What do you think?
Rate this book
That Hideous Strength: A Deeper Look At How The West Was Lost
In 2018 EP published the original That Hideous Strength: how the West was lost; the book originated as lecture notes author Melvin Tinker prepared for a conference in Jerusalem that year. That edition deliberately had no footnotes and was as compact as possible to appeal to a wide audience. There have been many requests for a footnoted and expanded edition.
This book is an expanded version of the previous edition—it is about a third larger. The original acted as a ‘primer’ and ‘wakeup call’ to enable Christians especially to try and understand what has been happening in our Western culture for the last few decades due to the influence of what is identified as ‘cultural Marxism’ or ‘Critical Theory’ Many commented that it helped them make connections not seen before; for others, it was an ‘aha moment’, with the light suddenly being switched on as to why much of the Judeo-Christian foundations of the West have been eroded while the Church sleeps A number of reviewers rightly said it would have been helpful to have had the works quoted referenced and expanded with footnotes that has now been corrected.
As well as unpacking in more detail some of the ideas of cultural Marxists and the way their strategies are being worked out in our society, I have also sought to put more flesh on what the Church’s response might look like by drawing attention to what has been called ‘the Benedict Option’ and developing the concept proposed by Charles Taylor—the ‘social imaginary’ Another significant addition is an outline of the ideas of classical Marxism which places the current concern for cultural Marxism in its proper historical and philosophical context It also serves to underscore that in many ways the ‘new Marxism’ is a revamping of the ‘old Marxism’ with consequences no less disastrous.
What other are saying about That Hideous Strength:
There are very few books I buy multiple copies of—this is one of
them. That Hideous Strength is an essential primer for any Christian
in seeking to understand what is going on in society today. The first
edition was outstanding but limited because of its size. This new
expanded edition overcomes those limitations, without becoming
unwieldy or too heavy. This book should be on every church
bookstall, and every Christian’s bookshelf. And now I have to go and
buy more of the revised edition!
— David Robertson, Director of Third Space
This book is an expanded version of the previous edition—it is about a third larger. The original acted as a ‘primer’ and ‘wakeup call’ to enable Christians especially to try and understand what has been happening in our Western culture for the last few decades due to the influence of what is identified as ‘cultural Marxism’ or ‘Critical Theory’ Many commented that it helped them make connections not seen before; for others, it was an ‘aha moment’, with the light suddenly being switched on as to why much of the Judeo-Christian foundations of the West have been eroded while the Church sleeps A number of reviewers rightly said it would have been helpful to have had the works quoted referenced and expanded with footnotes that has now been corrected.
As well as unpacking in more detail some of the ideas of cultural Marxists and the way their strategies are being worked out in our society, I have also sought to put more flesh on what the Church’s response might look like by drawing attention to what has been called ‘the Benedict Option’ and developing the concept proposed by Charles Taylor—the ‘social imaginary’ Another significant addition is an outline of the ideas of classical Marxism which places the current concern for cultural Marxism in its proper historical and philosophical context It also serves to underscore that in many ways the ‘new Marxism’ is a revamping of the ‘old Marxism’ with consequences no less disastrous.
What other are saying about That Hideous Strength:
There are very few books I buy multiple copies of—this is one of
them. That Hideous Strength is an essential primer for any Christian
in seeking to understand what is going on in society today. The first
edition was outstanding but limited because of its size. This new
expanded edition overcomes those limitations, without becoming
unwieldy or too heavy. This book should be on every church
bookstall, and every Christian’s bookshelf. And now I have to go and
buy more of the revised edition!
— David Robertson, Director of Third Space
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2020
15 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
October 4, 2018
Tinker borrows from the story of Babel in Genesis 11 and CS Lewis’ book “That Hideous Strength” to make the case that the church today is involved in a spiritual battle of monumental proportion. The culprit is what Tinker calls “cultural Marxism,” which he says is seeking a “redefining and reconfiguring of reality” (62).
Many Christians today are dismissing the notion of a “culture war,” apparently because they don’t want the reputation of being people who are always looking for a fight, but through numerous examples, Tinker shows that a concentrated effort is afoot that is seeking to erect a new Babel through higher education, media, sitcoms, indoctrination of children, social media and advertising. Too many Christians, in a desire to “shun controversy” and maintain an “easy-going manner” (109), are shirking their responsibility to stand for truth, and the results will be catastrophic.
As Lewis says: “Emphasize only the natural fit between the Gospel and the spirit of the age and we will have an easy, comfortable gospel that is closer to our age then to the Gospel.” (101). Tinker says, “those in the past who have made the greatest impact for the cause of truth have also been those who have engaged with the culture, exposing and refuting it and being willing to pay the price in terms of attracting the culture’s reproach.” (104).
I agree with Tinker’s views and appreciate his willingness to call the church to get a backbone on these issues. However, this book is poorly edited (repeated punctuation errors) and it felt like he was trying to cover too many ideas in just 117 pages. The subtitle concerns “how the West was lost,” but zero attention was given to describing what “the west” (in contrast to the church) actually stands for. But it’s definitely a good primer on a very important and relevant topic.
Many Christians today are dismissing the notion of a “culture war,” apparently because they don’t want the reputation of being people who are always looking for a fight, but through numerous examples, Tinker shows that a concentrated effort is afoot that is seeking to erect a new Babel through higher education, media, sitcoms, indoctrination of children, social media and advertising. Too many Christians, in a desire to “shun controversy” and maintain an “easy-going manner” (109), are shirking their responsibility to stand for truth, and the results will be catastrophic.
As Lewis says: “Emphasize only the natural fit between the Gospel and the spirit of the age and we will have an easy, comfortable gospel that is closer to our age then to the Gospel.” (101). Tinker says, “those in the past who have made the greatest impact for the cause of truth have also been those who have engaged with the culture, exposing and refuting it and being willing to pay the price in terms of attracting the culture’s reproach.” (104).
I agree with Tinker’s views and appreciate his willingness to call the church to get a backbone on these issues. However, this book is poorly edited (repeated punctuation errors) and it felt like he was trying to cover too many ideas in just 117 pages. The subtitle concerns “how the West was lost,” but zero attention was given to describing what “the west” (in contrast to the church) actually stands for. But it’s definitely a good primer on a very important and relevant topic.
December 29, 2022
5 stars for the theme and concerns raised, which I agree with, but 2 or 3 stars for the presentation. So many typos and misplaced commas, so many quotes (I've read other books with lots of quotes, but somehow this one just felt like mostly quotes), and sometimes almost incoherent sentences. There were interesting spots, but sadly it just felt like a rehash of other books I've read that were better written (even though this one actually was published before some of them). I recommend two authors he quotes: Carl Trueman's The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self (although I'm only halfway through - or his shorter version Strange New World), and Rod Dreher's Benedict Option and especially his Live Not by Lies. Sorry for the negative review. :/
April 30, 2022
Read-aloud with my husband.
Wow. Wow. Wow!
Every Christian must read this book. And must read it asap. Talk about choosing the Red Pill….
Wow. Wow. Wow!
Every Christian must read this book. And must read it asap. Talk about choosing the Red Pill….
October 1, 2019
4.5 - 5 Stars
Some favorite quotes:
"In the words of G.K. Chesterton, 'At least five times... the Faith has to all appearances gone to the dogs. In each of these five cases, it was the dog that died.'"
Pg 103 - "A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it." G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man
Pg 103 - In The Pastor as Public Theologian, Vanhoozer calls one of the major New Testament themes 'joyful endurance.' This was the characteristic of the early church when it stood against the world to save it, rather than go along with the world and be lost with it.
Pg 111 - This is God's battle and we are to employ God's methods of prayer, proclamation, persuasion and be willing to undergo pain in doing so. The result will be that whatever the particular outcome for Christians (such as martyrdom and estrangement), God's glory will be assured.
Pg 113 - By literacy I am referring to the ability to read things rightly which involves more than being able to pronounce words on a page or understand the meaning of a poster. It involves possessing basic information (knowledge), and knowing how to apply that information (wisdom) so we might thrive.
Pg 115 - Cultural literacy is the ability to 'read' or make sense of what is happening in our contemporary situation.
Some favorite quotes:
"In the words of G.K. Chesterton, 'At least five times... the Faith has to all appearances gone to the dogs. In each of these five cases, it was the dog that died.'"
Pg 103 - "A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it." G.K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man
Pg 103 - In The Pastor as Public Theologian, Vanhoozer calls one of the major New Testament themes 'joyful endurance.' This was the characteristic of the early church when it stood against the world to save it, rather than go along with the world and be lost with it.
Pg 111 - This is God's battle and we are to employ God's methods of prayer, proclamation, persuasion and be willing to undergo pain in doing so. The result will be that whatever the particular outcome for Christians (such as martyrdom and estrangement), God's glory will be assured.
Pg 113 - By literacy I am referring to the ability to read things rightly which involves more than being able to pronounce words on a page or understand the meaning of a poster. It involves possessing basic information (knowledge), and knowing how to apply that information (wisdom) so we might thrive.
Pg 115 - Cultural literacy is the ability to 'read' or make sense of what is happening in our contemporary situation.
August 18, 2020
Such a helpful read for Christians trying to make sense of what’s going on in much of society today.
It’s well worth reading the updated 2020 edition (over the 2018 edition) even just for the added postscript on Black Lives Matter.
It’s well worth reading the updated 2020 edition (over the 2018 edition) even just for the added postscript on Black Lives Matter.
May 3, 2022
Many typos but this book still gets 5 stars for content. The call to recognize cultural Marxism and confront it with Truth is sobering but very, very needed in our age of everything being portrayed as political or unloving even by Christians or people who claim they are. We need to be brave enough to fight for Truth and make glorifying God our aim regardless of how the world may view us!
January 11, 2023
Heard the author on the Mortification of Spin podcast discussing this book and Schole Sisters rea and discussed it as part of our Excellent Marxmanship mentorship.
Tinker demonstrates clearly and succinctly, without academia-speak, that cultural Marxism is, by its own definition, anti-gospel and therefore the battle ground of spiritual warfare today.
Tinker demonstrates clearly and succinctly, without academia-speak, that cultural Marxism is, by its own definition, anti-gospel and therefore the battle ground of spiritual warfare today.
January 5, 2022
When C.R. Wiley was recently asked to summarize his book, In the House of Tom Bombadil, he said, "No. The book is the summary." I feel that way about That Hideous Strength: A Deeper Look at How the West Was Lost -- it's difficult to describe without simply sharing half the book because it is, in a very real sense, a summary.
The bulk of the book describes the current prevailing ideology of the West -- neo-Marxism or "cultural Marxism" -- and the history of how it came to be the prevailing ideology. If you've been paying close attention in recent decades, there may not be anything especially new to you here. There wasn't much that was entirely new to me.
But the summarizing quotes and the evidence that this has, in fact, been happening, and it isn't accidental, are powerful tools to have in your arsenal as you engage with others. Probably a solid third of the book is quotable!
The last bit of the book turns to what we ought to do about this issue. We, the Church, need to be aware, and we also need to be different, providing our own distinct culture that offers an alternative to the cultural swamp.
If you think you don't need this book because you're already aware of the problem, you'll probably want it as a tool for engagement and as encouragement that you're not alone. If you think you don't need this book because you think there isn't a problem, you need like a nearsighted person needs glasses. Basically, every Christian just ought to read this book. It's a pretty quick read, but a foundation-building one.
(Note: I haven't seen the earlier edition, but I understand it's not well-referenced and there's a good deal of new information in this one, so it's well worth reading this expanded edition if you have the choice.)
The bulk of the book describes the current prevailing ideology of the West -- neo-Marxism or "cultural Marxism" -- and the history of how it came to be the prevailing ideology. If you've been paying close attention in recent decades, there may not be anything especially new to you here. There wasn't much that was entirely new to me.
But the summarizing quotes and the evidence that this has, in fact, been happening, and it isn't accidental, are powerful tools to have in your arsenal as you engage with others. Probably a solid third of the book is quotable!
The last bit of the book turns to what we ought to do about this issue. We, the Church, need to be aware, and we also need to be different, providing our own distinct culture that offers an alternative to the cultural swamp.
If you think you don't need this book because you're already aware of the problem, you'll probably want it as a tool for engagement and as encouragement that you're not alone. If you think you don't need this book because you think there isn't a problem, you need like a nearsighted person needs glasses. Basically, every Christian just ought to read this book. It's a pretty quick read, but a foundation-building one.
(Note: I haven't seen the earlier edition, but I understand it's not well-referenced and there's a good deal of new information in this one, so it's well worth reading this expanded edition if you have the choice.)
May 3, 2021
Although this book comes highly commended, I remain skeptical of both the concept and the terminology of “cultural Marxism.” I was unpersuaded by Melvin Tinker’s narrative, especially the emphasis on the Frankfurt School and some of the sources used.
Among my most serious concerns, the bibliography contains a link to an article (cited approvingly) on the blatantly antisemitic website the Nationalist Archive, and the author cites others with associations with antisemitism and Holocaust denial. He is dismissive of the idea that “cultural Marxism” is in any way related to an antisemitic conspiracy theory, even though his link to the Nationalist Archive highlights that the phrase and Frankfurt School narrative are used to advance such a conspiracy theory.
When I raised these issue with the publishers, they promised to make some changes (which I am thankful for), but they also posted (without mentioning it to me) a Facebook post where they were dismissive of my concerns and refused to apologise for citing the Nationalist Archive or any offence caused by it.
But other people clearly liked the book, so maybe you will too.
(Note: I previously posted a shorter review while awaiting the publisher’s response to my concerns, and have now updated it in line with their public response)
Among my most serious concerns, the bibliography contains a link to an article (cited approvingly) on the blatantly antisemitic website the Nationalist Archive, and the author cites others with associations with antisemitism and Holocaust denial. He is dismissive of the idea that “cultural Marxism” is in any way related to an antisemitic conspiracy theory, even though his link to the Nationalist Archive highlights that the phrase and Frankfurt School narrative are used to advance such a conspiracy theory.
When I raised these issue with the publishers, they promised to make some changes (which I am thankful for), but they also posted (without mentioning it to me) a Facebook post where they were dismissive of my concerns and refused to apologise for citing the Nationalist Archive or any offence caused by it.
But other people clearly liked the book, so maybe you will too.
(Note: I previously posted a shorter review while awaiting the publisher’s response to my concerns, and have now updated it in line with their public response)
April 24, 2020
This book is excellent at delineating the rotting effects of cultural Marxism on the church and society at large, drawing a fascinating comparison to the story of the Tower of Babel. Unfortunately, while useful, the solutions section is a little light.
June 19, 2020
Fascinating read in light of everything going on in our world.
October 2, 2022
I read this book as part of the Schole Sistership spring training. After I read the first chapter I decided to go and read C.S. Lewis Book That Hideous Strength which lead me to read the whole trilogy along with Deeper Heaven by Hale and Abolition of Man. Many more books have been added to my TBR pile too.
I do think that every Christian especially those in leadership should read this book along with the books mentioned above and Carl Trueman's book Strange New World or The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Also Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay.
From Pg 159-160
"One of the maxims of war is 'know your enemy' and presumably if one is to engage effectively, one must also 'know the territory' in which the fight is to take place. Not educating Christians about what is taking place in their society, (exposing the influence of the 'hideous strength') will be like sending a soldier out with 'the sword of the Spirit' (we have 'preached the Word' after all), without instructing them how to wield it and against whom...
Evangelical church leaders must get up to speed on what is happening to help those to whom it is happening...
all this amounts to is educating Christians concerning the social imaginaries held by many of their family and friends, and then constructing the alternative Scriptural imaginary, (which is actually reality). Church leaders who are culturally literate will be able to carry out the negative task of theology to critically reflect on how much the church has taken on broad the prevailing social imaginaries (including cultural Marxism). Also church leaders who are biblically literate will undertake the task of positive theology helping their congregation members to understand and inhabit (with mind and heart) the biblical imaginary: 'the true story of what the Triune God is doing in the world.'
... The people of Babel then and now live a lie, adopting beliefs and practices which are at odds with the reality as God created it. The people of the Bride are meant to be people who have 'got real' who know the reality in Christ and live according to it as they gather and as they go out into the world which Christ came to redeem. This also entails supporting those brother and sister who are seeking to refute the lie and promote the Truth."
I do think that every Christian especially those in leadership should read this book along with the books mentioned above and Carl Trueman's book Strange New World or The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. Also Cynical Theories by Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay.
From Pg 159-160
"One of the maxims of war is 'know your enemy' and presumably if one is to engage effectively, one must also 'know the territory' in which the fight is to take place. Not educating Christians about what is taking place in their society, (exposing the influence of the 'hideous strength') will be like sending a soldier out with 'the sword of the Spirit' (we have 'preached the Word' after all), without instructing them how to wield it and against whom...
Evangelical church leaders must get up to speed on what is happening to help those to whom it is happening...
all this amounts to is educating Christians concerning the social imaginaries held by many of their family and friends, and then constructing the alternative Scriptural imaginary, (which is actually reality). Church leaders who are culturally literate will be able to carry out the negative task of theology to critically reflect on how much the church has taken on broad the prevailing social imaginaries (including cultural Marxism). Also church leaders who are biblically literate will undertake the task of positive theology helping their congregation members to understand and inhabit (with mind and heart) the biblical imaginary: 'the true story of what the Triune God is doing in the world.'
... The people of Babel then and now live a lie, adopting beliefs and practices which are at odds with the reality as God created it. The people of the Bride are meant to be people who have 'got real' who know the reality in Christ and live according to it as they gather and as they go out into the world which Christ came to redeem. This also entails supporting those brother and sister who are seeking to refute the lie and promote the Truth."
December 28, 2018
This is a short but stunning book....I cannot recommend it highly enough for the 21st Century Christian who is confused about how quickly the West is losing its Christian heritage and what we should do about it. As David Wells says "it is a very brave, fine book written with keen insight".
I wrote a four part review blog here - https://theweeflea.com/2018/11/20/tha...
Tinker, a biblical Anglican clergyman, uses C S Lewis's book of the same name, and the biblical story of the tower of Babel as the framework of his narrative. This works very well - a great deal is packed in to the 119 pages. My book of the year for 2018.
I wrote a four part review blog here - https://theweeflea.com/2018/11/20/tha...
Tinker, a biblical Anglican clergyman, uses C S Lewis's book of the same name, and the biblical story of the tower of Babel as the framework of his narrative. This works very well - a great deal is packed in to the 119 pages. My book of the year for 2018.
December 27, 2020
Made some good points, but it felt like there was a slight lack of cohesion (or perhaps a lack of clear signposting for his argument). Moreover, I felt that Tinker’s concerns were perhaps too focussed on trying to win people over by rational argument without at least acknowledging that in deeply personal matters (such as matters of sexuality), rational argument is going to be far from sufficient, and any preaching of biblical truth must be matched with the expression of Christlike love.
February 20, 2019
A short and engaging critique of cultural Marxism, which also lays out the tactics they used to conquer Western culture.
I would have appreciated if he had disclosed his own view on 'Christ and culture,' or 'church/state relations.' In other words, we know Marxism and the LGBTQ agenda is antithetical to Christianity, but what does an ideal 'West' influenced by Christianity look like?
I would have appreciated if he had disclosed his own view on 'Christ and culture,' or 'church/state relations.' In other words, we know Marxism and the LGBTQ agenda is antithetical to Christianity, but what does an ideal 'West' influenced by Christianity look like?
November 21, 2022
A useful, if extremely one-sided, introduction to the influence of the Frankfurt School and CRT on western society today. It would've been so much better if Tinker had explored the moral failings of the church in the past 70 years.
Additionally, he treats "cultural marxists" essentially as a homogenous group of evildoers who 'infiltrated' academia in the 60s. This is an incredibly unhelpful way to view intellectual progression as it reduces our ability to evaluate each step and stokes Conservative Christian fears that the 'establishment' is run by people out to get us.
However, Tinker confines himself to 120 pages, and for such brevity I'll allow the shallowness of the critique. It's a helpful introduction.
Additionally, he treats "cultural marxists" essentially as a homogenous group of evildoers who 'infiltrated' academia in the 60s. This is an incredibly unhelpful way to view intellectual progression as it reduces our ability to evaluate each step and stokes Conservative Christian fears that the 'establishment' is run by people out to get us.
However, Tinker confines himself to 120 pages, and for such brevity I'll allow the shallowness of the critique. It's a helpful introduction.
December 23, 2019
A very important, brave and insightful book which helps us to know the times in which we live. One of the best books I've read this year, and recent years.
April 21, 2022
Enlightening and frightening. Important book.
December 24, 2022
I had just finished reading the third book of the C.S. Lewis trilogy, also entitled That Hideous Strength, when I decided to do a Scholé Sisters seminar entitled “Excellent Marxmanship,” which includes this book by the same name.
In Lewis’s evil forces (disguised as a corporation called N.I.C.E.) change public opinion by infiltrating the media and educational institutions. Tinker compares this to the strategy proposed by the Frankfort School of 1923, which was where where today’s Critical Race Theory has its roots. The Frankfort school believed taking cultural Marxism on a “long march” through the institutions would eventually change public opinion. We are seeing the fruit of these efforts today. Group identity is king, and traditional, stabilizing institutions like church and family are viewed as oppressive.
I am new to studying Marxism and its modern iterations, and at times my brain gets tangled up, but I believe my efforts are not in vain.
This book was a little hard to follow. I understand the first version did not cite references or contain footnotes. This version cited references, but often it was a reference of another book citing a reference. This seems a little sloppy to me. Also, the writing wasn’t stellar. Example from p. 34: “throwing out the proverbial baby with the proverbial bathwater.”
But with that said, the more I read on this topic, the firmer these concepts gel in my mind.
In Lewis’s evil forces (disguised as a corporation called N.I.C.E.) change public opinion by infiltrating the media and educational institutions. Tinker compares this to the strategy proposed by the Frankfort School of 1923, which was where where today’s Critical Race Theory has its roots. The Frankfort school believed taking cultural Marxism on a “long march” through the institutions would eventually change public opinion. We are seeing the fruit of these efforts today. Group identity is king, and traditional, stabilizing institutions like church and family are viewed as oppressive.
I am new to studying Marxism and its modern iterations, and at times my brain gets tangled up, but I believe my efforts are not in vain.
This book was a little hard to follow. I understand the first version did not cite references or contain footnotes. This version cited references, but often it was a reference of another book citing a reference. This seems a little sloppy to me. Also, the writing wasn’t stellar. Example from p. 34: “throwing out the proverbial baby with the proverbial bathwater.”
But with that said, the more I read on this topic, the firmer these concepts gel in my mind.
April 24, 2020
I’m torn on this one. So many good things, but lacking some cohesion, especially considering the Lewis/Hideous Strength tie-in that’s supposed to guide the whole argument. But, some really great cultural insight all the same, and well-worth your time.
February 8, 2022
A politically and theologically conservative introduction to cultural Marxism.
The strength of the book is that Tinker summarizes and quotes helpful primary sources on Marxism and provides helpful analysis in quotations from others. I did find this made the book more difficult to read however. At many points I wanted Tinker to tell me what he thinks rather quoting yet another commentator. Also at some point I wished he had stopped analyzing what’s going on and spent more time sharing what Christians should be about.
The book is written in a tone and style that assumes the reader has the same worldview as the author. I thought this was a mistake. The book would have been more useful if it was written as an attempt to persuade those to see the world differently from a Christian worldview rather than the worldview served up by contemporary society. That way, I would more easily give this to progressive Christians in my church.
I would recommend the book for pastors who want a brief introduction to the topic.
The strength of the book is that Tinker summarizes and quotes helpful primary sources on Marxism and provides helpful analysis in quotations from others. I did find this made the book more difficult to read however. At many points I wanted Tinker to tell me what he thinks rather quoting yet another commentator. Also at some point I wished he had stopped analyzing what’s going on and spent more time sharing what Christians should be about.
The book is written in a tone and style that assumes the reader has the same worldview as the author. I thought this was a mistake. The book would have been more useful if it was written as an attempt to persuade those to see the world differently from a Christian worldview rather than the worldview served up by contemporary society. That way, I would more easily give this to progressive Christians in my church.
I would recommend the book for pastors who want a brief introduction to the topic.
February 22, 2019
There is plenty of good content in this book with regard to the underlying dangers of the secular world we find ourselves in. Unfortunately, this book is short on solutions. It reads more like a series of blog posts, sloppily written and unedited, without a unified argument. It’s commentary on political correctness and social justice was pretty facile, and lacked the complexity of the actual scene in today’s church. Because of the superficiality of the arguments, the solutions are made to match. While his conclusion that we need a praying church who knows the Bible and is willing to speak up is good, this book presents nothing especially helpful or new to today’s conversation. Unfortunately I’d have to say it is a good idea that was executed in a middling manner.
February 15, 2021
Good, especially Tinker's summary analysis of how we got to where we are in the west. A thought provoking and helpful conversation on how to respond also. If anything is lacking, I think that it's an overt discussion on the authority of God's Word - but Tinker appears to assume it, even if he doesn't discuss it as such.
August 25, 2018
This book is an uncompromising call to action and courageous faith, highlighting Cultural Marxism as the cancer infecting both church and society. It’s clear and straightforward without over simplifying the issues.
December 3, 2020
This seems like an important book. I still need some time to process some of the ideas.
But if he is right, and it seems like he is, the evangelical world is not ready and does not know it is not ready for what is coming and has already come, that is, cultural Marxism.
But if he is right, and it seems like he is, the evangelical world is not ready and does not know it is not ready for what is coming and has already come, that is, cultural Marxism.
March 14, 2021
This is an insightful book, very eye-opening. May we as the church wake up from our slumber and start to see the cultural tsunami around us. May we hold our the gospel with courage and humility, with willingness to challenge the cultural lies that we are swimming in.
May 28, 2021
How do the Tower of Babel and CS Lewis' space trilogy help us understand modern western culture?
snip... I've had second thoughts about the review I wrote here. I'm going to re-read this book and re-review it later - review removed for now
snip... I've had second thoughts about the review I wrote here. I'm going to re-read this book and re-review it later - review removed for now
January 4, 2022
An extremely helpful introduction to cultural Marxism and its impact on Western Civilization. Highly recommended.
January 23, 2022
Solid exploration of cultural Marxism through the Christian lens
August 22, 2020
Tinker’s book is really good. He weaves in ideas from CS Lewis’s That Hideous Strength and the Tower of Babel story in Genesis 11 to give insight about the state of affairs in the world. He also says the book “unpacks the main ideology at work in the west; one which uses technology and education to promote a thoroughly self-centered understanding of human beings” (20). Deception of the masses is taking place. The picture is rather bleak.
But Tinker’s analysis is extremely good. Ideas do have consequences. Chapters 1 and 2 review Lewis and Genesis 11 before chapter 3 dives into the rampant and now pervasive idea of cultural Marxism. He tells the story down to its roots in critical theory and the Frankfurt School and how critical theory integrated Darwinism and Freudiansim, forming an ideological weapon of mass destruction. Chapter 4 discusses gender and chapter 5 is about the attack on the family. Tinker concludes in chapter 6 with a way forward, directing Christians to avoid twin errors of cognitive and cultural resistance (keeping the world at a distance) and cognitive and cultural adaptation (assimilating cultural values into the church). The first stance could be owed more to fear than faithfulness while the second is a Christian church that has lost its saltiness (ch. 6).
Tinker advocates for a more courageous path. Drawing again from Lewis, he commends one of resistance thinking. This is a way of thinking that balances the pursuit of relevance with a tenacious awareness of certain elements of the Christian message that don’t fit in with any age, contemporary or not. Resistance thinking is relevance with faithfulness, exemplified by Paul. “The picture of Christians being in exile is suggestive of how we are to relate and witness in an increasingly hostile culture living in the shadow of the present Tower of Babel” (103). Tinker says the way forward must involve a praying people, a literate leadership, and a changed community. Each of these is integral to the path that lies ahead.
I thought the strength of the book was found in the analysis of cultural Marxism and emergence of the Frankfurt School in the 1930’s. In those days, Gramsci, Marcuse, and Horkheimer were doing a dance that now has the modern west spinning with confusion. Horkheimer’s wedding of psychoanalysis and critical theory illustrates how opposite agendas often pair up in order to further a movement. The section outlining the propaganda ploys of emotional manipulation, lies, and subjectivity that “would make Goebbels proud” proved shocking (64). I can recall the negative stigma of homosexuality in my youth and now its outright acceptance today. It was a rapid 180 degree shift.
The book is well worth the read. It was Ryle who once said, “Give me a candle and a Bible, and shut me up in a dark dungeon, and I will tell you all that the whole world is doing.” Tinker didn’t have a dungeon to work with, but he has done the analytic leg work to give a coherent picture of what is going on today. It is a bleak perspective, but a helpful one nonetheless. Well worth the time to read.
In every age, people set themselves up against the true and living God. Idols and isms are mass marketed by the prince of the power of the air to deceive. Humans are captive to his will and need the liberating power of the gospel for rescue. While critical theory is aiming to drive away the very concept of truth by relegating it to a mere era in history, God’s word equips Christians to think clearly and faithfully. Truth, not relevancy is our guide. The world’s fads and movements will pass away, but eternal truth, God’s revelation lights our path.
But Tinker’s analysis is extremely good. Ideas do have consequences. Chapters 1 and 2 review Lewis and Genesis 11 before chapter 3 dives into the rampant and now pervasive idea of cultural Marxism. He tells the story down to its roots in critical theory and the Frankfurt School and how critical theory integrated Darwinism and Freudiansim, forming an ideological weapon of mass destruction. Chapter 4 discusses gender and chapter 5 is about the attack on the family. Tinker concludes in chapter 6 with a way forward, directing Christians to avoid twin errors of cognitive and cultural resistance (keeping the world at a distance) and cognitive and cultural adaptation (assimilating cultural values into the church). The first stance could be owed more to fear than faithfulness while the second is a Christian church that has lost its saltiness (ch. 6).
Tinker advocates for a more courageous path. Drawing again from Lewis, he commends one of resistance thinking. This is a way of thinking that balances the pursuit of relevance with a tenacious awareness of certain elements of the Christian message that don’t fit in with any age, contemporary or not. Resistance thinking is relevance with faithfulness, exemplified by Paul. “The picture of Christians being in exile is suggestive of how we are to relate and witness in an increasingly hostile culture living in the shadow of the present Tower of Babel” (103). Tinker says the way forward must involve a praying people, a literate leadership, and a changed community. Each of these is integral to the path that lies ahead.
I thought the strength of the book was found in the analysis of cultural Marxism and emergence of the Frankfurt School in the 1930’s. In those days, Gramsci, Marcuse, and Horkheimer were doing a dance that now has the modern west spinning with confusion. Horkheimer’s wedding of psychoanalysis and critical theory illustrates how opposite agendas often pair up in order to further a movement. The section outlining the propaganda ploys of emotional manipulation, lies, and subjectivity that “would make Goebbels proud” proved shocking (64). I can recall the negative stigma of homosexuality in my youth and now its outright acceptance today. It was a rapid 180 degree shift.
The book is well worth the read. It was Ryle who once said, “Give me a candle and a Bible, and shut me up in a dark dungeon, and I will tell you all that the whole world is doing.” Tinker didn’t have a dungeon to work with, but he has done the analytic leg work to give a coherent picture of what is going on today. It is a bleak perspective, but a helpful one nonetheless. Well worth the time to read.
In every age, people set themselves up against the true and living God. Idols and isms are mass marketed by the prince of the power of the air to deceive. Humans are captive to his will and need the liberating power of the gospel for rescue. While critical theory is aiming to drive away the very concept of truth by relegating it to a mere era in history, God’s word equips Christians to think clearly and faithfully. Truth, not relevancy is our guide. The world’s fads and movements will pass away, but eternal truth, God’s revelation lights our path.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews