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Fire in the Streets: How You Can Confidently Respond to Incendiary Cultural Topics
From the origins of critical theory in the bowels of the academy to its use in justifying rioting and arson in the name of a dubious equity agenda, an eminent philosopher unmasks the intellectual origins of this mental virus, and details steps rational thinkers can take to combat its insidious spread.
What can we do amidst all the controversies over race and gender in society today? Do we have anything constructive to offer the world? As Jesus followers, we do, and this book shows the way.
A dangerous and revolutionary philosophy is responsible for the street fires in America. It fuels the actions of Black Lives Matter and Antifa. It invades curricula in public schools and in our military. It is in our churches. You have heard the phrase “white privilege,” the need for “safe spaces” on campuses, and perhaps the tongue-twister “intersectionality.”
Behind all of these is an ideology called critical theory , which is a form of cultural Marxism that divides society into the oppressed and the oppressors. It claims that America is “systemically racist” and founded on slavery. It believes that the voices of the minorities should trump the perspective of the dominant (and oppressing) culture. Unfortunately, this flawed perspective is overtaking our culture and infiltrating many of our churches.
In this book, we consider the importance of critical theory, explain its origins, question its aims, and subject it to a logical critique. Readers
A biblical alternative to matters of justice and politics is available. One that is right and true. One based on the ideals of the American founding. Find it in these pages.
What can we do amidst all the controversies over race and gender in society today? Do we have anything constructive to offer the world? As Jesus followers, we do, and this book shows the way.
A dangerous and revolutionary philosophy is responsible for the street fires in America. It fuels the actions of Black Lives Matter and Antifa. It invades curricula in public schools and in our military. It is in our churches. You have heard the phrase “white privilege,” the need for “safe spaces” on campuses, and perhaps the tongue-twister “intersectionality.”
Behind all of these is an ideology called critical theory , which is a form of cultural Marxism that divides society into the oppressed and the oppressors. It claims that America is “systemically racist” and founded on slavery. It believes that the voices of the minorities should trump the perspective of the dominant (and oppressing) culture. Unfortunately, this flawed perspective is overtaking our culture and infiltrating many of our churches.
In this book, we consider the importance of critical theory, explain its origins, question its aims, and subject it to a logical critique. Readers
A biblical alternative to matters of justice and politics is available. One that is right and true. One based on the ideals of the American founding. Find it in these pages.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published August 2, 2022
29 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Groothuis
50 books81 followersDouglas Groothuis (PhD, University of Oregon) is professor of philosophy at Denver Seminary in Denver, Colorado, where he heads the Apologetics and Ethics masters degree program. His articles have been published in professional journals such as Religious Studies, Philosophia Christi, Themelios, Christian Scholar's Review, Inquiry, and Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. He has written numerous books, including Christian Apologetics and, most recently Philosophy in Seven Sentences.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 15, 2023
The Groothuis Paradox
The subject which is central to this book is vast and complex—namely, Critical Theory (capitalized). Douglas Groothuis deals with it in an introductory way, and is surely broadly on track by claiming that it has its roots in Marx—a power struggle between dominant and subordinate classes, which today has shifted to culture, and “fire in the streets”.
For Groothuis, it all begins with Marx. It helps if we understand, though, that Marx was deeply influenced by Hegel. Cambridge philosopher Simon Blackburn notes that, in terms of Hegel, “history can be seen as progress towards freedom”. Hegel was therefore magically optimistic (his progress required magic to succeed)—and so was Marx. Compare this with an original definition of Critical Theory: “the struggle for human emancipation”.
Paradoxically, Hegel’s magical optimism, drawn from the Enlightenment Project, is Groothuis’ view, too—although Groothuis espouses it in different form. Among other things, Groothuis embraces Adam Smith, and Adam Smith profoundly influenced Hegel. While, on the surface of it, Smith might seem to have nothing in common with Hegel and Marx, Smith, too, espoused a magical optimism.
Groothuis’ magical optimism is individualism, and this lies not too far from Smith. While Groothuis writes that he is not certain that individualism will triumph, it is written all over his work: it has to, even through reversals.
How does this matter?
It diminishes the signifiance of communal sin, and thereby dilutes sin as such. Groothuis would seem to say, “Me? Sinner? Only in my personal capacity.” Yet in many cases, we are unable to harm others individually—although we are individually involved. Histories, institutions, traditions, systems, even mobs may be necessary to inflict certain kinds of harm. While Groothuis does allow for this, it does not describe his thought.
In some respects, the themes covered in this book—themes I cover in my own work—are strong. Some insights are brilliant. But there seems to be too much which is not well thought through, and Groothuis grants very little, if anything, to his opponents. What I greatly appreciated, however, is the richness of ideas. For this above all, it is 4/5.
The subject which is central to this book is vast and complex—namely, Critical Theory (capitalized). Douglas Groothuis deals with it in an introductory way, and is surely broadly on track by claiming that it has its roots in Marx—a power struggle between dominant and subordinate classes, which today has shifted to culture, and “fire in the streets”.
For Groothuis, it all begins with Marx. It helps if we understand, though, that Marx was deeply influenced by Hegel. Cambridge philosopher Simon Blackburn notes that, in terms of Hegel, “history can be seen as progress towards freedom”. Hegel was therefore magically optimistic (his progress required magic to succeed)—and so was Marx. Compare this with an original definition of Critical Theory: “the struggle for human emancipation”.
Paradoxically, Hegel’s magical optimism, drawn from the Enlightenment Project, is Groothuis’ view, too—although Groothuis espouses it in different form. Among other things, Groothuis embraces Adam Smith, and Adam Smith profoundly influenced Hegel. While, on the surface of it, Smith might seem to have nothing in common with Hegel and Marx, Smith, too, espoused a magical optimism.
Groothuis’ magical optimism is individualism, and this lies not too far from Smith. While Groothuis writes that he is not certain that individualism will triumph, it is written all over his work: it has to, even through reversals.
How does this matter?
It diminishes the signifiance of communal sin, and thereby dilutes sin as such. Groothuis would seem to say, “Me? Sinner? Only in my personal capacity.” Yet in many cases, we are unable to harm others individually—although we are individually involved. Histories, institutions, traditions, systems, even mobs may be necessary to inflict certain kinds of harm. While Groothuis does allow for this, it does not describe his thought.
In some respects, the themes covered in this book—themes I cover in my own work—are strong. Some insights are brilliant. But there seems to be too much which is not well thought through, and Groothuis grants very little, if anything, to his opponents. What I greatly appreciated, however, is the richness of ideas. For this above all, it is 4/5.
August 5, 2022
At present, people know more pop culture trivia and have significant addictions to television and social media. Fire in the Streets gives us a concise and much needed history of America which challenges the media’s attempt to control the narrative around America’s history with race and racism. Fire in the Streets is dutifully researched and quotes historical facts and figures to put into perspective the true history of the U.S.
Groothuis is no apologist for America per se. He is a Christian Apologist whose heart breaks over the destruction of the church and God’s people because of CRT and the racial divide in America. He makes it clear that slavery and racism (past and present) “are sin,” and America was wrong for it. However, the whole country and all who have lived here are not guilty of that sin. CRT and the push by the political left are not the answer. In fact, they are pursuing a new form of racism which is equally as bad as the racism that they denounce as being “foundational” and “systemic” to America’s founding. Fire in the Streets gives the reader the historical perspective, biblical foundation, and logical reasoning to address past wrongs, present issues and future needs.
One can only hope that anyone who reads this book will be challenged to look deeper, think clearly, and challenge themselves about the true history of the U.S. If a person believes America can do no wrong, then he or she ought to reflect on what has been done wrong. If a person believes American can do nothing right, then he or she ought to reflect on all the good that has been done both here and around the world.
On this side of heaven and eternity, all world views and political systems will fail. CRT and its philosophical siblings will fail too … but at what cost?
“All utopian forms of government fail to understand the severity and pervasiveness of original sin, or they redefine it and then try to fix society through impossible means. Instead of seeing all human beings as partakers in original sin, CRT divides society into the oppressors and the oppressed based on race and gender. Instead of realizing that all hostilities among people cannot be legislated away, it isolates all inequalities based on racism and sexism and advocates draconian measures to create “equity” through force of law and socialist government.” Douglas Groothuis, Fire in the Streets
July 28, 2022
At a time in history when the U.S. is more divided than anytime since the Civil War, few people would argue that our country is at a crossroads. It is not an exaggeration to say that we are facing serious problems (and possible solutions) that threaten the very existence of the United States. When an individual, community, or country faces a problem, in order to find the best possible solution, the problem must be clearly defined and solutions must be thoughtfully evaluated. Clear and careful consideration becomes all the more critical when there is so much at stake. CRT is espoused by many to be THE solution to the issues that currently divide the U.S.—not the best solution, the only solution. This alone should give us pause and cause to evaluate it carefully. No solution should be above scrutiny. Like any possible solution, CRT should be reasonably and thoughtfully evaluated. Fire in the Streets by Douglas Groothuis helps the reader do just that. Following a concise presentation of the crisis we now face and the foundations of CRT, Groothuis defines the “American Creed”—the guiding principles established by the founding documents of the United States. The first section of the book closes with an analysis of systemic racism in the U.S. and then, in section two, moves into an evaluation of the “Most Combustible Topics” related to CRT including, ideology, free speech, capitalism, reparations, race, and identity. The final section of Fire in the Streets offers genuine hope in a biblically-based, gospel-oriented solution and provides guidance in how followers of Christ can implement it, always speaking the truth in love. Anyone who is genuinely concerned about the current cultural climate of the United States, anyone who wants to better understand CRT and the problems we face, anyone who truly desires to move toward healing, wholeness, and hope as a people will find what they are looking for in the pages of Fire in the Streets.
July 10, 2022
This book says it will help you “confidently respond to incendiary cultural topics” and it is right, it does do that. But what this subtitle does not clarify is that the cultural topics all relate to critical race theory and our culture’s view on race. And there is no one better to deal with this than professor Douglas Groothuis. He knows his stuff, his Christian Apologetics book is a virtual handbook for apologetics, used by many to make sense of their life as a Christian. This book does what is set out to do. It deals with the topics using the proponents own words to clearly lay them out. Groothius sets up a steel man and then knocks it down. The part I enjoyed the most was the end when he lays out what to do help us respond. These are clear and concise to help us respond in love with truth.
I think this quote lays it out clearly, it’s long but worth it. “This book has advocated that we fight fire with fire. However, the fire I commend is not the fire that animates CRT (critical race theory) and it’s allied advocates and activists. It does not spark violent protests, riots, hate fears, cancellations, or the dismantling of the American system by limiting free speech, vilifying all white people, or imposing socialism. This fire is a well-reasoned, knowledgeable, and humble conviction that the American creed is worth reaffirming and living by, that all people are created equal by a just and loving God, and that a virtuous citizenry is necessary for the moral and spiritual recovery from the perils we now face.”
I think this quote lays it out clearly, it’s long but worth it. “This book has advocated that we fight fire with fire. However, the fire I commend is not the fire that animates CRT (critical race theory) and it’s allied advocates and activists. It does not spark violent protests, riots, hate fears, cancellations, or the dismantling of the American system by limiting free speech, vilifying all white people, or imposing socialism. This fire is a well-reasoned, knowledgeable, and humble conviction that the American creed is worth reaffirming and living by, that all people are created equal by a just and loving God, and that a virtuous citizenry is necessary for the moral and spiritual recovery from the perils we now face.”
April 18, 2023
I might not agree with all of the conclusions Groothuis comes to, but the book is well thought through and written. It led me to deeper dialogue with those around me and helped me wrestle with what I believe - and I think that’s what a good book should do.
Read
September 10, 2022Fire in the Streets is a great primer on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how pervasive it has become in American society. In the first chapter, Dr. Groothuis provides important background and set up for the "fire in the streets" that Americans witnessed in 2020's "Summer of Love." He quickly moves the reader through CRT's foundations and how we now find ourselves in a society plagued by widespread feelings of alienation and subjugation that all too frequently spill over into social unrest and even rioting.
This book is very readable (non-academic) and accessible to anyone, even (especially?) those of us who don't have a string of letters following our names. In Chapter 2, Groothuis even manages to squeeze in a short but well-placed and half-joking reference to the small but extraordinarily earnest faction of flat-earth proponents.
He does not shy away from expressing unpopular opinions (sincerely held opinions, I should add) such as the media's portrayal and subsequent one-sided view by the general public of George Floyd's death at the hands of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.
"What many people missed was this: That a black man dying while under police custody while a white man restrained him does not automatically imply racism as a motive in George Floyd's death."
Groothuis encourages the reader to look at both (all?) sides of an issue by reading The New York Times (leftist) and also publications like The Washington Times (traditionalist/conservative).
Make no mistake, this book is written from the perspective of someone who holds a traditional view of morality, based firmly in a Judeo-Christian ethical system. As he proffers in the 2nd chapter, "Fire in Our Own House:"
"When black people and white people kneel together in prayer, that is a good and holy act. When anyone kneels before another mere mortal, that is false worship based on self-hate."
Having said that, I encourage those who may disagree with this perspective to give serious consideration, in the name of diversity, equity, inclusion, and tolerance, to this short but well-ordered primer on so-called race relations (there is only the Human Race, as Groothuis points out). This encouragement is especially directed at those who claim the name of Christ but have come to define themselves as progressive and/or left of center when it comes to matters in the public square.
If I could change one thing about the book (alas, Dr. Groothuis did not ask my opinion on this matter), I would limit or eliminate the word "race," which is a "made-up" word coined in the late middle ages to inaccurately and intentionally create a sense of us versus them. I understand that Groothuis likely did this to "speak the language" of an audience that may mistakenly believe there are several races distinguished by skin color and, in some cases, inconsequential physical characteristics. Chapter seven, to Groothuis' credit, does clearly define this latter-day idea of so-called race, referring to it as nothing more than a difference in skin color, and saying explicitly that "skin color makes no difference whatsoever to God."
In chapter 8, Groothuis shifts gears to lay outs a Christian Framework or response to Critical Race Theory, and while he gets in the weeds quickly, he takes the time throughout to explain the weeds, e.g., "It is one thing to describe a state of affairs (the indicative mood); it is quite another to prescribe what states of affairs are good and which are not good (the imperative mood)." Groothuis continues by making an excellent argument as to why Christianity is the only Religion with the bona fides to discuss culture and government in the imperative, e.g., you shall or you shall not.
In Chapter 9, Groothuis, like a good preacher/teacher, sums up his treatise on CRT with an application, calling the reader to be involved in "Fanning Holy Flames" that will roll back the gains made by this unholy cabal among Marxism, fascism, and the so-called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement (author's note: someone recently pointed out that it is interesting that this acronym spells the Latin word for deity or god.)
While Groothuis ends this final chapter with practical ways to fan the flames of the American Creed[1], he spends about a quarter of the chapter talking about the importance of love:
Love does not shrink from controversy or minimize sin. Nor does it deny it has enemies. Loving your enemies does not mean pretending that they are your friends. However, love obeys the golden rule of Jesus: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12)….
Thus, whether you are talking to a friend, challenging a professor, contacting and elected official, running for office, or speaking at a school board meeting, love should be the rule and truth should be the goal.
I highly recommend this book to all believers--laypeople and, perhaps especially, clergy ("professional Christians," as my pastor jokingly calls those in vocational ministry)--who may find themselves unsure or even antagonistic to the idea that believers should be actively engaged in the public square, i.e., politics. Groothuis emphasizes the importance of this involvement with a quote from 19th Century Dutch statesman, theologian, and Netherlands Prime Minister Abraham Kuyper:
There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, "Mine!"
---------------------------------------------
[1] Groothuis' rendition of the American Creed is included on pages 42 and 43.
This book is very readable (non-academic) and accessible to anyone, even (especially?) those of us who don't have a string of letters following our names. In Chapter 2, Groothuis even manages to squeeze in a short but well-placed and half-joking reference to the small but extraordinarily earnest faction of flat-earth proponents.
He does not shy away from expressing unpopular opinions (sincerely held opinions, I should add) such as the media's portrayal and subsequent one-sided view by the general public of George Floyd's death at the hands of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin.
"What many people missed was this: That a black man dying while under police custody while a white man restrained him does not automatically imply racism as a motive in George Floyd's death."
Groothuis encourages the reader to look at both (all?) sides of an issue by reading The New York Times (leftist) and also publications like The Washington Times (traditionalist/conservative).
Make no mistake, this book is written from the perspective of someone who holds a traditional view of morality, based firmly in a Judeo-Christian ethical system. As he proffers in the 2nd chapter, "Fire in Our Own House:"
"When black people and white people kneel together in prayer, that is a good and holy act. When anyone kneels before another mere mortal, that is false worship based on self-hate."
Having said that, I encourage those who may disagree with this perspective to give serious consideration, in the name of diversity, equity, inclusion, and tolerance, to this short but well-ordered primer on so-called race relations (there is only the Human Race, as Groothuis points out). This encouragement is especially directed at those who claim the name of Christ but have come to define themselves as progressive and/or left of center when it comes to matters in the public square.
If I could change one thing about the book (alas, Dr. Groothuis did not ask my opinion on this matter), I would limit or eliminate the word "race," which is a "made-up" word coined in the late middle ages to inaccurately and intentionally create a sense of us versus them. I understand that Groothuis likely did this to "speak the language" of an audience that may mistakenly believe there are several races distinguished by skin color and, in some cases, inconsequential physical characteristics. Chapter seven, to Groothuis' credit, does clearly define this latter-day idea of so-called race, referring to it as nothing more than a difference in skin color, and saying explicitly that "skin color makes no difference whatsoever to God."
In chapter 8, Groothuis shifts gears to lay outs a Christian Framework or response to Critical Race Theory, and while he gets in the weeds quickly, he takes the time throughout to explain the weeds, e.g., "It is one thing to describe a state of affairs (the indicative mood); it is quite another to prescribe what states of affairs are good and which are not good (the imperative mood)." Groothuis continues by making an excellent argument as to why Christianity is the only Religion with the bona fides to discuss culture and government in the imperative, e.g., you shall or you shall not.
In Chapter 9, Groothuis, like a good preacher/teacher, sums up his treatise on CRT with an application, calling the reader to be involved in "Fanning Holy Flames" that will roll back the gains made by this unholy cabal among Marxism, fascism, and the so-called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) movement (author's note: someone recently pointed out that it is interesting that this acronym spells the Latin word for deity or god.)
While Groothuis ends this final chapter with practical ways to fan the flames of the American Creed[1], he spends about a quarter of the chapter talking about the importance of love:
Love does not shrink from controversy or minimize sin. Nor does it deny it has enemies. Loving your enemies does not mean pretending that they are your friends. However, love obeys the golden rule of Jesus: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 7:12)….
Thus, whether you are talking to a friend, challenging a professor, contacting and elected official, running for office, or speaking at a school board meeting, love should be the rule and truth should be the goal.
I highly recommend this book to all believers--laypeople and, perhaps especially, clergy ("professional Christians," as my pastor jokingly calls those in vocational ministry)--who may find themselves unsure or even antagonistic to the idea that believers should be actively engaged in the public square, i.e., politics. Groothuis emphasizes the importance of this involvement with a quote from 19th Century Dutch statesman, theologian, and Netherlands Prime Minister Abraham Kuyper:
There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, "Mine!"
---------------------------------------------
[1] Groothuis' rendition of the American Creed is included on pages 42 and 43.
August 8, 2022
Fire in the streets is a well-rounded critique of CRT, examining the foundations, implications, and results of this ideology. Dr. Groothuis answers this ideology with the truth of Christianity, showing that the truth of Jesus explains our existence as humans in a way that CRT can not do. The last two chapters of the book- a Christian framework and Fanning holy flames provide Groothuis’ answer to CRT (which is the truth of Christ) and help provide a way forward to all who see or are convinced of CRT’s faults.
January 12, 2023
Review of Fire in the Streets, by Doug Groothuis
Contents:
Section 1: How the Blaze got Started
Ch. 1: Marx & Co.
Ch. 2: Fire in Our Own House
Section 2: Burning it All Down?
Ch. 3: What is America, should we Burn it?
Ch. 4: America & Systemic Racism.
Section 3: Most Combustable Topics
Ch. 5: Ideology and Torching Free Speech
Ch. 6: Should we set flames to the Free Market?
Ch. 7: Race and Identity
Section 4: A Better Fire
Ch. 8: A Christian Framework
Ch. 9: Fanning Holy Flames
This book is a refreshing, powerfully reasoned contribution to the mounting rejoinders to the wave of critical theory induced Marxism we’ve all been force-fed for years. Groothuis is humble and forthright about his Christian and political convictions in his approach: “I will argue for them while anticipating criticisms and will advance credible viewpoints whether these are acceptable to those on the right, the left…” (preface).
He begins his introduction in the embers of the fires of 2020, where most of us realized that the absurd notions and ideas emanating from academia were truthfully quite potent, albeit narcotically, in the streets. He starts with a sufficient overview of Critical Theory, it’s neo-Marxist origins, and offshoots to Critical Race Theory (CRT), introduces the woke prognosticators Crenshaw, Bell, including the more popular contenders in the likes of DiAngelo and Kendi.
Chapter 1: Fire in the Mind of Marx and His Followers.
The book then moves to a brief overview of Marxist theory. “Marxist” is a term often bandied about, and it’s an easy term for Revolutionaries to elude. But Groothuis cites his arguments well, even quoting the Marxists themselves. Overall he cites nearly 50 sources in this brief but capable chapter.
The strongest portion of this book lies in Chapter 2: Fire in Our Own House. Groothuis launches into our preoccupation with trivialities, a lazy approach to truth, apathy in response to media propaganda campaigns, leading to our willingness to be led into ludicrous notions, like White Privilege, which is really a disguised, “religious” pursuit of Atonement. It is here that Groothuis provides a wonderful overview of Rushdoony’s study in the phenomenon of self-atonement, and mankind’s absolute need to relieve guilt one way or another.
Chapters 3 and 4 are simple, but well-reasoned appraisals of American history, the spirit of 1776, the reason for the revolutionary 1619 Project, and other attempts to reappraise the American purpose.
Chapters 5 and 6 are in the “other combustable topics” section. Groothuis includes freedom of expression and speech as necessary to parse out and avoid the clutches of ideology. He provides a good definition for ideologues: “…default to narrative reflexively and without reflection as a kind of intellectual twitch.”
Chapter 7 is a discussion of race, identity, and Groothuis is upfront and bold in providing a biblical ethic for identifying humans. He gives an argument from Genesis to Jesus, from the first to the second Adam.
Chapter 8 is a stirring defense of the Logos:, reminding us of the Greek conception, but also reminding that John personalizes this concept of Logos “This Word is rational and gives a rational ordering to all His creation.” Why is this important? “Nothing less that the knowledge of reality is at stake in controversies over CRT.” (pg. 157).
Chapter 9 is on the Fanning of Holy Flames. Groothuis begins with the Lordship of Christ and how with this principle all other priorities and responsibilities towards country flows outward. He draws three imperatives from the Lordship of Christ:
A) Truth in Our Minds (zealots for victory can easily put results above truth. Victories won on the basis of lies are hollow and lead to eventual defeat).
B) Fire in Our Bones (don’t be complacent, as Amos warned the leaders of Israel). Paul’s missionary work and passion to persuade the Athenians as example.
C) Love in Our Hearts (culture “war” language can be deceptive, leading us away from spiritual battles, where the war is really fought and won. “Destroying strongholds of error…requires not worldly ways of warfare, but divinely authorized counterarguments…we need to do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way…” (pg. 177-178). “Resist contempt for those with whom we disagree” (pg. 178).
Groothuis provides a warning that this is no mere posturing, but that what we proclaim to be true matters immensely: Those who practice and love falsehood are excluded from God’s kingdom (Revelation 22:15)
Groothuis ends his book with an exhortation and reminder on the type of “fire” with which we should fight the revolutionary fire in our day: a “well-reasoned, knowledgeable, and humble conviction that the American creed is worth reaffirming and living by, that all people are created equal by a just and loving God, and that a virtuous citizenry is necessary for the moral and spiritual recovery from the perils we now face” (pg. 197).
This book is super approachable. Fire in the Streets is the first book by Groothuis I’ve read. And judging from his reputation as an able thinker, philosopher, and vast writer, this book would be an excellent starting point for young adults. It covers much of what young people and students will encounter in school, in popular articles, social media, and in conversation. It is well-reasoned and definitely not dense. Those who are hopelessly mired in the depths of ideology and propaganda will probably dismiss this book outright, but for those who genuinely pursue the truth, this book will be a good resource, a challenge to popular assumptions and a helpful resource, regardless if they ultimately disagree with the arguments presented here.
Contents:
Section 1: How the Blaze got Started
Ch. 1: Marx & Co.
Ch. 2: Fire in Our Own House
Section 2: Burning it All Down?
Ch. 3: What is America, should we Burn it?
Ch. 4: America & Systemic Racism.
Section 3: Most Combustable Topics
Ch. 5: Ideology and Torching Free Speech
Ch. 6: Should we set flames to the Free Market?
Ch. 7: Race and Identity
Section 4: A Better Fire
Ch. 8: A Christian Framework
Ch. 9: Fanning Holy Flames
This book is a refreshing, powerfully reasoned contribution to the mounting rejoinders to the wave of critical theory induced Marxism we’ve all been force-fed for years. Groothuis is humble and forthright about his Christian and political convictions in his approach: “I will argue for them while anticipating criticisms and will advance credible viewpoints whether these are acceptable to those on the right, the left…” (preface).
He begins his introduction in the embers of the fires of 2020, where most of us realized that the absurd notions and ideas emanating from academia were truthfully quite potent, albeit narcotically, in the streets. He starts with a sufficient overview of Critical Theory, it’s neo-Marxist origins, and offshoots to Critical Race Theory (CRT), introduces the woke prognosticators Crenshaw, Bell, including the more popular contenders in the likes of DiAngelo and Kendi.
Chapter 1: Fire in the Mind of Marx and His Followers.
The book then moves to a brief overview of Marxist theory. “Marxist” is a term often bandied about, and it’s an easy term for Revolutionaries to elude. But Groothuis cites his arguments well, even quoting the Marxists themselves. Overall he cites nearly 50 sources in this brief but capable chapter.
The strongest portion of this book lies in Chapter 2: Fire in Our Own House. Groothuis launches into our preoccupation with trivialities, a lazy approach to truth, apathy in response to media propaganda campaigns, leading to our willingness to be led into ludicrous notions, like White Privilege, which is really a disguised, “religious” pursuit of Atonement. It is here that Groothuis provides a wonderful overview of Rushdoony’s study in the phenomenon of self-atonement, and mankind’s absolute need to relieve guilt one way or another.
Chapters 3 and 4 are simple, but well-reasoned appraisals of American history, the spirit of 1776, the reason for the revolutionary 1619 Project, and other attempts to reappraise the American purpose.
Chapters 5 and 6 are in the “other combustable topics” section. Groothuis includes freedom of expression and speech as necessary to parse out and avoid the clutches of ideology. He provides a good definition for ideologues: “…default to narrative reflexively and without reflection as a kind of intellectual twitch.”
Chapter 7 is a discussion of race, identity, and Groothuis is upfront and bold in providing a biblical ethic for identifying humans. He gives an argument from Genesis to Jesus, from the first to the second Adam.
Chapter 8 is a stirring defense of the Logos:, reminding us of the Greek conception, but also reminding that John personalizes this concept of Logos “This Word is rational and gives a rational ordering to all His creation.” Why is this important? “Nothing less that the knowledge of reality is at stake in controversies over CRT.” (pg. 157).
Chapter 9 is on the Fanning of Holy Flames. Groothuis begins with the Lordship of Christ and how with this principle all other priorities and responsibilities towards country flows outward. He draws three imperatives from the Lordship of Christ:
A) Truth in Our Minds (zealots for victory can easily put results above truth. Victories won on the basis of lies are hollow and lead to eventual defeat).
B) Fire in Our Bones (don’t be complacent, as Amos warned the leaders of Israel). Paul’s missionary work and passion to persuade the Athenians as example.
C) Love in Our Hearts (culture “war” language can be deceptive, leading us away from spiritual battles, where the war is really fought and won. “Destroying strongholds of error…requires not worldly ways of warfare, but divinely authorized counterarguments…we need to do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way…” (pg. 177-178). “Resist contempt for those with whom we disagree” (pg. 178).
Groothuis provides a warning that this is no mere posturing, but that what we proclaim to be true matters immensely: Those who practice and love falsehood are excluded from God’s kingdom (Revelation 22:15)
Groothuis ends his book with an exhortation and reminder on the type of “fire” with which we should fight the revolutionary fire in our day: a “well-reasoned, knowledgeable, and humble conviction that the American creed is worth reaffirming and living by, that all people are created equal by a just and loving God, and that a virtuous citizenry is necessary for the moral and spiritual recovery from the perils we now face” (pg. 197).
This book is super approachable. Fire in the Streets is the first book by Groothuis I’ve read. And judging from his reputation as an able thinker, philosopher, and vast writer, this book would be an excellent starting point for young adults. It covers much of what young people and students will encounter in school, in popular articles, social media, and in conversation. It is well-reasoned and definitely not dense. Those who are hopelessly mired in the depths of ideology and propaganda will probably dismiss this book outright, but for those who genuinely pursue the truth, this book will be a good resource, a challenge to popular assumptions and a helpful resource, regardless if they ultimately disagree with the arguments presented here.
August 7, 2022
Some background: I'm a left learning European. I like to believe I'm not polarised to the extreme. I'm white and I had a Catholic upbringing, although I'm non-religious.
Why this background? Because the 5-star rating here U the result of an echo chamber. Marxism here is a cath-all term for everything bad about progressive thinking, and to give it some weight they also have to repeat many times the atrocities that happened in name of communism (neglecting the fact that religion doesn't have clean hands either).
Completely misrepresenting (or misunderstanding) the intentions of critical race theory too, and cherry picking ideas and events to construe an image of pure hate and disregard for everyone. Black Lives Matter protests were insensitive to covid restrictions, and were a lootfest.
You do you. I'd just put the book down after 2 chapters, were it not that the premisse of the book was, at least I hoped, a way to get to dialogue between the different sites. I'd love to read a book from a conservative perspective on how to deal with polarisation... But this is not that book. It is a book for conservative people to entrench themselves more in their believes, to make some sense of the polarised society.
Now I need another Thomas Pickety or Noam Chomsky to relax.
Why this background? Because the 5-star rating here U the result of an echo chamber. Marxism here is a cath-all term for everything bad about progressive thinking, and to give it some weight they also have to repeat many times the atrocities that happened in name of communism (neglecting the fact that religion doesn't have clean hands either).
Completely misrepresenting (or misunderstanding) the intentions of critical race theory too, and cherry picking ideas and events to construe an image of pure hate and disregard for everyone. Black Lives Matter protests were insensitive to covid restrictions, and were a lootfest.
You do you. I'd just put the book down after 2 chapters, were it not that the premisse of the book was, at least I hoped, a way to get to dialogue between the different sites. I'd love to read a book from a conservative perspective on how to deal with polarisation... But this is not that book. It is a book for conservative people to entrench themselves more in their believes, to make some sense of the polarised society.
Now I need another Thomas Pickety or Noam Chomsky to relax.
July 30, 2023
Dr. Groothius hits another home run
with his book.
If you want an overview of hot button issues, like CRT and reparations, as well as, Black Lives Matter, you need to read this book. Doug has done the difficult research so he can explain it to us in understandable terms. It’s hard to be an expert on every issue and it’s great to have someone you can trust look into these things. Doug walks a fine line of respecting those he disagrees with, while being truthful, rational and hard, hitting against the falsehoods that exist on the extreme left. Sadly, a lot of extreme ideas have entered main stream, America, and even the church. The point of this book is to inform you so that you can calmly explain your objection to the direction things are going.
with his book.
If you want an overview of hot button issues, like CRT and reparations, as well as, Black Lives Matter, you need to read this book. Doug has done the difficult research so he can explain it to us in understandable terms. It’s hard to be an expert on every issue and it’s great to have someone you can trust look into these things. Doug walks a fine line of respecting those he disagrees with, while being truthful, rational and hard, hitting against the falsehoods that exist on the extreme left. Sadly, a lot of extreme ideas have entered main stream, America, and even the church. The point of this book is to inform you so that you can calmly explain your objection to the direction things are going.
September 9, 2024
Great book. Covers the origins of the logic behind CRT and why it’s less than ideal. I think he goes a little too far at the end of the book on the American creeds, but otherwise I think it’s fantastic.
October 25, 2022
One of Doug Groothuis’s best books.
November 29, 2022
This book does a good job explaining how Christians can respond to different cultural and political issues that are very relevant in todays age.
December 15, 2022
A very informative, educational, thought-provoking, and practical scholarly work. Highly recommend.
January 3, 2023
I really wish he would have started the book with the last two chapters...but I guess if you read it, start at the end (the last two chapters), then start at the front.
January 24, 2024
Excellent and biblical critique of CRT
April 20, 2024
Really helpful analysis of Critical Race Theory and the craziness that developed in 2020. I have some questions about Groothuis's treatment of the "American Creed", but a solid book.
April 15, 2024
This book was great. I know that Groothuis is capable of it from other works of his, so I almost wish this was longer than it is, to really flesh out some of his points in greater depth. But as it stands, it was more than sufficient and a great read to be sure!
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