Book Review: The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons
Gabe Lyons is something of a household name following the success of his book, UNCHRISTIAN, which was based on extensive statistical research concerning christians, the church, and how modern society views them both. Lyons latest offering, THE NEXT CHRISTIANS: HOW A NEW GENERATION IS RESTORING THE FAITH seems a logical sequel. This book examines who Christians are perceived to be, and what a hypothetical new generation of Christians would look like were they to shatter the status quo.
I found this book to be a bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally. Don’t get me wrong, I was never reduced to tears or anything else less than masculine. At points I caught myself nodding in agreement, and others almost angry.
First the points of agreement. Christian America is on it’s way out, at least according to the trend. At best we are still, or becoming more so the “Silent Majority.” There is not much room for Christian ideals in the politically correct arena which contains, well everything. Some might argue that the term “politically correct” is actually “anti-Christian.” Regardless, Christianity is no longer the default. People are viewing Christians with more and more vitriol.
In this book, Lyons addresses this truth head on and explains that the “next Christians” will no longer fit the stereotype. They will live out the entirety of God’s story. The author insists that the standard issue evangelical today focus only on the cross, while giving no credence to the creation. They view salvation as an alternative to hell rather than the restoration of what was lost when man fell in the garden. He calls the next Christians “restorers.”
Gabe Lyons calls on the next Christians to change the world. To always be creating a positive. To not live life inside a Christian bubble, but out there with the rest of the world. To do life in community with everyone regardless of faith. What can we be doing to help, to restore?
I agree that the church needs to barbecue a few sacred cows. I found myself chuckling when Lyons poked fun at the Christian t-shirt crowd, inferring that no one was ever lead to Christ because your t-shirt judged them. I wonder if the author might have gone too far down a path paved with good intentions. He takes a troubling stance on the “gay movement” for example. Multiple pages are devoted to outlining the success of the gay movement’s campaign to take America’s view of homosexuality from disapproval to “hey, why not?” To be fair, Lyons does not openly embrace homosexuality and even states,
“I’m not suggesting we celebrate the rise of the gay movement. Perhaps you’re offended that I’ve even used it as an illustration.”
What is troubling is he leaves the reader feeling that he is not at all opposed to some of the information he references. Such as
“Within the cultural channel of the church, major denominations like the Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ opened leadership roles for gays and lesbians.”
Lyons elsewhere criticizes many Christians for choosing to vote against any political candidates who support abortion.
Gabe Lyons points out some very valid points in this book. Things we as the church universal are doing wrong. Things we should be doing but we are not. He calls us to restore, to love, to pray, read scripture, and observe a sabbath. Amen brother. I feel though he is perhaps too “progressive” in some ways however. I do not believe he places enough importance on salvation. I also believe the church must take a clear stand on some issues, amoung them abortion and the same gay movement Lyons calls “fun and engaging.” Should we love those we disagree with? Yes. Serve them? In any way we can. The way Jesus would, without judgement. One sinner to the next. We must remember though that we do need to have an opinion on important issues, a biblical opinion. We just need to be careful how we express it.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
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