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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Interesting overview and critique of American Christianity
Read this book as part of a class on "The History of Religion in America."
The key to understanding this book is the knowledge that A. Douthat is Catholic, and that informs his viewpoint, and B. small "o" orthodox christians believe in an objective truth.
With some minor exceptions, Douthat hits the nail on the head. I found it to be an interesting and enlightening book. More importantly, it provides a perspective not often seen in newsrooms or casual conversation.
The key to understanding this book is the knowledge that A. Douthat is Catholic, and that informs his viewpoint, and B. small "o" orthodox christians believe in an objective truth.
With some minor exceptions, Douthat hits the nail on the head. I found it to be an interesting and enlightening book. More importantly, it provides a perspective not often seen in newsrooms or casual conversation.
When you first find out that the author is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times, you might think that you know what you're getting yourself into...that a book named Bad Religion would be about how all religion, and especially the Christian Church, is bad. But that's not what you get here. Instead, you get a well-researched and insightful look into the current state of what passes for the popular Church why she ain't what she used to be. The author argues that the Church's main issue in America is that she has been taken over by many heretical strains, whether accommodation or hyper-politization. The text is well-argued, easy to follow, and even the author's conclusions are excellently put. Highly, highly recommended.
I, too, have been a "Christian without a community" (as written in one review). Douthat's book begins with a thorough review of the past 60+ years in Christianity. Having lived through those decades, I find Douthat's account to be very thorough and accurate. The role of Christianity in our personal lives and national lives has become distorted. The major heresies identified by Douthat are easily observed in today's world and his description and defense is rational, thorough, well-defended, and balanced. Douthat's identified model for the role of religion in today's world - the Civil Rights Movement - is accurate, and his clarification of what was meant by Winthrop's "city upon the hill" demonstrates how a misunderstanding can be co-opted to justify our use of religion in America's political actions throughout history - and, especially in today's world. This is a book that I will re-read - just because it is very detailed; every page is filled with information, and I am certain I have absorbed only a fraction of what he has written. But, it has also spurred me on to do additional reading and research to broaden my understanding.
Very clearheaded approach to the (real and perceived) challenges to the Christian faith in America, recognizing especially that they come from within as much or more than from without.
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
This book prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs and how they’ve been influenced by cultural and societal factors. It also provided a comprehensive overview of Christianity’s evolution and the trajectory it’s currently on. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in the history of Christianity in America or seeking to challenge their own spiritual convictions.
It is one of my new, amorphous "Rules of Reading" that I should avoid any text written by someone whose sole occupation is that of "journalist" or "op-ed writer." Within the last few months, I read two critiques of newspaper culture when it was beginning to flourish, both from Nietzsche, and I found them to be extremely persuasive. Newspaper culture, or that which is now called the media, cheapens discourse with its imbecilic style and skewered, heavily ideological bent.
Ross Douthat, however, is an exception to the rule which proves the rule nonetheless. His style is nothing to write home about, but his mind is one which is not only rare among newspapermen, but among most political thinkers today. The first book I read of his was TO CHANGE THE CHURCH, his chronicle of the rise of Pope Francis.
The second part of the text details the heresies which have arisen recently:
Some are quite parasitic: The "prosperity gospel" which promises wealth to the pious indigent, which, as Douthat notes, lead quite a few immigrants to total impoverishment during the 2008 housing crisis. One of the more disturbing heresies is yet the most popular amongst rich, white youth: The "God Within" sect which is the default belief system of the "Spiritual, Not Religious" buffoons. Represented by archheretick Elizabeth Gilbert, whose privileged ass made millions off of her immoral and selfish divorceé escapades. Most of the "God Within" heretics not only cherry-pick the teachings of world religions to suit their impulses, they believe their impulses to be "the Divine" calling out within them. Archheretick Gilbert recognizes this in her memoir of pure trash, yet devoured by Karens all around the world, Eat, Pray, Love in which her "Divine Voice" tells her to divorce her devoted husband and refuse his children--and she does without a second thought. The "God Within" is the most pernicious of heresies, as it embodies the disgusting practice of "Moral Therapeutic Deism." MTD is unfortunately the default belief system of most American believers--basically it proposes that God is there when you need him and you need to be kind to everyone. There are not any moral claims or ascetic demands which characterize the noble religions--The "God Within" heresy and MTD are the religion of late capitalist youth, and it is perhaps is why I spend so much time bashing it here--yet another example of how capitalism melts "all that is solid into air." Stale, vapid air.
Ross Douthat, however, is an exception to the rule which proves the rule nonetheless. His style is nothing to write home about, but his mind is one which is not only rare among newspapermen, but among most political thinkers today. The first book I read of his was TO CHANGE THE CHURCH, his chronicle of the rise of Pope Francis.
The second part of the text details the heresies which have arisen recently:
Some are quite parasitic: The "prosperity gospel" which promises wealth to the pious indigent, which, as Douthat notes, lead quite a few immigrants to total impoverishment during the 2008 housing crisis. One of the more disturbing heresies is yet the most popular amongst rich, white youth: The "God Within" sect which is the default belief system of the "Spiritual, Not Religious" buffoons. Represented by archheretick Elizabeth Gilbert, whose privileged ass made millions off of her immoral and selfish divorceé escapades. Most of the "God Within" heretics not only cherry-pick the teachings of world religions to suit their impulses, they believe their impulses to be "the Divine" calling out within them. Archheretick Gilbert recognizes this in her memoir of pure trash, yet devoured by Karens all around the world, Eat, Pray, Love in which her "Divine Voice" tells her to divorce her devoted husband and refuse his children--and she does without a second thought. The "God Within" is the most pernicious of heresies, as it embodies the disgusting practice of "Moral Therapeutic Deism." MTD is unfortunately the default belief system of most American believers--basically it proposes that God is there when you need him and you need to be kind to everyone. There are not any moral claims or ascetic demands which characterize the noble religions--The "God Within" heresy and MTD are the religion of late capitalist youth, and it is perhaps is why I spend so much time bashing it here--yet another example of how capitalism melts "all that is solid into air." Stale, vapid air.
Not much new here...sort of a modern "history of Christianity," bringing us up to the present day.
Young earth creationism was very briefly mentioned and I would have liked to see that explored further.
Young earth creationism was very briefly mentioned and I would have liked to see that explored further.
Very well-written examination of modern Christianity and it's various problems and insecurities.