how much they claim they love Jesus." p. 38

"A faith clothed in Christian language that doesn't find its definition in the person and work of Jesus Christ is not a Christian faith." p. 40

"A legacy of faith should be celebrated, but a faith that is 'inherited' is no faith at all. There is a strong difference between the two. If a faith is only culturally inherited without a response to the saving work of Christ, that legacy, which should be a blessing, can become a barrier." p. 59

"While it is a sobering moment to admit that your son or daughter-who grew up in the church, asked Jesus into their heart, and was even baptized-might be a lost person in need of salvation, the embarrassment or failure you may feel is in no way as serious as the reality of being dead in one's sins and needing to be made alive in Christ (Eph. 2:1-4)." p. 66

"Unsaved Christians thrive where church membership means nothing and is available to all, without anything changing the day after you 'sign up.'" p. 74

"Church membership with low or no expectations accommodates Cultural Christians." p. 76

"Churches that require members to be genuine believers are more concerned with an individual actually understanding the gospel than they are adding someone to the church or being inclusive. This is commonly referred to as "regenerate church membership." p. 77

"The call to the Christian life is a call to believe the gospel, repent of sin, and follow Christ with others." p. 79

"Unbelievers know when their friends who claim to be Christian don't actually take their faith seriously. It is detrimental to the mission of God in a community when unbelievers see little distinction between themselves and friends who are associated with a church." p. 79

"Membership carrying the expectation to believe sound doctrine, practice community, strive for holiness, and serve the body of Christ will be too much for an unsaved Christian." p. 81

"A church that refuses to call people to die to themselves and follow Christ is going to be full of people who admire and are 'cool' with Jesus, as long as He doesn't interfere with their lives." p. 84

"People who get defensive over the right to portray Jesus in a nativity scene and then live the rest of their lives like He doesn't matter are giving us an open window to lean in with questions." p. 94

"In much of the Western world, Christmas has a felt importance, but it's more about being with family than about the arrival of an eternal King." p. 98

"Christmas should make the Cultural Christian uncomfortable rather than make them feel the 'holiday spirit.'" p. 101

"Gospel presentations must point people to God's holiness, the consequences of sin, the forgiveness needed, and reconciliation that is only possible for those who believe the gospel by faith. The greatest human need is not heaven with Grandma, but forgiveness. We need to be saved from God, by God, to a relationship with God that is expressed in the worship of Jesus Christ." p. 110

"There can be an urgency to share the gospel without panicking them into a decision they don't understand." p. 116

"We do know that authentic heart change is the result of regeneration, evidenced by transformation, through gospel belief." p. 116

"Being a good American citizen, friend, and family man or woman cannot substitute for being a repentant follower of Christ." p. 121

"The celebration of Judeo-Christian values is appropriate if one is talking about the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but it is a lousy substitute for the gospel." p. 122

"It is commonplace for a church member to get more outraged over a political disagreement than they would heresy from other professing Christians." p. 123

"...we need repentance, not pride! If America is the shining city on a hill, that light needs to be replaced. God is not impressed with America. If anything, people who call America their home will be held even more accountable be of the unprecedented access we've had to the gospel of Jesus Christ through the Scriptures." p. 129

"Following Jesus interferes with your life. This is a sometimes painful reality for Christians. Not so in Cultural Christianity, where God is always available, but not in a way that changes anything. This god conveniently condones cohabitation before marriage, no-fault divorce, and limited local-church involvement." p. 138

"While there were rich traditions I learned and practiced in my childhood church, I never had someone tell me I personally was a sinner who needed to be forgiven of my sins." p. 154

"Growing up in a theologically liberal church, I can attest to the fact that Christianity was presented as a way of life, but not as a set of beliefs...mainline Protestantism usually elevates the ethics of the Bible over the saving work of Christ." p. 159

"While loving acts and morals are certainly good for human flourishing, apart from belief in the gospel they have no foundation; they are merely secular acts for the common good." p. 165

"With an awareness of God and our sins, but not the gospel, one is only left with country music theology, hoping God will let us into heaven one day after we have some fun on earth." p. 179

"When it comes to Unsaved Christians, one has to have the emotional discipline to accept the reality that just because some one is your husband or wife, son or daughter, brother or sister, or best friend, and raised in the same religious climate and church, does not mean they are saved. A major hindrance to entering the mission field of Cultural Christianity is a refusal to acknowledge what is right under one's nose, and that is someone who might know Christianity, but not Christ." p. 185

"The boldness needed to reach Cultural Christians is one that doesn't fear social consequences." p. 185

[Rebecca Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes (and in some places) in the United States an evangelist or pastor can feel that there is not much of a mission field. After all, we live in a strongly Judeo-Christian culture, one where most people seem to know at least a little about Christianity. However, according to Dean Inserra, that just makes our mission field more difficult. After all, cultural Christianity and growing up with a Christian heritage are not the same things as actually believing in the gospel of Christ. Inserra wrote this book to give pictures of different basic types of cultural Christians, including some key characteristics and points at which to be able to start gospel conversations. These pictures range from nominal Christians to heritage Catholics to more liberal mainline Protestant denominations. He concludes with some pointers on how to determine if your own Christianity is true or merely cultural.

Inserra raises some good points and begins a good discussion on determining the difference between what it means to be a cultural Christian and what it means to be a real Christian. However, by the end of the book, it seems that he's pointed to almost every variety of Christian expression in the United States and labelled it as merely cultural. This reader was left knowing if Inserra truly found a real expression of Christianity at all other than his own. While doctrine is has essential areas where we often must be inflexible on, there are often wide varieties of people and beliefs that can qualitatively be called Christian. In this, Inserra's book is exclusionary to the point of stereotyping, and I do believe that if taken to heart will find people judging good Christians and merely cultural Christians.

The last chapter of his book, determining whether or not you are a cultural Christian is also problematic. Rather than pointing to faith alone, Inserra seems to be adding several works-based indicators to judge someone's faith by, while maintaining that people might do these very things and still be merely cultural Christians. I do not think that this is his intention, and I think he merely wants to say that a baptism or a magical special ritual prayer does not make one a Christian. Still it's confusing to the point of being something that I would feel could be a stumbling block to someone who already struggles with uncertainty in their faith and could perhaps lead to someone attempting to attempt to do more works in order to assure their salvation. (book 61 of 2019)

[Jessica Horner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any Christian in America who recognizes (but is unsure of how to approach) the disconnect between a lot of people who call themselves Christians and Biblical Christianity. Inserra very accurately addresses a lot of common deceptions that Americans feel towards Christianity and gives a lot of practical tips on how to approach the nominal Christians around us; Cultural Christians, as he calls the persons who only know about Christianity but have no relationship with Jesus, are one of the most prime fields for evangelism. He also includes questions to ask ourselves to ensure that we aren't slipping into the trap of Cultural Christianity.

I highly recommend this for any others who, like me, live around a lot of Bible Belt 'christians' and have felt really shy in knowing how to approach them about obedient faithful Christianity. Inserra shows that a lot of them truly do not know the gospel of Jesus, and aren't even aware that heritage and country are not salvation. =)

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate this book as I am currently doing campus ministry in a "Christ haunted" land. I needed to remember "Cultural Christianity is the most underrated mission field in America" (15). Inserra gives helpful guidance on how to confront this fog of religiosity head-on. He gives memorable pieces of advice on preaching such as "never preach a sermon that would be true if Jesus had not risen from the dead." The most enjoyable chapter for me is "Faith, Family, and Football" where he exposes the watered-down, works-based Christianity expressed in some country music songs. I appreciate his challenge to confront moral people because we can often assume nice people know Jesus. While his 7 categories of cultural Christians are certainly helpful as we think of different people in our lives, I wish he had avoided making a straw man of some of these groups, especially Roman Catholics. This book was not groundbreaking but helpful nonetheless.

[Timothy Köstenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book about cultural Christianity helps differentiate between those who are nominal (in name only) Christians and those who truly know Jesus as Lord and Savior over all.

While it can be repetitive at points, it hammers down the different types of cultural Christians and provides some helpful talking points for conversations with friends and family who claim to be Christians but have no fruit blossoming in their lives.

This book was also encouraging by challenging me to ask questions about my own faith. I initially went into this book fully confident that I wouldn’t take anything away from this book as it regards to my own spiritual life (I viewed it as more of an informative book and an opportunity to evangelize using the tools provided in this book), but I changed my perspective about halfway through the book. I decided to take each point the author made and scrutinize my past decisions to ensure that my actions were of faith and not that of tradition or culturalism. In doing so, the lessons I’ve taken away from this book will be ones I look back on over the coming months, as the Holy Spirit uses this writing to refine my heart.

Overall, I am glad I read this book and will refer back to this helpful resource as I come across those who toe the dangerous line between true Christianity and cultural Christianity.

[Dave Betts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful framing of "cultural Christianity" - definitely worth the read.

Well presented, clear, and insightful. I found the author's assessment of church and politics particularly refreshing, and appreciated his advice for chatting with cultural (or nominal) Christians. There were gems in every chapter.

A small comment: I was a little uncomfortable with some of the wording in the first chapter. Even the title is "help them get lost." While I agree with the sentiment, I'm not sure about the phrasing. Personally, I think it would be more helpful to say "Help Them Realise They Are Lost" to avoid the implication that we're encouraging cultural Christians into sin! This is a small issue though, as Inserra is clearly not implying such a thing, and doesn't detract from an otherwise good book.

NOTE: As a Brit who pastors in a Canadian setting, much of this resonates. However, while it will obviously be valuable to any readers, I'm not sure it would be quite AS valuable to settings outside of North America.

[Anna Clapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

really loved this. saw so many loved ones in this book & appreciated the practical questions to uncover the root problems of culture "christianity" that is so different from saving faith. the distinction defines who is going to heaven & who is going to hell. just so important! made me sad also just for the lost who don't think they're lost because they think they're good enough people to get to heaven, not by grace alone from Jesus Christ who died on the cross because no one is good not even one

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highlighted probably about half of this book. I love how the Gospel (we are sinners who need to recognize our sin and the need of Jesus to redeem us, which He did on the cross by defeating death) is continually brought up in this book as what is needed to change people. Really put a ton of things into perspective and how many people truly might not know the Gospel, even with being raised in a church. Will be changing my prayers.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed it. There are few books of this kind. If you pastor in an “over-churched” but “under-gospeled” context, you should read it.

I do think he could’ve fleshed out more what it looks like to reach them. The sections on each “type” at the end were helpful, but the reader has to “fill in a lot of the blanks.”

Also, more for pastors who inadvertently create these types of Christians and how to course correct would’ve been helpful. Go to 9Marks for that.