This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel

Wax, the Bible and reference publisher at LifeWay Christian Resources and managing editor of the Gospel Project, attempts to translate Christian faith and morals into language and symbols that 21st-century readers can appreciate. The Christian faith survives in large part, he writes, because it is continually being reinterpreted so that new generations can appreciate its beauty and meaning. In many respects Wax succeeds in carrying on this tradition, as when he tackles the challenges that modern technology imposes on daily life and when he critiques the pervasive consumerism of American culture. He is direct and persuasive in his arguments, and (as a millennial) exhibits an understanding of popular culture that helps him to explain current trends about the commodification of social relations from an objective viewpoint. At times his tone becomes preachy and borders on fundamentalist, as in the discussion of marriage and sexuality. For the most part, however, Wax is compelling as he pleads with readers to understand faith and religion not as a completely private enterprises but as living, animating forces. His work will appeal to many persons of faith, especially evangelicals who are navigating through the murky waters of the modern age. (Mar.)