The Tragedy of Compromise: The Origin and Impact of the New Evangelicalism

by Ernest D. Pickering

Since the birth of the New Evangelicalism in 1948, that movement has been a powerful force in American religion, particularly in bringing conservative Christianity into the mainstream of religious life.Yet with all the praise heaped upon the New Evangelicalism by secular and liberal sources, the movement has seriously compromised the biblical principles inherited from its fundamental fore-fathers. Furthermore, New Evangelicalism has sped headlong into un-Christian philosophies and standards that make even the founding fathers of the movement draw back.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Fundamentalism, Ecclesiology, Christian, Christian Living

184 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opener concerning the New Evangelical emphasis in churches today. It shows how compromise of good churches can weaken their stand toward fundamentalism into New Evangelicalism. Ernest Pickering, a strong Christian leader, exposes the threat of New Evangelicalism and how it decreases the Word of God and brings disease to Christianity.

[Nathan Schrock]

This book may be more interesting as a specimen of historical Fundamentalist sentiment than as a theological guide. If you are one of those who see wisdom in the classic admonition "don't remove fences until you know why they were built", you may benefit from this insight into the mentality of the old guard.

[Brian Pate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for ministry residency at Stanley Heights Baptist Church.

[Samuel Pettit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any serious Christian, this book is about the tragedy of disobeying Scripture. Dr. Pickering takes a VERY strong stance against New Evangelicals and is not afraid to condemn them. Something I believe more Christians should do. "Earnestly contend for the faith..." He also clearly defines Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism. What I loved about this book is that Mr. Pickering always used a lot of Scripture to argue his points against error.

[Lily-joseph Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you feel you do not understand differences between fundamentalists or conservative evangelicals and new evangelicals, you need to read this book. Yet its readers always need to remember that there are great harms in fundamentalism as well. Fundamentalism itself is not a perfect protection of saints. There are too many fundamentalists that have gone too far from the biblical Christianity. I willingly recommend this book to any Christian.

[Chris Armer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book is full of logical fallacies to be of any true help. Strawman, slippery slope, equivocation, etc.
Some quotes are used out of context. It certainly does not present an honest evaluation of Evangelicalism or Fundamentalism.

[Dianne]

Excellent