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Letter to the American Church
In an earnest and searing wake-up call, the author of the bestseller Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy warns of the haunting similarities between today’s American church and the German church of the 1930s. Echoing Bonhoeffer’s prophetic call, Eric Metaxas exhorts his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil before it is too late.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2022
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About the author
Eric Metaxas
132 books2,259 followersIn a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.
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December 29, 2022
Is the Christian church in America in a similar place as the church in Nazi Germany? Has the church today become complacent, weak, and compromised, unwilling or unable to speak truth to power? That is the suggestion, or maybe more accurately, the charge leveled by author and radio host Eric Metaxas in his new book Letter to the American Church. I think Metaxas is right about the church, but for all the wrong reasons.
Metaxas is right: the Christian church today in American is weak and compromised. According to Metaxas the year 1954 was pivotal to the church’s emasculation. That was when the amendment to the U.S. tax code was passed prohibiting churches and non-profits from taking a stand on political candidates. Even more galling to Metaxas, pastors in America passively submitted to this supposed outrage. This, Metaxas believes, is the cause and grounds for the gagging of pastors and the controlling of churches by the government, and it is both “un-Christian and un-American.”
There is one huge and glaring hole in Metaxas’ argument that completely invalidates his point. The only reason the government can prohibit churches from taking political stands is because the church willingly accepts its privileged tax-favored status as a religious entity, thus being able to do its business tax-free and (even more importantly) give tax-deductions to encourage contributions.
This is a choice that churches make. Any church is free to reject its tax-free status and stop giving tax-deductions to its donors. However, churches have so long enjoyed this privilege (in fact, since the founding of America) that it is assumed and not questioned. But it’s not a given, not a right, but a privilege, one that we can forego at any point. In so doing, churches would be free to endorse and campaign for whatever issue and whichever candidate they so desired. It’s just that simple. Of course, churches never even consider doing that because this is a such a massive benefit to its bottom line, both for its institutional wealth as well its donors. Contrary to Metaxas’ outrage, this embedded arrangement is as “American” and it would appear as “Christian” as it gets.
This gets to the real reason and basis for the weak and compromised state of the church—the love of money and commitment to a privileged tax status. What would it mean for a church to forego its privileged status? What would it means for its members, that is, its donors? Tax-law is the government’s most powerful tool used to influence and move behavior. So long as tax deductions are available to religious organizations, it will influence choices such as attendance, membership, and most significantly the amount and frequency of donations. Ironically, the very tool of the church’s wealth-building power is the vice that keeps the church weak and compromised. If the church really wants to be free (as Metaxas demands) then maybe it needs to disentangle itself from IRS beneficence.
Sadly and erroneously, Metaxas lays the blame for the church’s compromised state upon its toleration of “pernicious” ideas such as Critical Race Theory (CRT) and socialism. Pastors in particular are called out for their cowardly silence lest they offend or get too political. It is worth noting that Metaxas never – not even in the slightest – defines CRT or socialism. The lack of definition, depth of consideration, or intellectual nuance is astounding. He simply rails against them as evil and puts pastors on blast for not doing the same.
In so doing, Metaxas appears to be appealing to the basest and most basic instincts in his intended audience of Christian pastors and congregants.
Instead of reasoning with his reader, Metaxas assumes a polarized political posture of Christians contra mundum, or at least against the world of liberalism. In so doing, he assumes that all Christians should agree that the labels “CRT” and “socialism,” are evil whatever they may actually mean. This is dangerous. Rather than produce peaceful and productive dialogue, such uncritical and undefined use of polemical labeling tends to whip up frenzied, mindless, and reactionary mobs.
Indeed, having read Metaxas’ Letter, I am left asking myself if this is in fact the author’s purpose and point. The thematic parallel interwoven throughout the book is the perilous similarly Metaxas sees between our day and what happened in Germany, which allowed for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the extermination of millions of Jews.
While invoking Hitler and Nazi Germany is a common rhetorical tactic, Metaxas’ Letter peddles particularly hard in its fear-mongering. According to Metaxas our society is in grave danger of being taken over by “false, confusing, and wicked ideas” that are “inherently atheistic.” While not explicitly said, the clear implication is that these ideas have been brought forth by godless liberals and progressives (i.e Democrats). What is explicit is the warning that America may be on the verge of becoming the next or new Third Reich of our day. This should instill the fear of God in all the faithful. Even more frightening, Metaxas warns, if pastors don’t speak up against these pernicious ideas, we will “invite the judgment that is sure to come.”
To suggest that national genocide and divine wrath can be expected if pastors do not speak up against liberalism is irresponsible and concerning. But Metaxas adds fuel to the fire by invoking the life and legacy of German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer as his hero and solution. Bonhoeffer, recognizing the evil of Hitler’s Nazi agenda, famously plotted a failed assignation attempt of the Fuhrer, was caught and eventually executed by the Gestapo. Metaxas spends no less than five chapters explaining the heroism of Bonhoeffer in the context of Nazi Germany.
The connection appears to be obvious: for faithful Christians, in order to combat these socio-political evils it may mean a daring act of faith and patriotism that, like Bonhoeffer, is willing to take matters into one’s own hands. This should be a frightening proposition for anyone regardless of political persuasion.
Metaxas himself is on record as saying he is willing to die for what he believes is right. Put this together and events such as Jan 6 and the recent violent attack in the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes more sense and could even be defended as heroic. Metaxas is in effect calling pastors to arouse the kind of political and theological indignation in their congregants that is willing to do violence to those who they deem harmful, all in obedience to God and for the good of the nation.
The contradiction cannot be lost in all of this that this call is to pastors who lead churches filled with congregants who are called to follow Jesus, whom by all accounts never once took up a weapon or called for violence against those who opposed him or disagreed with him. On the contrary, Jesus told his disciple Peter to put down his sword and healed the servant whom Peter harmed. Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. Most profoundly, Jesus did not establish his agenda and authority with politics or violent coups, but demonstrated his power by willingly laying down his life as a sacrifice on the cross. The Apostle Paul understood the way of Jesus when he wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
I believe the logic, rhetoric, and implications of this book should concern everyone: Pastors, Christians, and non-Christians alike. Unlike the author of the book (whom, to my knowledge, has no pastoral experience or background) I have been a pastor the past 22 years. I have preached countless sermons and have led diverse congregants through all sorts of economic, political, racial, and social distress. I am taking the time to write this because I am concerned that, if heeded, the result of Metaxas’ Letter could incite further violence against government officials and justify vigilantism, all in the cause of religious zeal and faithfulness or at least under the pretense of it. As a follower of Jesus, I am concerned this will only further damage the church, the reputation of the faith community, and the cause of Christ.
Metaxas is right: the Christian church today in American is weak and compromised. According to Metaxas the year 1954 was pivotal to the church’s emasculation. That was when the amendment to the U.S. tax code was passed prohibiting churches and non-profits from taking a stand on political candidates. Even more galling to Metaxas, pastors in America passively submitted to this supposed outrage. This, Metaxas believes, is the cause and grounds for the gagging of pastors and the controlling of churches by the government, and it is both “un-Christian and un-American.”
There is one huge and glaring hole in Metaxas’ argument that completely invalidates his point. The only reason the government can prohibit churches from taking political stands is because the church willingly accepts its privileged tax-favored status as a religious entity, thus being able to do its business tax-free and (even more importantly) give tax-deductions to encourage contributions.
This is a choice that churches make. Any church is free to reject its tax-free status and stop giving tax-deductions to its donors. However, churches have so long enjoyed this privilege (in fact, since the founding of America) that it is assumed and not questioned. But it’s not a given, not a right, but a privilege, one that we can forego at any point. In so doing, churches would be free to endorse and campaign for whatever issue and whichever candidate they so desired. It’s just that simple. Of course, churches never even consider doing that because this is a such a massive benefit to its bottom line, both for its institutional wealth as well its donors. Contrary to Metaxas’ outrage, this embedded arrangement is as “American” and it would appear as “Christian” as it gets.
This gets to the real reason and basis for the weak and compromised state of the church—the love of money and commitment to a privileged tax status. What would it mean for a church to forego its privileged status? What would it means for its members, that is, its donors? Tax-law is the government’s most powerful tool used to influence and move behavior. So long as tax deductions are available to religious organizations, it will influence choices such as attendance, membership, and most significantly the amount and frequency of donations. Ironically, the very tool of the church’s wealth-building power is the vice that keeps the church weak and compromised. If the church really wants to be free (as Metaxas demands) then maybe it needs to disentangle itself from IRS beneficence.
Sadly and erroneously, Metaxas lays the blame for the church’s compromised state upon its toleration of “pernicious” ideas such as Critical Race Theory (CRT) and socialism. Pastors in particular are called out for their cowardly silence lest they offend or get too political. It is worth noting that Metaxas never – not even in the slightest – defines CRT or socialism. The lack of definition, depth of consideration, or intellectual nuance is astounding. He simply rails against them as evil and puts pastors on blast for not doing the same.
In so doing, Metaxas appears to be appealing to the basest and most basic instincts in his intended audience of Christian pastors and congregants.
Instead of reasoning with his reader, Metaxas assumes a polarized political posture of Christians contra mundum, or at least against the world of liberalism. In so doing, he assumes that all Christians should agree that the labels “CRT” and “socialism,” are evil whatever they may actually mean. This is dangerous. Rather than produce peaceful and productive dialogue, such uncritical and undefined use of polemical labeling tends to whip up frenzied, mindless, and reactionary mobs.
Indeed, having read Metaxas’ Letter, I am left asking myself if this is in fact the author’s purpose and point. The thematic parallel interwoven throughout the book is the perilous similarly Metaxas sees between our day and what happened in Germany, which allowed for the rise of Adolf Hitler and the extermination of millions of Jews.
While invoking Hitler and Nazi Germany is a common rhetorical tactic, Metaxas’ Letter peddles particularly hard in its fear-mongering. According to Metaxas our society is in grave danger of being taken over by “false, confusing, and wicked ideas” that are “inherently atheistic.” While not explicitly said, the clear implication is that these ideas have been brought forth by godless liberals and progressives (i.e Democrats). What is explicit is the warning that America may be on the verge of becoming the next or new Third Reich of our day. This should instill the fear of God in all the faithful. Even more frightening, Metaxas warns, if pastors don’t speak up against these pernicious ideas, we will “invite the judgment that is sure to come.”
To suggest that national genocide and divine wrath can be expected if pastors do not speak up against liberalism is irresponsible and concerning. But Metaxas adds fuel to the fire by invoking the life and legacy of German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer as his hero and solution. Bonhoeffer, recognizing the evil of Hitler’s Nazi agenda, famously plotted a failed assignation attempt of the Fuhrer, was caught and eventually executed by the Gestapo. Metaxas spends no less than five chapters explaining the heroism of Bonhoeffer in the context of Nazi Germany.
The connection appears to be obvious: for faithful Christians, in order to combat these socio-political evils it may mean a daring act of faith and patriotism that, like Bonhoeffer, is willing to take matters into one’s own hands. This should be a frightening proposition for anyone regardless of political persuasion.
Metaxas himself is on record as saying he is willing to die for what he believes is right. Put this together and events such as Jan 6 and the recent violent attack in the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi makes more sense and could even be defended as heroic. Metaxas is in effect calling pastors to arouse the kind of political and theological indignation in their congregants that is willing to do violence to those who they deem harmful, all in obedience to God and for the good of the nation.
The contradiction cannot be lost in all of this that this call is to pastors who lead churches filled with congregants who are called to follow Jesus, whom by all accounts never once took up a weapon or called for violence against those who opposed him or disagreed with him. On the contrary, Jesus told his disciple Peter to put down his sword and healed the servant whom Peter harmed. Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. Most profoundly, Jesus did not establish his agenda and authority with politics or violent coups, but demonstrated his power by willingly laying down his life as a sacrifice on the cross. The Apostle Paul understood the way of Jesus when he wrote, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
I believe the logic, rhetoric, and implications of this book should concern everyone: Pastors, Christians, and non-Christians alike. Unlike the author of the book (whom, to my knowledge, has no pastoral experience or background) I have been a pastor the past 22 years. I have preached countless sermons and have led diverse congregants through all sorts of economic, political, racial, and social distress. I am taking the time to write this because I am concerned that, if heeded, the result of Metaxas’ Letter could incite further violence against government officials and justify vigilantism, all in the cause of religious zeal and faithfulness or at least under the pretense of it. As a follower of Jesus, I am concerned this will only further damage the church, the reputation of the faith community, and the cause of Christ.
September 3, 2022
I’ve been prescient about two major events in this new millennium. The first was in 2004, when a charismatic Barak Obama was introduced to the world stage at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. I knew immediately that he would captivate the hearts and minds of many. Four years later he embarked upon his fundamental transformation of the United States. The second was 2010 when I read the biography and prophecy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I clearly saw the parallels between 1930s Germany and the path America was on at that time. It’s twelve years hence and the Marxist transformation is almost complete. Thus is the cost of our silence within the community of faith. “A Letter to the American Church” is Eric Metaxas’ clarion call for the body of Christ to stand in God’s mighty power and and confront these forces of evil with His truth and righteousness. God’s church stands as the only bulwark between the free and the enslaved. Stand we must. Silence is no longer an option. Eric’s “Letter” is an eleventh hour alarm. Read it, heed it and share it!
July 2, 2024
Metaxas and I share concerns about cultural trends in America. We agree that the church must not withdraw from politics or give our attention only to the care of souls, to the neglect of bodies and institutions. Both of us think it will take courage for the church to address these concerns. His solution is for us to fight. My solution is to build bridges.
Metaxas spends much time drawing parallels between the German Church prior to and during World War II and the American church today. This parallel is problematic. I share his fascination with the reasons that Christians remained silent in the face of systematic elimination of the Jewish people and others who did not fit Hitler's ideal social norms. But he says Christians' silence today in the face of BLM and LGBTQ is comparable. It's not comparable and here's why: the black lives matter movement and the LGBTQ movement have in common with each other a concern for human dignity and equality for every person no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Well I do not agree with everything that these two movements officially stand for (to the degree that we can call any particular view official), it is not fair to compare their agenda with Hitler's. Hitler eliminated people who were not like him. BLM and LGBTQ are trying to make space for everyone.
It seems to me that the church can easily find common ground with these movements in the doctrine that every human being is the image of God. That's the basis for ethics in the Bible and it is the clarion call to every believer to treat every person with dignity.
So let's not withdraw from politics, but let's not imagine that neighbors who vote differently or have different priorities are the enemy. They are not. They are fellow humans--images of God who deserve a hearing. If we can't learn to dialogue and work together, we're in bigger trouble than we know.
Metaxas spends much time drawing parallels between the German Church prior to and during World War II and the American church today. This parallel is problematic. I share his fascination with the reasons that Christians remained silent in the face of systematic elimination of the Jewish people and others who did not fit Hitler's ideal social norms. But he says Christians' silence today in the face of BLM and LGBTQ is comparable. It's not comparable and here's why: the black lives matter movement and the LGBTQ movement have in common with each other a concern for human dignity and equality for every person no matter their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Well I do not agree with everything that these two movements officially stand for (to the degree that we can call any particular view official), it is not fair to compare their agenda with Hitler's. Hitler eliminated people who were not like him. BLM and LGBTQ are trying to make space for everyone.
It seems to me that the church can easily find common ground with these movements in the doctrine that every human being is the image of God. That's the basis for ethics in the Bible and it is the clarion call to every believer to treat every person with dignity.
So let's not withdraw from politics, but let's not imagine that neighbors who vote differently or have different priorities are the enemy. They are not. They are fellow humans--images of God who deserve a hearing. If we can't learn to dialogue and work together, we're in bigger trouble than we know.
November 14, 2022
Having read and enjoyed Eric Metaxas’ books: Wilberforce, Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther, Is Atheism Dead, Miracles, Fish Out of Water, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God, and If You Can Keep It, I was anxious to read, Letter to the American Church.
Full disclosure: I grew up in the Episcopal Church. My mother and Godmother played organ. From my earliest days, attending church was mandatory. I served as an acolyte from age 12 to 16. Earned my God & Country award in the Boy Scouts. I remembered the traditions of the church. I could recite the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds, verses from numerous hymns, and congregational responses from the Hymnal of the Episcopal Church and The Book of Common Prayer.
I was often troubled by my loss of faith. The fault was mine. Mom did her best, but there was no masculine spiritual leader in my life. If there were religious men around me, they kept their religion to themselves. I don’t recall any teachers, friends, neighbors, or family exhibiting a strong faith. The King James Bible sounded foreign to my ears. I respected the book, but didn’t fully understand it. The culture, media, academia, and science embraced evolution; taught that truth was relative; and ridiculed religion. Nevertheless, I was troubled that there were brilliant people, far more intelligent than me, that were religious. What was I missing?
Eric Metaxas, through the LORD’s grace, has been profoundly influential in my return to Christ. His logic and writings have assisted me in realizing the aspects of faith that I wasn’t able to see or understand in my youth. I’d encourage anyone who has turned away from belief in Jesus Christ - or never had faith - to take up Eric’s book, Is Atheism Dead? At the very least, you’ll be better educated for the effort.
With regard to, Letter to the American Church, it’s a profound declaration of the true meaning of Christian faith, and a sobering lesson in human nature and political history.
If you’ve ever wondered how the exceptional nation of Germany could have been coerced or persuaded to follow the National Socialists and Adolf Hitler, the short answer to that very complex question is contained in Letter to the American Church. And parallel with that sobering explanation is an unapologetic criticism of the American Church, including those beyond its Judeo-Christian core. Metaxas illustrates the frightening similarities between modern American and German society of the 1920-30’s, and the similarities now between the modern American church and the German church on the eve of WWII. In many ways, we are facing political and cultural challenges very much like those faced by the Germans in the early 20th century.
Many in the United States assume that something like the Holocaust could never happen here; our human nature is above that. Metaxas would ask you to think again: is your Christian faith really that strong? Would your moral foundation (secular or nonsecular) enable you to give up your job, your wealth, your family, even your life, to oppose evil? Or would you succumb to immediate self-preservation and the “Spiral of Silence?” When the trial comes, and others cower, how many of us will have the faith and strength to stand our ground like Shammah?
If it does nothing else, reading Letter to the American Church will give you a glimpse into the mirror of your heart and soul. This book has the potential to affect you like nothing else you’ve ever read.
Full disclosure: I grew up in the Episcopal Church. My mother and Godmother played organ. From my earliest days, attending church was mandatory. I served as an acolyte from age 12 to 16. Earned my God & Country award in the Boy Scouts. I remembered the traditions of the church. I could recite the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds, verses from numerous hymns, and congregational responses from the Hymnal of the Episcopal Church and The Book of Common Prayer.
I was often troubled by my loss of faith. The fault was mine. Mom did her best, but there was no masculine spiritual leader in my life. If there were religious men around me, they kept their religion to themselves. I don’t recall any teachers, friends, neighbors, or family exhibiting a strong faith. The King James Bible sounded foreign to my ears. I respected the book, but didn’t fully understand it. The culture, media, academia, and science embraced evolution; taught that truth was relative; and ridiculed religion. Nevertheless, I was troubled that there were brilliant people, far more intelligent than me, that were religious. What was I missing?
Eric Metaxas, through the LORD’s grace, has been profoundly influential in my return to Christ. His logic and writings have assisted me in realizing the aspects of faith that I wasn’t able to see or understand in my youth. I’d encourage anyone who has turned away from belief in Jesus Christ - or never had faith - to take up Eric’s book, Is Atheism Dead? At the very least, you’ll be better educated for the effort.
With regard to, Letter to the American Church, it’s a profound declaration of the true meaning of Christian faith, and a sobering lesson in human nature and political history.
If you’ve ever wondered how the exceptional nation of Germany could have been coerced or persuaded to follow the National Socialists and Adolf Hitler, the short answer to that very complex question is contained in Letter to the American Church. And parallel with that sobering explanation is an unapologetic criticism of the American Church, including those beyond its Judeo-Christian core. Metaxas illustrates the frightening similarities between modern American and German society of the 1920-30’s, and the similarities now between the modern American church and the German church on the eve of WWII. In many ways, we are facing political and cultural challenges very much like those faced by the Germans in the early 20th century.
Many in the United States assume that something like the Holocaust could never happen here; our human nature is above that. Metaxas would ask you to think again: is your Christian faith really that strong? Would your moral foundation (secular or nonsecular) enable you to give up your job, your wealth, your family, even your life, to oppose evil? Or would you succumb to immediate self-preservation and the “Spiral of Silence?” When the trial comes, and others cower, how many of us will have the faith and strength to stand our ground like Shammah?
If it does nothing else, reading Letter to the American Church will give you a glimpse into the mirror of your heart and soul. This book has the potential to affect you like nothing else you’ve ever read.
February 5, 2023
Metaxas seems to fancy himself a modern-day prophetic Paul, writing his self-inspired epistle to the American church. This book is a long-winded and smug assumption that God feels about the Church in America the same way Metaxas does: judgmental and angry that Christians aren’t more vocal and active about the things that annoy him. He uses the churches in Nazi Germany as comparison for extra oomph and fear-factor to spur people into action. But it sounds to me like the ramblings of one who has no empathy or understanding that people might be different from him, or that people might experience God and the world differently from him, and still be loving Christ followers. Ironically it is people like Metaxas who are turning people away from the Christian churches in America.
“You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”- Anne Lamott
“You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”- Anne Lamott
January 11, 2023
I have many problems with this book. First off, this is an argumentative book (as in the writing style is an argumentative Essay turned into a book). However, this is one of the poorest examples of an argumentative essay/book. The author barely uses the Bible and rarely ever mentions a Bible verse to support his side. How can you write a book about Christianity and the church and not use any Bible verses to support you stance?
Second, the author talks about idols being bad and yet talks about Bonhoeffer as if he is a god. Bonhoeffer is talked about as the best of the best and no one, not even the Bible, is presented as higher than Bonhoeffer.
I do appreciate the history and comparison in this book. However, I strongly disagree on many things he says that are the problem in the church. The author uses the good old days church as the ideal church when any version of the church at any time after the 300s is a warped version of the church. This shows the author to only be educated on what he wants which is shown even more in the lack of Bible verses used in this book. The problem in the church is not silence or supporting others who are not “church appropriate” but that we turned away from the foundation of the church, Bible, and God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (gal 5:22-23). Once we go back to that, then change will come.
Second, the author talks about idols being bad and yet talks about Bonhoeffer as if he is a god. Bonhoeffer is talked about as the best of the best and no one, not even the Bible, is presented as higher than Bonhoeffer.
I do appreciate the history and comparison in this book. However, I strongly disagree on many things he says that are the problem in the church. The author uses the good old days church as the ideal church when any version of the church at any time after the 300s is a warped version of the church. This shows the author to only be educated on what he wants which is shown even more in the lack of Bible verses used in this book. The problem in the church is not silence or supporting others who are not “church appropriate” but that we turned away from the foundation of the church, Bible, and God: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (gal 5:22-23). Once we go back to that, then change will come.
September 24, 2022
This is a very convicting book that encourages Christians to get involved in political and social issues. I have mixed feelings about this. I do think that Christians should engage in trying to resolve political issues _IF_ they feel called to do it.
There have been times in my life when I stood up to corruption at great personal sacrifice and perceived possible danger, and I felt right about doing it then. But as for right now, I'm downright elderly and am more concerned about finding peace in my personal life, and that doesn't include rushing into political battles.
I'm not going to be guilted into something that I'm not feeling in my heart. If I feel it is my place to speak up about a matter, I usually do it without hesitation, even if I know there will possibly be negative consequences. I'm not so sure that my lack of concern about consequences is a good thing. This inability to plan ahead has caused me a lot of problems over the years.
So - am I going to go be an activist because I read a book encouraging Christians to get involved? Well, I'm already an activist in some issues which I choose not to discuss here. I don't plan to do anything more than what I'm already doing. If Christ wants me to take a stand on something it will happen very naturally in a way that will make me want to speak out about an issue. That is what usually happens.
I think the target audience for this book is the great mass of Christians who feel that they should stay out of political activism of any kind. Maybe they are just apathetic and self-absorbed, or too busy with their private lives. I think Mr. Metaxas was trying to reach them with this book.
There have been times in my life when I stood up to corruption at great personal sacrifice and perceived possible danger, and I felt right about doing it then. But as for right now, I'm downright elderly and am more concerned about finding peace in my personal life, and that doesn't include rushing into political battles.
I'm not going to be guilted into something that I'm not feeling in my heart. If I feel it is my place to speak up about a matter, I usually do it without hesitation, even if I know there will possibly be negative consequences. I'm not so sure that my lack of concern about consequences is a good thing. This inability to plan ahead has caused me a lot of problems over the years.
So - am I going to go be an activist because I read a book encouraging Christians to get involved? Well, I'm already an activist in some issues which I choose not to discuss here. I don't plan to do anything more than what I'm already doing. If Christ wants me to take a stand on something it will happen very naturally in a way that will make me want to speak out about an issue. That is what usually happens.
I think the target audience for this book is the great mass of Christians who feel that they should stay out of political activism of any kind. Maybe they are just apathetic and self-absorbed, or too busy with their private lives. I think Mr. Metaxas was trying to reach them with this book.
May 29, 2023
Such an eye opening book. I am low-key shocked. I have never read anything by this author, but I really want to read his other books now. He just brought up a lot of good points that I had never thought of, but I am glad I know now. This is really important stuff that the American church needs to read. I also have never read anything by Bonhoeffer but I want to read what he has written now too. I know it may seem intimidating. I know this stuff is controversial. But honestly... that's the point. I highly recommend this book. So glad I read it.
September 6, 2022
I found this book to be a refreshing commentary on the current state of our culture and what can be done by Clergy and Congregants to set us on a better path. The Message, Apologetics, and Challenge to each individual Pastor are simple, clear and brilliant. This message is long over due for the American Church. The challenge to each of us is; Dare I ignore history? Do I have the Courage to follow Bonhoeffer? Am I Christian enough to follow Christ?
I am gifting copies of this book my clergy and to friends I have who are members of the Clergy.
If 10% of the Congregants in America do the same we could change the course of our Nation.
I am gifting copies of this book my clergy and to friends I have who are members of the Clergy.
If 10% of the Congregants in America do the same we could change the course of our Nation.
Read
November 29, 2022This book is a SAD mixture of the co-opting of a theologically powerful figure like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and American conservatism. The “American Church” is by no means in the same position as the German Church of the 1930’s. Further, the “battles” of modern era not equal to, nor will they ever be equal to, the tragedy of the Holocaust. This DROSS is a filled with conspiracy theories, racism, patriarchy, and white supremacy. I will purposefully give this 0 stars because it’s trash like this that feeds the division and spurs on hate of a small-minded group in the United States of America.
January 10, 2023
The good - He encourages the church to take on social and political issues head on. Yes, it matters your church caved during Covid. We should warn the church against cultural marxims. The church is the prophetic voice to the world and should avoid the Keller strategy that according to James Woods, 'always giving equal airtime to the flaws in every option, the third-way posture can also give the impression that the options are equally bad, failing to sufficiently recognize ethical assymetry." You find this type of equivocation in the TGC review on Metaxas' book which equivocates nationalism to transgenderism and lets Christians off the hook.
This book is at its strongest when he identifies the landmines our culture is about to step on, proclaim it's wickedness unashamedly, even to the point of bing accused as 'political'. We should not only preach the Gospel but preach against the sins of our culture. Another theme he hits on is the need to have a genuine faith, one that works. In this he he essentially teaches the Protestant of faith and works. All fine and dandy.
The bad - By the end of the book, I found myself somewhat disillusioned with the strategy. At one point he applies God's calling in your life to, among other things, voting for candidate some are denouncing as 'un-Christian' (cough.. Trump.. Cough). Hey, I voted for the guy but I don't really view it as a long term strategy the Church should be thinking about moving forward. I also find some conservatives current focus on transgenderism lame, not because it shouldn't be fought but more because it seems to get separated from other sexual sins. Let's strike the root please. My main point in these criticism is not it's blending of conservatism and Christianity but that could have been done better. The ideas and strategies are not perfect but worth adding to the conversation to be improved and built on.
This book is at its strongest when he identifies the landmines our culture is about to step on, proclaim it's wickedness unashamedly, even to the point of bing accused as 'political'. We should not only preach the Gospel but preach against the sins of our culture. Another theme he hits on is the need to have a genuine faith, one that works. In this he he essentially teaches the Protestant of faith and works. All fine and dandy.
The bad - By the end of the book, I found myself somewhat disillusioned with the strategy. At one point he applies God's calling in your life to, among other things, voting for candidate some are denouncing as 'un-Christian' (cough.. Trump.. Cough). Hey, I voted for the guy but I don't really view it as a long term strategy the Church should be thinking about moving forward. I also find some conservatives current focus on transgenderism lame, not because it shouldn't be fought but more because it seems to get separated from other sexual sins. Let's strike the root please. My main point in these criticism is not it's blending of conservatism and Christianity but that could have been done better. The ideas and strategies are not perfect but worth adding to the conversation to be improved and built on.
March 17, 2023
Very misleading library blurb, noting that Metaxas "warns of the haunting similarities between today's American church and the German church of the 1930s," and "exhorting his fellow Christians to repent of their silence in the face of evil before it is too late." So first thought: oh, an open-minded Christian pastor concerned about our growing attraction to Far Right autocratic/strongman/cult-of-personality politics that rallies people to hate the already discriminated against "other," whether they be Muslims, gays, immigrants, etc. - count me in!
But of course, I should have done my homework first and read some of the negative reviews here on GR, because (of course), this book is NONE of those things; but is instead a typically Christian Nationalist call-to-arms against BLM, CRT, LGBTQ+, and other right wing culture-war issues. So, yeeeaah…no.
Luckily, borrowed not bought (and quickly returned), so no harm/no foul. But discouraging that one can read that initial blurb on "Germany in the 1930s" and "silence in the face of evil" and still have no idea which direction it's going to go in…
But of course, I should have done my homework first and read some of the negative reviews here on GR, because (of course), this book is NONE of those things; but is instead a typically Christian Nationalist call-to-arms against BLM, CRT, LGBTQ+, and other right wing culture-war issues. So, yeeeaah…no.
Luckily, borrowed not bought (and quickly returned), so no harm/no foul. But discouraging that one can read that initial blurb on "Germany in the 1930s" and "silence in the face of evil" and still have no idea which direction it's going to go in…
March 28, 2023
I Do Not Recommend This Book. Metaxas has lost his mind.
Interesting perspective on the American church and Christianity in America. Metaxas believes America is, today, where Germany was when Hitler rose to power. He believes the German Christians were asleep at the wheel and were responsible for allowing Hitler to start a war and massacre millions of Jews. Metaxas suggests we need to learn from Germany’s mistakes and arise before it’s too late.
Warning: Metaxas seems to empathize with Bonhoeffer’s decision to join a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler and suggests we be prepared to take bold action as well. See chapter 12.
Jesus does not call His people to become assassins. Find a different book to read.
Interesting perspective on the American church and Christianity in America. Metaxas believes America is, today, where Germany was when Hitler rose to power. He believes the German Christians were asleep at the wheel and were responsible for allowing Hitler to start a war and massacre millions of Jews. Metaxas suggests we need to learn from Germany’s mistakes and arise before it’s too late.
Warning: Metaxas seems to empathize with Bonhoeffer’s decision to join a conspiracy to assassinate Hitler and suggests we be prepared to take bold action as well. See chapter 12.
Jesus does not call His people to become assassins. Find a different book to read.
March 29, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down
I struggled with this book because while I agree with its aim, the execution is poor. The American Church absolutely needs to wake up and speak Truth amidst all of the nonsense that is being shouted today. We need to be sharing the Word of God no matter the cost and standing firm in our convictions. That being said, much of this book felt like a summary of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and the parallels Metaxas draws to Nazi Germany are a stretch. It mostly comes off as fear mongering with an overused (and usually wrongly used) metaphor for evil. I was also uncomfortable with the deifying of Reagan.
Overall, I'm glad I was able to read this via audiobook today, but think When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany did a much better job with the same topic.
I struggled with this book because while I agree with its aim, the execution is poor. The American Church absolutely needs to wake up and speak Truth amidst all of the nonsense that is being shouted today. We need to be sharing the Word of God no matter the cost and standing firm in our convictions. That being said, much of this book felt like a summary of Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and the parallels Metaxas draws to Nazi Germany are a stretch. It mostly comes off as fear mongering with an overused (and usually wrongly used) metaphor for evil. I was also uncomfortable with the deifying of Reagan.
Overall, I'm glad I was able to read this via audiobook today, but think When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany did a much better job with the same topic.
September 12, 2023
If zero stars were an option, I would have chosen that. Had I known he said Donald trump is a “beacon of courage for the church”… I wouldn’t even have started this book. I guess by making fun of mentally challenged congregants, sexually assaulting women, and disparaging anyone who disagrees with him, he believes Donald Trump is reflective of Christ and the Gospel. Donald Trump is the antithesis of the Gospel and for that reason alone, I would not and cannot in good conscience suggest anyone who believes in the goodness and mercy of Christ read this book. Did not finish, and am disgusted I even started.
March 18, 2024
4/10
I disagree with a lot of the authors theological analysis and conclusions, but I do agree with the overall thesis of the book, which is that the American Church is in a dire situation. While I do not think much of what Metaxas proposes to correct the situation is correct or realistic, I do believe his comparison to Bonhoeffer and the German Church is sound and something the American Church should definitely analyze.
I disagree with a lot of the authors theological analysis and conclusions, but I do agree with the overall thesis of the book, which is that the American Church is in a dire situation. While I do not think much of what Metaxas proposes to correct the situation is correct or realistic, I do believe his comparison to Bonhoeffer and the German Church is sound and something the American Church should definitely analyze.
November 2, 2023
3.5 stars to the core bc I was very torn between 3 and 4.
Metaxis (better known as Bonhoeffer’s biographer) wrote this book to challenge the American Church to stand up for truth in a cultural moment that is polluted by lies. I’ll just lay out a few trains of thought one at a time:
1. Metaxis, who is an expert on pre-Nazi Germany, really sees this moment as the calm before the storm. His conviction is that we are currently failing the same way that believers did prior to the Holocaust, and it could have the same ramifications. I generally think this is a little too alarmist, though his call to action is no less valid. However, I have heard some compelling cases from historians recently that we are in a “pre-war moment”, so maybe he isn’t that alarmist? Unsure.
2. I did appreciate his discussion of the Christian situation in pre-war Germany. This topic has always interested me because the vast majority of genocidal regimes have taken power in non-Christian societies, with Germany being really the most notable exception. (Yes there are other exceptions, and I know, the crusades, and the slave trade, etc, etc. No, I am NOT saying Christian societies are perfect, but countless secular studies DO confirm that following Christianization, societies are FAR LESS genocidal, classist, racist, and sexist, which makes Christian-majority pre-genocidal 1930s Germany quite interesting to me.)
3. The most prominent assertion of this book was essentially that the Church should seek to create a society that reflects its values. This seems like a hot take, but when you think about it, that is what literally everyone is doing: seeking a society that reflects their values. Metaxis argues that Christians have basically shied away from doing so out of cowardice and desire for acceptance. I don’t necessarily think he is wrong on this point, but I would say he was unbalanced.
4. Speaking of unbalanced, unbalance is precisely what loses this book two stars. If this whole book was written just as it is, but called Christians to resist lies on the Left AND the Right, I would’ve really liked it. Unfortunately, the book focused 100% of its ire on lies from the Left (most of which I’d agree are lies). I feel strongly that the Church could be (and, at times, is) ruined by worldly lies from both sides of the political spectrum. Metaxis hardly seems to feel this way, so I’ll continue my trend of dinging any politically bias book that charades as unbiased.
Metaxis (better known as Bonhoeffer’s biographer) wrote this book to challenge the American Church to stand up for truth in a cultural moment that is polluted by lies. I’ll just lay out a few trains of thought one at a time:
1. Metaxis, who is an expert on pre-Nazi Germany, really sees this moment as the calm before the storm. His conviction is that we are currently failing the same way that believers did prior to the Holocaust, and it could have the same ramifications. I generally think this is a little too alarmist, though his call to action is no less valid. However, I have heard some compelling cases from historians recently that we are in a “pre-war moment”, so maybe he isn’t that alarmist? Unsure.
2. I did appreciate his discussion of the Christian situation in pre-war Germany. This topic has always interested me because the vast majority of genocidal regimes have taken power in non-Christian societies, with Germany being really the most notable exception. (Yes there are other exceptions, and I know, the crusades, and the slave trade, etc, etc. No, I am NOT saying Christian societies are perfect, but countless secular studies DO confirm that following Christianization, societies are FAR LESS genocidal, classist, racist, and sexist, which makes Christian-majority pre-genocidal 1930s Germany quite interesting to me.)
3. The most prominent assertion of this book was essentially that the Church should seek to create a society that reflects its values. This seems like a hot take, but when you think about it, that is what literally everyone is doing: seeking a society that reflects their values. Metaxis argues that Christians have basically shied away from doing so out of cowardice and desire for acceptance. I don’t necessarily think he is wrong on this point, but I would say he was unbalanced.
4. Speaking of unbalanced, unbalance is precisely what loses this book two stars. If this whole book was written just as it is, but called Christians to resist lies on the Left AND the Right, I would’ve really liked it. Unfortunately, the book focused 100% of its ire on lies from the Left (most of which I’d agree are lies). I feel strongly that the Church could be (and, at times, is) ruined by worldly lies from both sides of the political spectrum. Metaxis hardly seems to feel this way, so I’ll continue my trend of dinging any politically bias book that charades as unbiased.
September 19, 2022
Eric Metaxas knocks this out of the park again. This is a profoundly important book for RIGHT NOW. Members of the body of Christ need to pay attention to his words. He is an expert on D. Bonhoeffer and bases a lot of his writing here on his knowledge of the early days in Germany before Hitler came to power. The church was asleep and as a result, we had the holocaust. Being silent again is at our own peril. Don't miss this!
September 24, 2022
An excellent read, albeit a chilling comparison of the modern American Church to the German Church before and during WWII. Many great points to consider as a leader in a congregation or even as a layperson. Only issue I had was the short length of the book for the price (hardcover), but in the end, it was well worth it.
August 23, 2022
Sobering, convicting, encouraging!!!
a MUST read.
a MUST read.
February 22, 2024
This book was smug and irritating from its first chapter. Do American Christians really think they're God's gift to the rest of the world like the author claims? That is just so incredibly egocentric and small-minded, especially coming from a religion and holy book that so blatantly calls for the dignity, justice, and inherent value of people from ALL nations, tribes, and languages. News flash, Mr. Metaxis: the wider global church does not look to AMERICA as its model. Why would we when so few Christians there are living like Jesus? Also, the way you call anyone who DOESN'T believe that America is a special nation chosen by God "a Marxist" is just hilarious. Are we supposed to be offended?
I agree with the author that the American church needs to wake up and return to its first love. It is stagnating FOR SURE. But the way to do that is not by calling for a Holy War like this book suggests. It is problematic on so many levels. Calling for fair wages for workers in China while blindly ignoring the systemic racism and wage disparities in your home country. Calling for justice for the unborn while offering no alternative solution. Going on and on about Wilberforce's efforts to free enslaved people while maintaining radio silence on the efforts of any number of POCs who laid down their lives for that cause. Calling for the church to be politically active, but ONLY if the politics align with the author's views. Does he back those views with scripture? He does not.
The author rails against homosexuality, prostitution, drug addicts, and transgender people, without seeming to realize that if Jesus were here now, hanging out with lost people as he did in the gospels, then THAT is whose house He would be eating in, and who would be receiving His miracles, and who would be changing their hearts as they realized that HE LOVES THEM. The author uses the example of Jesus calling out the Pharisees to prompt the church to call out the government on its sinful policies, somehow missing the glaring fact that Jesus was speaking TO THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE DAY. And who are the religious leaders today? Not the government. Not the sinners. The Church'.
Enough with Bonhoffer already. You wrote a biography on him. If we wanted to be pickled in the minutia of his life for chapters on end, we would have read that one.
I could go on and on, but why waste my breath? If I got anything from this book, it was that the author thinks the Church should toss itself into politics with abandon, seize the election (for Trump, no doubt), and force America back into being a godly nation before a second holocaust descends and God decides to love a different country more than the US. But the author would mansplain it better, of course.
I agree with the author that the American church needs to wake up and return to its first love. It is stagnating FOR SURE. But the way to do that is not by calling for a Holy War like this book suggests. It is problematic on so many levels. Calling for fair wages for workers in China while blindly ignoring the systemic racism and wage disparities in your home country. Calling for justice for the unborn while offering no alternative solution. Going on and on about Wilberforce's efforts to free enslaved people while maintaining radio silence on the efforts of any number of POCs who laid down their lives for that cause. Calling for the church to be politically active, but ONLY if the politics align with the author's views. Does he back those views with scripture? He does not.
The author rails against homosexuality, prostitution, drug addicts, and transgender people, without seeming to realize that if Jesus were here now, hanging out with lost people as he did in the gospels, then THAT is whose house He would be eating in, and who would be receiving His miracles, and who would be changing their hearts as they realized that HE LOVES THEM. The author uses the example of Jesus calling out the Pharisees to prompt the church to call out the government on its sinful policies, somehow missing the glaring fact that Jesus was speaking TO THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE DAY. And who are the religious leaders today? Not the government. Not the sinners. The Church'.
Enough with Bonhoffer already. You wrote a biography on him. If we wanted to be pickled in the minutia of his life for chapters on end, we would have read that one.
I could go on and on, but why waste my breath? If I got anything from this book, it was that the author thinks the Church should toss itself into politics with abandon, seize the election (for Trump, no doubt), and force America back into being a godly nation before a second holocaust descends and God decides to love a different country more than the US. But the author would mansplain it better, of course.
April 3, 2024
I read this book because people in the church are reading it and raving about it. I figured I needed to take some time to go through Metaxas’ call to arms. First, let me point out some merits of the book. Metaxas seems genuinely concerned about the state of America, specifically the Marxist and transgender ideologies that are so prevalent in our national psyche. I wholeheartedly share this concern. However, I do not think his approach is biblically faithful and it feels more like fear-mongering by way of repeated straw-man arguments and overstates his case.
Overstated case:
His thesis is that America is like Nazi Germany and any church that doesn’t capitalize its political voice is capitulating to leftist pressure. The future of America rests on the churches and pastors must be pushed from their cowardice to the halls of government to take back the country. Having lived in Austria for some years and having spoken to many people in the past who lived through National Socialism, he is over-stating this parallel. This is not to say there are no analogical similarities, but there are no direct parallels. In fact, the Nazis were far right nationalists, and he seems to be calling for a sort of far right nationalism, thus his parallel has some significant flaws.
Straw-man Arguments:
There is a pattern in his book that goes something like this. He would suggest that any pastor who doesn’t speak up about these issues is a coward. He would then give an example of a pastor who is caught in adultery who refused to speak up lumping any scrupulous pastor into that camp and go on to define speaking up in a strongly political way requiring the endorsing of republican candidates with significant character defects. So if a pastor, were not to call his church to political action, but faithfully preach the gospel and call people to repent and believe in Jesus, that pastor is a coward and the blood of Nazi Germany-like America is on his hands.
Fear-mongering:
His writing sows a sort of distrust in faithful pastors causing the members of their churches to question their faithfulness to God’s call.
Metaxas derides the church’s mission to go and make disciples and calls this an excuse from engaging in the real work of cultural transformation. Metaxas has mistaken the mission of the church. Christ’s model for cultural transformation is to proclaim the gospel. Many in the church are happy talking about politics and uncomfortable talking about Jesus. I wish Metaxas would have addressed this problem rather than propagated it with his book.
Overstated case:
His thesis is that America is like Nazi Germany and any church that doesn’t capitalize its political voice is capitulating to leftist pressure. The future of America rests on the churches and pastors must be pushed from their cowardice to the halls of government to take back the country. Having lived in Austria for some years and having spoken to many people in the past who lived through National Socialism, he is over-stating this parallel. This is not to say there are no analogical similarities, but there are no direct parallels. In fact, the Nazis were far right nationalists, and he seems to be calling for a sort of far right nationalism, thus his parallel has some significant flaws.
Straw-man Arguments:
There is a pattern in his book that goes something like this. He would suggest that any pastor who doesn’t speak up about these issues is a coward. He would then give an example of a pastor who is caught in adultery who refused to speak up lumping any scrupulous pastor into that camp and go on to define speaking up in a strongly political way requiring the endorsing of republican candidates with significant character defects. So if a pastor, were not to call his church to political action, but faithfully preach the gospel and call people to repent and believe in Jesus, that pastor is a coward and the blood of Nazi Germany-like America is on his hands.
Fear-mongering:
His writing sows a sort of distrust in faithful pastors causing the members of their churches to question their faithfulness to God’s call.
Metaxas derides the church’s mission to go and make disciples and calls this an excuse from engaging in the real work of cultural transformation. Metaxas has mistaken the mission of the church. Christ’s model for cultural transformation is to proclaim the gospel. Many in the church are happy talking about politics and uncomfortable talking about Jesus. I wish Metaxas would have addressed this problem rather than propagated it with his book.
November 29, 2024
I read “Bonhoeffer” first, and I loved it. I was so blown away at how similar Germany’s WW2 situation was to American Christians’ current adoration of a certain right wing leader. It’s uncanny. When I was about 3/4 through with Bonhoeffer, I looked up Metaxas and was absolutely STUNNED to see where he stood politically, considering the parallels he had previously drawn. At first I thought his social media posts must be a joke…. I simply couldn’t believe it. How could he do all that research and write that entire book and be a basic “disciple” of Bonhoeffer and then so completely flip ideologies….? So I just had to read his “Letter” to try to understand where he’s coming from. As a Christian, I truly want to understand. I want to get this right, and as of right now, after a lot of my own study and prayer, I am coming to the opposite conclusions from a lot of American Christians.
Then I read this book…. What an absolutely smarmy, holier-than-thou take on this situation! There is so much that irks me, and I don’t have the energy for each detail. But basically, Metaxas is all over the place …
He says that when the lines between church and state are blurry, it gets dangerous. But then he states on the very next page that Christians should be involving themselves heavily in politics.
He massages the scriptures to say what he wants them to say, leaning on some scriptures religiously and then saying other scriptures are outdated and not applicable because the world is different now.
He also names some of the Christians who haven’t come to the same conclusion as he has and (tackily) throws them under the bus. Completely unnecessary.
Maybe worst of all, as previously stated, the hypocrisy is baffling. This dude wrote an entire book on Bonhoeffer and Hitler, drawing parallels to our current political situation, and he apparently refuses to see that he SHOULD be drawing parallels to our newly elected president…. The parallels are a LOT more spot-on for the right wing and the seeming worship of the agenda’s current champion than they are for the left wing agenda.
How does he not see it? How does he not hear himself?…. This book was his own personal diatribe, and it is completely absent of any critical thought. It wasn’t really helpful in my quest to see where he’s coming from. I mean, I see it… but his smarminess and general attitude certainly didn’t do him any favors. Not swayed.
Also, he uses the line “Let the reader understand” at the conclusion of a section. Comes across as Soooo self-important. Gross.
Then I read this book…. What an absolutely smarmy, holier-than-thou take on this situation! There is so much that irks me, and I don’t have the energy for each detail. But basically, Metaxas is all over the place …
He says that when the lines between church and state are blurry, it gets dangerous. But then he states on the very next page that Christians should be involving themselves heavily in politics.
He massages the scriptures to say what he wants them to say, leaning on some scriptures religiously and then saying other scriptures are outdated and not applicable because the world is different now.
He also names some of the Christians who haven’t come to the same conclusion as he has and (tackily) throws them under the bus. Completely unnecessary.
Maybe worst of all, as previously stated, the hypocrisy is baffling. This dude wrote an entire book on Bonhoeffer and Hitler, drawing parallels to our current political situation, and he apparently refuses to see that he SHOULD be drawing parallels to our newly elected president…. The parallels are a LOT more spot-on for the right wing and the seeming worship of the agenda’s current champion than they are for the left wing agenda.
How does he not see it? How does he not hear himself?…. This book was his own personal diatribe, and it is completely absent of any critical thought. It wasn’t really helpful in my quest to see where he’s coming from. I mean, I see it… but his smarminess and general attitude certainly didn’t do him any favors. Not swayed.
Also, he uses the line “Let the reader understand” at the conclusion of a section. Comes across as Soooo self-important. Gross.
September 14, 2022
A written letter deserves a response and the LETTER TO THE AMERICAN CHURCH by Eric Metaxas deserves much more.
It is my prayer that after reading this book, the readers will send out more letters with this message. A message that says it's time to act, to use our gifts, to talk to others while we can still make a difference in the lives pf our children, their children and future generations. We owe it to them.
Eric has shined a light on what is happening to our religious freedoms and our society in general. We should not let that light be dimmed on our watch. It is "our watch"! If we wait on our neighbor or our city council or even our folks in D.C. that light will grow even more faint as our freedoms fade away because we didn't make a stand.
I pray that we are all "born for such a time as this". I thank God for Eric's willingness to make us aware of our past, our present and what we hope is our brighter future as leaders after God's own heart will help make that difference by not hiding their light under a bushel basket.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers
Judy Rogers
It is my prayer that after reading this book, the readers will send out more letters with this message. A message that says it's time to act, to use our gifts, to talk to others while we can still make a difference in the lives pf our children, their children and future generations. We owe it to them.
Eric has shined a light on what is happening to our religious freedoms and our society in general. We should not let that light be dimmed on our watch. It is "our watch"! If we wait on our neighbor or our city council or even our folks in D.C. that light will grow even more faint as our freedoms fade away because we didn't make a stand.
I pray that we are all "born for such a time as this". I thank God for Eric's willingness to make us aware of our past, our present and what we hope is our brighter future as leaders after God's own heart will help make that difference by not hiding their light under a bushel basket.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers
Judy Rogers
November 26, 2022
Nope. Didn’t even finish the second chapter. I like to read books that challenge my thinking, but this was so far from challenging and just plain "don’t agree with me? You’re a brainwashed, left wing, Nazi, antiChrist." The only part that resonated was when the author said churches need to take a stand politically and God will stand behind them with His truths. There may have been a few more things I’d like to hear, but I was too turned off in the first two chapters being shamed for: being a teacher, which means I spend my days indoctrinating young people to the Left’s way of thinking; being pro-choice; and not speaking out on all the wrongs others are doing that opposes what God wants. Hello? We ALL fall short of the glory of God. And yet I don’t see church leaders preaching about having debt, gossiping or being gluttonous. I’m tired of people shaming others for only the sins they don’t like. Peace out.
January 25, 2023
This book is a call to Christians to not repeat the mistakes of the church in Germany during WW2 and sit back, complacently, and let sin and evil take over our country while we hold back, wanting to be sure we are doing the right thing, preferring to stay out of any messy political issues. The author encourages us to embrace the “wildness and unpredictability” of God, instead of hiding behind creeds and statements of faith and in actuality doing nothing. This book is full of pointed questions like — Will you stand up and live out your faith when no one else around you is? Will you speak the truth boldly when no one else is?
May 10, 2023
I've wanted to read Eric Metaxas's book, Bonhoeffer, for a while now, but it is such a hefty book at over 600 pages that I'm a little intimidated to start it. Maybe one day...
Letter to the American Church was a great read. I loved how he didn't shy away from truth or subjects that might be considered controversial. It was an easy read, but contained a lot of insightful information about the German church and history in general. I really enjoyed it! (Highly recommend the audiobook as it is read by the author).
Letter to the American Church was a great read. I loved how he didn't shy away from truth or subjects that might be considered controversial. It was an easy read, but contained a lot of insightful information about the German church and history in general. I really enjoyed it! (Highly recommend the audiobook as it is read by the author).
November 3, 2022
If you are a Christian living in America, read this.
July 15, 2024
This book breaks my heart. I loved Metaxas’ books on Luther and Bonhoeffer. However, the way he is now applying the lessons from those biographies seems to be completely one-sided, partisan, and distorted.
I agree with him that progressive ideologies need to be called out and opposed by faithful followers of Jesus. That’s where our agreement ends though, because he doesn’t seem to recognize that there is also a real and present danger from the political and cultural Right, not just the Left.
Furthermore, Metaxas seems to be implying that the end—of stopping political evildoers—justifies whatever means necessary. He claims that God doesn’t want “safe” and “tame” and “religious” people. He apparently wants people who will do whatever it takes (presumably, like Bonhoeffer, a willingness to kill) in order to stop evil.
Metaxas exaggerates, demonizes, and conflates throughout. He presents false equivalencies and straw men. He does not seem to understand that many of us who promote a non-partisan, non-violent, kind, merciful, and gentle engagement do so not because we think it always “works,” but because this is the way Jesus taught us to engage.
Jesus never taught his followers, nor did the apostles teach the early church, to stop the evils of Rome at all costs. He taught them to resist and subvert the ways of the world through self-giving love. The church’s job is to be faithful in the midst of an evil and broken world. Jesus will use that faithfulness however he sees fit.
Finally, there is no such thing as “the American church.” There are American churches (congregations that exist in America), but the “church” (singular) is universal, global, multiethnic, multinational, and multilingual. The idea that there is an “American church,” which has a special calling from God, is not an idea supported by Scripture. Christians should not see themselves as part of a national church, but part of international church
I agree with him that progressive ideologies need to be called out and opposed by faithful followers of Jesus. That’s where our agreement ends though, because he doesn’t seem to recognize that there is also a real and present danger from the political and cultural Right, not just the Left.
Furthermore, Metaxas seems to be implying that the end—of stopping political evildoers—justifies whatever means necessary. He claims that God doesn’t want “safe” and “tame” and “religious” people. He apparently wants people who will do whatever it takes (presumably, like Bonhoeffer, a willingness to kill) in order to stop evil.
Metaxas exaggerates, demonizes, and conflates throughout. He presents false equivalencies and straw men. He does not seem to understand that many of us who promote a non-partisan, non-violent, kind, merciful, and gentle engagement do so not because we think it always “works,” but because this is the way Jesus taught us to engage.
Jesus never taught his followers, nor did the apostles teach the early church, to stop the evils of Rome at all costs. He taught them to resist and subvert the ways of the world through self-giving love. The church’s job is to be faithful in the midst of an evil and broken world. Jesus will use that faithfulness however he sees fit.
Finally, there is no such thing as “the American church.” There are American churches (congregations that exist in America), but the “church” (singular) is universal, global, multiethnic, multinational, and multilingual. The idea that there is an “American church,” which has a special calling from God, is not an idea supported by Scripture. Christians should not see themselves as part of a national church, but part of international church
October 28, 2024
I agree with Metaxes that Christians need to be involved in politics. His section on living the faith you believe was inspiring. However, knowing what I know about his political involvement, I don’t agree with him on methodology.
I also question his conclusions about following Christ boldly without worrying about whether we sin or not. He outlines a “God will forgive me as long I’m trying to do what’s right” attitude. Which I ultimately disagree with. Shouldn’t Christians be aware of sin and pursue forgiveness and reconciliation?
I am also not convinced the comparison between the German church pre World War II and the American church today is one worth making. Can we learn from the German church during that time? Yeah, absolutely. Are we in a similar position? I’m not convinced. I would think in every era of history the Church could have done better to stand boldly for God’s truth. Why not learn from more examples than the one Metaxes puts forth?
I may add more thoughts later. We’ll see.
I also question his conclusions about following Christ boldly without worrying about whether we sin or not. He outlines a “God will forgive me as long I’m trying to do what’s right” attitude. Which I ultimately disagree with. Shouldn’t Christians be aware of sin and pursue forgiveness and reconciliation?
I am also not convinced the comparison between the German church pre World War II and the American church today is one worth making. Can we learn from the German church during that time? Yeah, absolutely. Are we in a similar position? I’m not convinced. I would think in every era of history the Church could have done better to stand boldly for God’s truth. Why not learn from more examples than the one Metaxes puts forth?
I may add more thoughts later. We’ll see.
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