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Stand Up, Stand Strong: A Call to Bold Faith in a Confused Culture
If we live according to the gospel, we're going to make waves. Why? Because the way of Christ is countercultural. It doesn't go with the flow, compromise on truth, or stay silent in the face of injustice--so neither can we. No matter how young or old we are, or how much or how little influence we think we have, God calls us to boldly engage our upside-down culture through the lens of his truth.
With powerful examples from Scripture and stories from teens today and through the centuries, Sara Barratt equips teens to live with a biblical worldview, approach today's hot-button issues with godly wisdom, and influence their generation for the glory of God. Tackling tough topics like sexuality, addiction, identity, media, and much more, Sara offers practical ways to stay rooted in God's truth while engaging culture with the redemptive story of the gospel--no matter the cost.
With powerful examples from Scripture and stories from teens today and through the centuries, Sara Barratt equips teens to live with a biblical worldview, approach today's hot-button issues with godly wisdom, and influence their generation for the glory of God. Tackling tough topics like sexuality, addiction, identity, media, and much more, Sara offers practical ways to stay rooted in God's truth while engaging culture with the redemptive story of the gospel--no matter the cost.
- GenresNonfictionSelf Help
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2022
21 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
Sara Barratt
3 books155 followersSara Barratt is a young author and lead editor for TheRebelution.com, a growing online platform that reaches more than half a million Christian teens, parents, and youth workers each year. She's a frequent speaker on topics including using your teen years for Christ, purity, and fighting modern-day slavery. She has also written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Girl Defined, and Lies Young Women Believe. "Love Riot: A Teenage Call to Live With Relentless Abandon for Christ" is her first book which she wrote when she was eighteen. She lives in Michigan with her family. Connect with her on her website www.sarabarratt.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2022
As I began to read Sara Barratt’s Stand Up, Stand Strong, my biggest concern was that it wouldn’t hold the same love she wrote into her first book, Love Riot.
So often, people in the church pick a side in a fight and they stand firm. But the problem is that they stand on their side with stubbornness, anger, and hatred. Somewhere in the process, they fail to stand with Jesus. They fail to imitate the way that he showed love to sinners, eating with them and knowing them, even as He shared Truth.
But as I read deeper into Stand Up, Stand Strong, I realized that Sara Barratt was not following this trend.
She wrote with courage. She wrote with conviction and she wrote truth.
Yet at the same time, she wrote with compassion. She wrote with understanding, fully knowing that there are real people tangled up in these complicated issues.
I had been wrestling with the question of how to stand firm in my beliefs while loving and listening to people different from me. It’s hard to know what mindset I should bring when I leave for a secular college this fall.
Stand Up, Stand Strong helped me to face this question head-on. It has helped me to understand how love and truth can go hand and hand.
Read this book to be challenged to stand up and stand strong in a biblical, gospel-centered worldview.
So often, people in the church pick a side in a fight and they stand firm. But the problem is that they stand on their side with stubbornness, anger, and hatred. Somewhere in the process, they fail to stand with Jesus. They fail to imitate the way that he showed love to sinners, eating with them and knowing them, even as He shared Truth.
But as I read deeper into Stand Up, Stand Strong, I realized that Sara Barratt was not following this trend.
She wrote with courage. She wrote with conviction and she wrote truth.
Yet at the same time, she wrote with compassion. She wrote with understanding, fully knowing that there are real people tangled up in these complicated issues.
I had been wrestling with the question of how to stand firm in my beliefs while loving and listening to people different from me. It’s hard to know what mindset I should bring when I leave for a secular college this fall.
Stand Up, Stand Strong helped me to face this question head-on. It has helped me to understand how love and truth can go hand and hand.
Read this book to be challenged to stand up and stand strong in a biblical, gospel-centered worldview.
April 19, 2022
I just finished this book and now I’m ready for a re-read. There is so much truth in this book and it’s written in such an easy-to-understand way with the opportunity to dive in further. I love that she includes extra resources where we can dive further and acknowledges that others have done a better deep dive into these topics. She writes with grace and love, acknowledging that she too has fallen short and sharing the reminder of grace and mercy that we have from God. Never once did she make me feel as if I was alone in falling short; but she also managed to convict me in such a way that I didn’t feel defensive. This is a book I plan on continually coming back to.
April 16, 2022
I am grateful for the clarity Sara Barratt offers on issues that, frankly, many are afraid to address. I had the pleasure of reading this book early and was refreshed by its commitment to biblical truth. Barrett is straightforward and articulate, writing with a passion for young adults to bring the gospel to bear on all areas of life, without losing sight of the main thing. Though she addresses today’s most controversial issues, she does it with grace and love that sets an excellent example for her readers. Growing up in a culture that so brazenly rejects God can feel chaotic and overwhelming. Stand Up, Stand Strong offers encouragement for teens committed to holding fast to what Scripture says, reminding them that, in every situation, Christ is enough.
April 18, 2022
This book is such a timely message!
As a young adult, it can be hard to navigate the reality of many worldviews and know how to defend a Biblical one. Sara Barratt is bringing this well-researched, well-written resource to our hands to help us do just that.
This book clearly communicates the gospel, graciously explains views that are incompatible with the Bible, and calls its readers to stand up for Christ. It's pages convicted me, but never shamed me. I felt like I was reading the words of an older sister who understands what it is to be truly Christian in today's culture.
I read this as an e-book, but when I get my physical copy I think a re-read is in order! There were so many lines I wish I could have highlighted for future reference.
This book is for those with doubts, with questions, with discouragement, and with areas they struggle. It is so important to be informed instead of just coasting through life, hoping we'll never be questioned for our faith.
Stand Up, Strand Strong is exactly the kind of encouragement our generation needs to grow deeper in our convictions for Christ. It certainly helped me see the areas I need to do my homework in, as well as re-kindled a love for God's truth. It was a spark of light and clarity for me.
As a young adult, it can be hard to navigate the reality of many worldviews and know how to defend a Biblical one. Sara Barratt is bringing this well-researched, well-written resource to our hands to help us do just that.
This book clearly communicates the gospel, graciously explains views that are incompatible with the Bible, and calls its readers to stand up for Christ. It's pages convicted me, but never shamed me. I felt like I was reading the words of an older sister who understands what it is to be truly Christian in today's culture.
I read this as an e-book, but when I get my physical copy I think a re-read is in order! There were so many lines I wish I could have highlighted for future reference.
This book is for those with doubts, with questions, with discouragement, and with areas they struggle. It is so important to be informed instead of just coasting through life, hoping we'll never be questioned for our faith.
Stand Up, Strand Strong is exactly the kind of encouragement our generation needs to grow deeper in our convictions for Christ. It certainly helped me see the areas I need to do my homework in, as well as re-kindled a love for God's truth. It was a spark of light and clarity for me.
May 26, 2023
PRO READING TIP: never annotate a book until you’ve already read it once.
Because if you annotate a book you end up disliking, it’s harder to sell, gift, and donate. You could throw it away, but that’s just sad. You could keep it on your bookshelf, but it would take up space you could’ve used for more valuable books.
Now, to the review.
It’s not that I wholly disagree with what she writes. I disagree with several things, but more often than not I agree with her. And I am in the wrong if I ever give a book a low rating just because I didn’t agree with it.
But the writing wasn’t good. Interestingly enough. . . it didn’t appear bad either. Which is tricky. I’ve realized, though, that it just lacks—in general. But more notably, it lacks engaging style. I’m bold, I know, but it was boring. These are heated topics and things that I really care about, but she made me feel disinterested.
It’s because of how she writes. This sounds like something old. The cringy jokes, the weak intros/links, the factual but not even intellectual presentation, it was painfully obvious. I don’t feel super comfortable describing it like this, but I need to paint a picture somehow: it sounds like a middle-aged white American youth pastor trying to be cool wit da kidz. Or just trying to be funny. . ?
Her background is a big part of this. (I’m going into questionable territory, so bear with me.) Barratt grew up in small-town America. I’m not saying that people from white small-town America can't do great things, can’t be great people, can’t make an impact; don’t assume that. What I’m saying is. . . it’s nothing new. She doesn’t have much credibility as someone who’s gone to the dark parts of society, who had a rough time growing up (because of the issues the book deals with), who’s had a crazy experience, or who’s done shocking things; none of that.
That’s why I question the very idea of this book being published. In other words, I don’t think it should have been. Again, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying she shouldn’t have written it. It was probably very good for her, and a great accomplishment. But it shouldn’t have been published. It wasn’t her fault, it was her Publisher’s fault.
The point is: this book offers nothing new. We can already guess it’s a "love the sinner hate the sin" type thing. Whether we agree with that or not is beside the point. There’s no new perspective, there’s no wild thesis, and there are not even any crazy experiences she brings up that she's been through that make it more interesting (she mentions breaking up and meeting a prisoner; I mean, good for her, but that's not crazy or anything). It’s also kinda blandly structured.
This book is marketed to teens, many of who are under her influence as she’s the Editor-in-Chief of the Rebelution. I almost think it’s manipulative; like she cranks out a basic book already assured that it’ll sell a bunch of copies because of her own influence. Not that she did it intentionally, but I just think it was a little unfair and/or something she did not think through well.
In all truthfulness, I don't even like the idea of her as the editor of the Rebelution. Background plays a huge role in any social/marketing/public thing nowadays—that’s the reality—and her background doesn’t speak wonders about the Rebelution. Again, not that middle-class white Americans can’t do great things, but their power and voice have already been the most prominent for too long. The Rebelution may never grip the audience it’s been craving, and may continue to speak mostly to conservative white evangelicals (unless that's who they've been trying to focus on anyway, but I don't think so).
And that's not even getting into her poor defense of a bunch of her views and her lack of powerful theological reasoning.
So now what?
A couple of books I’d recommend instead of Stand Up Stand Strong: a Call to Bold Faith in a Confused Culture that basically deal with the same things but. . . better, include:
- Dangerous Jesus: Why the Only Thing More Risky Than Getting Jesus Right is Getting Jesus Wrong, by Kevin “KB” Burgess, and,
- Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin
I’ll be honest, I haven’t fully read either of these yet. But I know a lot about them 1) from listening to KB’s podcast Southside Rabbi which digs into it a bit and 2) from hearing McLaughlin speak in person, as well as starting to read her book.
The thing is, even their concepts are stronger. A “call” to “bold faith” in a “confused culture” is really rather basic and weak. The only reason I could give for why I bought this book in the first place was that—like I mentioned above—I was under some influence of Barratt’s, being pretty interested in the Rebelution as I was. I still think it’s a great site, I’m just not totally confident in the Editor-in-Chief.
Thank you for tolerating my review—bearing with it even if you don’t agree. I do appreciate it.
Because if you annotate a book you end up disliking, it’s harder to sell, gift, and donate. You could throw it away, but that’s just sad. You could keep it on your bookshelf, but it would take up space you could’ve used for more valuable books.
Now, to the review.
It’s not that I wholly disagree with what she writes. I disagree with several things, but more often than not I agree with her. And I am in the wrong if I ever give a book a low rating just because I didn’t agree with it.
But the writing wasn’t good. Interestingly enough. . . it didn’t appear bad either. Which is tricky. I’ve realized, though, that it just lacks—in general. But more notably, it lacks engaging style. I’m bold, I know, but it was boring. These are heated topics and things that I really care about, but she made me feel disinterested.
It’s because of how she writes. This sounds like something old. The cringy jokes, the weak intros/links, the factual but not even intellectual presentation, it was painfully obvious. I don’t feel super comfortable describing it like this, but I need to paint a picture somehow: it sounds like a middle-aged white American youth pastor trying to be cool wit da kidz. Or just trying to be funny. . ?
Her background is a big part of this. (I’m going into questionable territory, so bear with me.) Barratt grew up in small-town America. I’m not saying that people from white small-town America can't do great things, can’t be great people, can’t make an impact; don’t assume that. What I’m saying is. . . it’s nothing new. She doesn’t have much credibility as someone who’s gone to the dark parts of society, who had a rough time growing up (because of the issues the book deals with), who’s had a crazy experience, or who’s done shocking things; none of that.
That’s why I question the very idea of this book being published. In other words, I don’t think it should have been. Again, don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying she shouldn’t have written it. It was probably very good for her, and a great accomplishment. But it shouldn’t have been published. It wasn’t her fault, it was her Publisher’s fault.
The point is: this book offers nothing new. We can already guess it’s a "love the sinner hate the sin" type thing. Whether we agree with that or not is beside the point. There’s no new perspective, there’s no wild thesis, and there are not even any crazy experiences she brings up that she's been through that make it more interesting (she mentions breaking up and meeting a prisoner; I mean, good for her, but that's not crazy or anything). It’s also kinda blandly structured.
This book is marketed to teens, many of who are under her influence as she’s the Editor-in-Chief of the Rebelution. I almost think it’s manipulative; like she cranks out a basic book already assured that it’ll sell a bunch of copies because of her own influence. Not that she did it intentionally, but I just think it was a little unfair and/or something she did not think through well.
In all truthfulness, I don't even like the idea of her as the editor of the Rebelution. Background plays a huge role in any social/marketing/public thing nowadays—that’s the reality—and her background doesn’t speak wonders about the Rebelution. Again, not that middle-class white Americans can’t do great things, but their power and voice have already been the most prominent for too long. The Rebelution may never grip the audience it’s been craving, and may continue to speak mostly to conservative white evangelicals (unless that's who they've been trying to focus on anyway, but I don't think so).
And that's not even getting into her poor defense of a bunch of her views and her lack of powerful theological reasoning.
So now what?
A couple of books I’d recommend instead of Stand Up Stand Strong: a Call to Bold Faith in a Confused Culture that basically deal with the same things but. . . better, include:
- Dangerous Jesus: Why the Only Thing More Risky Than Getting Jesus Right is Getting Jesus Wrong, by Kevin “KB” Burgess, and,
- Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin
I’ll be honest, I haven’t fully read either of these yet. But I know a lot about them 1) from listening to KB’s podcast Southside Rabbi which digs into it a bit and 2) from hearing McLaughlin speak in person, as well as starting to read her book.
The thing is, even their concepts are stronger. A “call” to “bold faith” in a “confused culture” is really rather basic and weak. The only reason I could give for why I bought this book in the first place was that—like I mentioned above—I was under some influence of Barratt’s, being pretty interested in the Rebelution as I was. I still think it’s a great site, I’m just not totally confident in the Editor-in-Chief.
Thank you for tolerating my review—bearing with it even if you don’t agree. I do appreciate it.
April 19, 2022
Sara Barratt once again knocks it out of the park with this extremely well researched and sensitively written book. She portrays truth to cultural topics that everyone needs insight on in the volatile times we live in - especially since many shy away from these topics - even in the church. If you want clarity and biblical truth on the relevant topics facing all of us in the culture today, you need to read this book. If you want to stand up for God in an anti godly culture, this book will inspire and give you the courage to do so. This book is so needed today and I'm so very thankful Sara Barratt had the courage to write it!!!
April 18, 2022
Stand Up Stand Strong has helped me to think through a lot of the big issues of our day from a solid, Biblical perspective. It addresses these topics in a both direct and helpful way that makes me think. The book also points out some very specific aspects of my life that need change, and then offers clear, straightforward steps to change those. As a teenager, this book is the perfect guide to navigate our tangled, messed-up world.
April 18, 2022
In her book Stand Up, Stand Strong, author Sara Barratt walks Christian teens through how to rethink popular issues in our culture today through a Christian worldview in hopes that they will learn how to stand strong in their convictions. After explaining the concept of a worldview and the consequences of living in a “post-truth” world, Barratt breaks down many areas where the post-truth mentality has taken hold, and explains how the mainstream perspectives hold up against a biblical worldview. With a voice of strength and courage, teens that read this book will be inspired to not only understand why they believe what they believe, but also how to defend it with grace-filled truth. Barratt speaks with both conviction and compassion on many important issues in our culture today, from sexual identity and orientation to injustice and abortion. With discussion questions and recommended readings for each topic addressed, this book is a great resource for high school students who want to build a biblical worldview or adults who want to help youth do the same. Get your copy today!
March 14, 2025
Another amazing and challenging read from Sara Barratt. I never know quite how to review non-fiction, but know that this is a great read. One that pushes you to think beyond yourself and break past comfort zones.
It dives into hard topics and how we, as the church, are to love others, even when we don't agree with them. The point is not to win arguments but plant seeds for God.🩵
Such a great read!
It dives into hard topics and how we, as the church, are to love others, even when we don't agree with them. The point is not to win arguments but plant seeds for God.🩵
Such a great read!
Read
April 7, 2023dnf-ing for now. i hope to pick this back up again though <3
April 17, 2022
I just finished this book and I’m planning on reading it again as soon as I get a chance! It had so many good things to say, and though it was intended for young people and teenagers, I honestly think it would be great for anyone because it would help them understand the challenges teenagers are facing. I especially loved that the book has a Further Resources section at the end of each chapter if the reader wants to dig deeper into the subject—I’m planning to read and use many of the recommended resources soon. The stories of other Christians included in the book also made it really engaging and interesting! This was an amazing book—as I finished it, I found myself praying for boldness and courage to live for Christ.
April 8, 2022
This was such a well-written book. Sara Barratt did a great job of identifying cultural issues that contradict Biblical teachings with sensitivity and compassion. She uses language that everyone can understand, and while she uses scripture to support her arguments, she doesn't pontificate while doing so. I especially appreciate that each chapter ends with questions that encourage readers interested in "going deeper," as this can easily be used for Bible studies or small groups. She also includes a list of "further resources" at the end of each chapter should people want to learn more about what others have to say on the topic. This is a great option if someone is looking not just for clarification on what the Bible has to say about troubling issues in today's culture, but also what we can actively do to address them. A must-read for Christians everywhere.
April 13, 2022
This book is amazing! The author does an amazing job tackling subjects that most teens dare not even touch. But not only that, she does it Biblically. This book totally gave me a biblical worldview on the hardest topics of today, giving me the ability to stand strong in Truth and talk about these topics with my friends.
Even more than that, it convicted me. I was convicted for not standing up for God's Truth enough. But now I have the tools and confidence to stand up for Truth. Definitely recommend! 😊
Even more than that, it convicted me. I was convicted for not standing up for God's Truth enough. But now I have the tools and confidence to stand up for Truth. Definitely recommend! 😊
April 18, 2022
When I began reading this book what first caught my eye were the endorsements that were in the front of the book. I knew that this book, StandUpStandStrong, was going to have much to live up to. Wow! And this 22 year old author did not disappoint!
Sara addresses ALL of the major issues of the culture wars that face not only our youth but every person that claims to be a follower of Christ. From identity and same-sex marriage, to abortion and social media, this young author addresses all the issues through the love of Christ and God's Word so that everyone can understand how to form a Biblical worldview.
At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and resources for deeper study. Perfect for any small group.
I highly recommend this book and believe it should be in the hands of every Christian teenager that has a sincere desire to strengthen their faith in a confused culture.
Well done!!
Sara addresses ALL of the major issues of the culture wars that face not only our youth but every person that claims to be a follower of Christ. From identity and same-sex marriage, to abortion and social media, this young author addresses all the issues through the love of Christ and God's Word so that everyone can understand how to form a Biblical worldview.
At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and resources for deeper study. Perfect for any small group.
I highly recommend this book and believe it should be in the hands of every Christian teenager that has a sincere desire to strengthen their faith in a confused culture.
Well done!!
April 13, 2022
The minute I started reading Stand Up, Stand Strong, I was captivated. Written in an easy to understand style, Sara Barratt does an excellent job sharing the truth in a loving but uncompromising manner, meeting each reader where they are at. She demonstrates how we can engage the culture in a Christ honoring way by giving helpful questions to ask ourselves. Barratt also offers thoughtful and practical advice, such as how we as Christians can respond to those in our lives who deal with gender confusion, abortion, addictions or other difficult issues.
One thing that stood out to me as I was reading was that concepts and truths I had previously been thinking about and wrestling through were subjects that Barratt addressed. She articulated these in a way that reminded me of the truth found in the Bible. In addition to my Bible, I now have this book as a resource that I can come back to when I need encouragement.
With questions at the end of each chapter, this book is perfect for reading with a friend or even in a small group to discuss present day issues.
Even as I read this on my own, I was challenged and edified to Stand Up and Stand Strong in this world for the Truth found in Jesus!
I will highly recommend this as a resource for the junior high and high school students in my life—as well as those parents or youth leaders trying to navigate these issues with those in their charge.
One thing that stood out to me as I was reading was that concepts and truths I had previously been thinking about and wrestling through were subjects that Barratt addressed. She articulated these in a way that reminded me of the truth found in the Bible. In addition to my Bible, I now have this book as a resource that I can come back to when I need encouragement.
With questions at the end of each chapter, this book is perfect for reading with a friend or even in a small group to discuss present day issues.
Even as I read this on my own, I was challenged and edified to Stand Up and Stand Strong in this world for the Truth found in Jesus!
I will highly recommend this as a resource for the junior high and high school students in my life—as well as those parents or youth leaders trying to navigate these issues with those in their charge.
April 18, 2022
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
Author Sara Barratt did not disappoint in this book while tackling hard issues that are relevant in today's culture with wisdom and the Word of God.
It is written in such a way that it really reaches the reader on a profound level and it was so helpful that she included specific additional resources you can attain to dive deeper into certain subjects.
I loved that the Author approached everything from a place of humility and the understanding that we all fall short and that's why we need Jesus Christ - our Savior!
Definitely a great book to check-out if you want to stretch your faith, no matter your age.
I highly recommend!
Author Sara Barratt did not disappoint in this book while tackling hard issues that are relevant in today's culture with wisdom and the Word of God.
It is written in such a way that it really reaches the reader on a profound level and it was so helpful that she included specific additional resources you can attain to dive deeper into certain subjects.
I loved that the Author approached everything from a place of humility and the understanding that we all fall short and that's why we need Jesus Christ - our Savior!
Definitely a great book to check-out if you want to stretch your faith, no matter your age.
I highly recommend!
April 20, 2022
Sara Barratt’s latest book, ‘Stand Up, Stand Strong’ is a fresh and accessible read covering many of the most relevant topics for teens today. She challenges readers to live boldly and against the flow of today’s culture.
October 25, 2025
This book is. So. Powerful. This was just what I needed right now. I will be rereading this and tabbing it!! I cannot recommend this book enough!!
May 3, 2022
I just finished this book and once again find myself in awe of the wisdom beyond her years that Sara Barratt possesses. When I read her first book, Love Riot, her youth was a marvel. She never fails to tackle 'hot button issues' but does so in a manner that is non-confrontational and holds to Biblical commands.
We currently live in a confusing world. Many tenets that used to be the norm; have now flip-flopped. It's difficult to understand much less cope with as an adult. I can't imagine what it is like for teens and/or young adults. Barratt isn't shy about urging people to stand up for their convictions as Christians. I will be reading this one again and can't wait until I have a print copy. There are so many passages that will be highlighted with notes made in the margins.
This book as well as Love Riot would be perfect small group studies for youth, young adults or just those people trying to maneuver in an increasingly confusing world.
I received an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own. @sarabarratt @bakerbooks
We currently live in a confusing world. Many tenets that used to be the norm; have now flip-flopped. It's difficult to understand much less cope with as an adult. I can't imagine what it is like for teens and/or young adults. Barratt isn't shy about urging people to stand up for their convictions as Christians. I will be reading this one again and can't wait until I have a print copy. There are so many passages that will be highlighted with notes made in the margins.
This book as well as Love Riot would be perfect small group studies for youth, young adults or just those people trying to maneuver in an increasingly confusing world.
I received an Advance Review Copy. All opinions are my own. @sarabarratt @bakerbooks
May 16, 2022
This book is so important for our culture! The more I read, the more I was impressed with what Sara had to say. I would have no problem recommending this to my friends and family.
I really appreciated how it tackled issues that I had thought about, but struggled with how to best respond to. After reading this book I know I have clarity on what to say when I encounter those issues. Knowing this will help me to Stand Up and Stand Strong!
I really appreciated how it tackled issues that I had thought about, but struggled with how to best respond to. After reading this book I know I have clarity on what to say when I encounter those issues. Knowing this will help me to Stand Up and Stand Strong!
August 19, 2022
I had some amount of hope for Stand Up, Stand Strong before reading it. A call to bold faith? Needed. The way of Christ is countercultural? Absolutely. Engage culture with the redemptive story of the Gospel? Yes, please. Unfortunately, you don’t have to get too far into Sara Barratt’s work before it devolves into just another culture war screed more focused on preserving American evangelical conservatism than Christianity.
In a few early chapters, Barratt is kind, compassionate, and genuine. She says many good and correct things. She is woefully lacking in nuance and theological education when it comes to certain cultural issues. For example, when we get to the chapter on racism, she writes that there are two definitions, one of which she defines as “a system of privilege based on race” and talks about how that’s an “unhelpful and unbiblical” definition. Unbiblical how? No comment. Unhelpful to whom? Certainly not to non-white minorities.
As Stand Up, Stand Strong moves away from an general, overarching structure of defining worldview, objective truth, and the need to have firm convictions and toward specific culture war elements, Barratt moves from reasonable to, quite frankly, sensationalistic and simplistic. She mischaracterizes progressive views on race, gender, and sexuality, and makes so attempt to actually grapple with alternate viewpoints. Every topic is painted as extreme and contrasting as possible, with no option for dialogue or meeting in the middle. Every issue becomes an issue of salvation, with American conservative evangelical Christianity being portrayed as the only true Christianity.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised with this coming from the editor-in-chief of TheRebelution (that still exists?!), a blog originally created by Josh Harris of Kissed Dating Goodbye’s brothers. Stand Up, Stand Strong does a disservice to its audience by taking a combative tone. It’s incredible that this book was published in the 2022. It’s something I would expect from the 1980s or 90s, not just in its tone but in the very arguments it uses.
Stand Up, Stand Strong isn’t inherently a bad book. Barratt clearly lays out the culture war battle plans of the Religious Right. The problem is that her arguments aren’t convincing. Every argument is had with the tone of “Well, obviously…” This is a book for conservative evangelical parents to buy their kids in an attempt to keep them in the fold. It’s a great book for reaffirming what one already believes if one believes it wholeheartedly. It’s not a book that addresses doubts, answers questions, or lives in the tension of a Christianity that comprises a wide array of social beliefs.
In a few early chapters, Barratt is kind, compassionate, and genuine. She says many good and correct things. She is woefully lacking in nuance and theological education when it comes to certain cultural issues. For example, when we get to the chapter on racism, she writes that there are two definitions, one of which she defines as “a system of privilege based on race” and talks about how that’s an “unhelpful and unbiblical” definition. Unbiblical how? No comment. Unhelpful to whom? Certainly not to non-white minorities.
As Stand Up, Stand Strong moves away from an general, overarching structure of defining worldview, objective truth, and the need to have firm convictions and toward specific culture war elements, Barratt moves from reasonable to, quite frankly, sensationalistic and simplistic. She mischaracterizes progressive views on race, gender, and sexuality, and makes so attempt to actually grapple with alternate viewpoints. Every topic is painted as extreme and contrasting as possible, with no option for dialogue or meeting in the middle. Every issue becomes an issue of salvation, with American conservative evangelical Christianity being portrayed as the only true Christianity.
Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised with this coming from the editor-in-chief of TheRebelution (that still exists?!), a blog originally created by Josh Harris of Kissed Dating Goodbye’s brothers. Stand Up, Stand Strong does a disservice to its audience by taking a combative tone. It’s incredible that this book was published in the 2022. It’s something I would expect from the 1980s or 90s, not just in its tone but in the very arguments it uses.
Stand Up, Stand Strong isn’t inherently a bad book. Barratt clearly lays out the culture war battle plans of the Religious Right. The problem is that her arguments aren’t convincing. Every argument is had with the tone of “Well, obviously…” This is a book for conservative evangelical parents to buy their kids in an attempt to keep them in the fold. It’s a great book for reaffirming what one already believes if one believes it wholeheartedly. It’s not a book that addresses doubts, answers questions, or lives in the tension of a Christianity that comprises a wide array of social beliefs.
April 28, 2022
This book is an excellent resource for learning to see the world through a Biblical Christian lens! The author melds well-researched facts and solid theology to cover hot topics like identity, sexual orientation, social justice, addiction, and abortion. I appreciated the grace-filled, encouraging tone that pervades the pages without compromising the truth found in Christ. It can be difficult to find resources (especially for teens) that lovingly present a historical Christian viewpoint without being discolored by "progressive Christian" ideas. I just finished teaching a class for high school students on developing writing skills to express a Christian worldview. I wish this book had come out in time for me to hand out to my students! This book is a must-read for Christian teens, young adults, and even parents! I have not read the author's earlier book Love Riot, but I will now and look forward to any other books she will publish!
April 28, 2022
This book is excellent for Christian youth seeking how to live uncompromisingly for God in an environment of distraction. As a young Christian myself, and knowing how many different messages I get bombarded with every day, I was happy to find that this book was honest, straightforward and easy to understand in its message. Sara Barratt discusses how to approach cultural challenges with sensitivity but still remain in a biblically grounded worldview. 100% recommend for Christians of every age, a refreshing and encouraging book!
March 24, 2023
I would definitely recommend this book to every single person I know who is a bookworm! To learn and hear how broken our world is makes me sad but to hear that people were willing to stand up for their faith in different subjects no matter what the costs brings a smile to my face and as a teen I learned a lot. Not only that but how to approach someone when wanting to get their opinion on a topic ( like abortion or other topics) was also helpful.
For anyone and everyone I recommend this book with no hesitation! 😊
For anyone and everyone I recommend this book with no hesitation! 😊
July 3, 2023
Amazing, Amazing!!! This will forever be one of my favorite books, living on the nightstand beside my bed! Sara Barratt is not afraid to confront the evil in this world with grace and truth. Not everyone is able to do that as well as she did.
This book helped me grow in my faith tremendously, and I will be sharing this with a friend. ;)
This book helped me grow in my faith tremendously, and I will be sharing this with a friend. ;)
April 27, 2022
Stand Up Stand Strong is an exceptional book. Sara addresses tough cultural topics with a Biblical clarity and wisdom that is rare in our day and age. Sara encourages teens to think critically, be discerning, and above all else, love Jesus and live for His glory!
March 29, 2023
This book is a must read for teenagers and young adults who want to grow their faith. This book really hits home, and gives a lot of really good and accurate theological truths in an easy to understand way.
July 9, 2022
Must Read
A book that all Christians should read in the 2020s! Churches and Christian schools should teach it. Small groups should discuss it.
A book that all Christians should read in the 2020s! Churches and Christian schools should teach it. Small groups should discuss it.
December 22, 2023
Wow. Incredible, inspirational, convicting, and powerful. Every teen/young adult needs to read this book!!
May 2, 2022
Thank you SO MUCH Sara Barratt for writing this book! Super excited to read the rest of it! Definitely recommending it to friends and family!
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