Young, Woke and Christian: Words from a Missing Generation

by Victoria Turner

Young people are often referred to as the church's ‘missing generation’. But perhaps it is not them that are missing from God's mission, but the church itself. ‘Young, Woke and Christian’ brings together young church leaders and theologians who argue that the church needs to become increasingly awake to injustices in British society. It steers away from the capitalistic marketing ideas of how to attract young people into Christian fellowship and proclaims that the church’s role in society is to serve society, give voice to the marginalised and stand up to damaging, dominating power structures. Covering themes such as climate change, racial inclusivity, sexual purity, homelessness, food poverty, sexuality, trans identity, feminism, peace-making, interfaith relations, and disability justice, the collection is a cry for the reform of the church to not ally with ‘woke’ issues because they are popular with youth, but because they are gospel issues. With a powerful prologue from Anthony Reddie.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2022

Reviews

[John Scheepers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The difficulty with an anthology of essays is that the quality of the chapters can vary, sometimes quite dramatically in quality and depth of research. On the whole, I found this to be an excellent tool for hearing the concerns and questions raised by young Western Christians (UK mainly) speaking in their own voice. I oscillated between being incredibly challenged in some chapters and wanting a lot more out of other chapters. Definitely worth reading if only to hear, in their own voice, the concerns and the questions raised by younger Christians in the West.

[Valour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single chapter of this astonishing book should be read, especially by those who lead churches. It is easy for churches, led generally speaking by those over 40, to forget to consult the young people of their church, to assume what their faith looks like or contains, to speak over and, undermine them.

Young, Woke and Christian is a text to turn the assumptions of older Christians on their heads and to provide a leaping point for other young Christians to have confidence in their faith and theological convictions. Particularly within an Anglican setting, the term "woke" can spark fear for older people, who don't understand that to be woke is simply to care deeply about the world, about inequality and about justice. Very much like Jesus, really!

Young, Woke and Christian is a celebration of young Theology, it is a celebration of the continued joy, sadness, justice, and contemplation that interrogating one's faith, and one's Theology can bring. I cannot reccomend it highly enough and I am so glad to have read it.

[Ruth Hettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the title of this book puts you off from reading it....don't let that stop you and that probably also means you need to read it.
So much to say about this book. It is by no means a group of young people 'sounding off' about issues; it is a well thought-out and well structured book highlighting conversations that we as the church must engage with. Each chapter cites literature and data, showing evidence base and further writings or thought. Please consider reading this book.