At a time when political and religious liberals are taking refuge in the word “progressive,” McLennan (Finding Your Religion
) presents an unapologetic case for liberal Christianity. Reporting that about 20% of Americans are liberal Christians, he states, “Too many of them choose silence, afraid to use the word 'liberal' to describe where they stand.” He immediately tackles hot-button topics—abortion, science and same-sex marriage—then moves on to liberal perspectives on God, Jesus, the Trinity, the church and the Bible as well as feminist theology and living faithfully as a liberal Christian. Personal anecdotes from McLennan's own faith journey and advice for practitioners vary in effectiveness, but few liberal concerns about traditional Christianity go unaddressed. Dean for religious life at Stanford University, an inspiration for Doonesbury
's Rev. Scott Sloan of comic strip fame and a Unitarian Universalist minister, McLennan and his theology may not always draw agreement from other Christians who consider themselves liberals, nor does the book engage postmodern “emergent” theology. But McLennan's presentation is remarkably thoughtful, respectful and balanced as he argues that liberal Christianity is a vital expression of faith. (May)
