Religion in Review

Original RBL Reviews

Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? A Historical Introduction

John Fea. Westminster John Knox, $30 trade paper (304p) ISBN 978-0-664-23504-8

Fea, history professor at Messiah College, does not answer the title query because, he says, “it’s a bad question.” Instead, Fea urges, think like a historian. Turns out, history is not about picking the best fruit off the vine to support your opinion--or the opinions of TV talkers--it’s about doing your homework. He does just that to produce this primer, as he calls it, which defines “history,” “nation,” and “Christian.” Fea studied current position papers of proponents and opponents of the title’s question, and he read from the past: the Federalist papers, John Adams and Jefferson’s writings, state constitutions, debate resolutions. In part one, the author traces the concept of a Christian nation from 1789 to today; part two focuses on the American Revolution, from the British colonies’ points of view to the constitutional “wall of separation between church and state.” Part three, the most fluid and fascinating, profiles specific founders, their orthodoxy vs. their orthopraxy, especially concerning the topic of complex, un-Christian slavery. Fea’s style, clean and simple, persuades by history, not histrionics. (Feb.)

Unplanned

Abby Johnson. Tyndale, $22.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-4143-3939-9

When Johnson quit her job as the director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, the media went wild; lawsuits were filed; prolife advocates rejoiced. Now this former clinic director reveals the details of her dramatic move from abortion rights advocate to “the right side of the fence” and the prolife movement. Johnson began as a volunteer, moving through the ranks until becoming director of the Bryan, Tex., clinic. Then she witnessed an ultrasound-guided abortion, and she changed. “I was taking a new stand, beginning a new life,” she says of her move to the other side. This emotional account reveals Johnson’s remarkable journey through prochoice thinking, two abortions, her love/hate relationship with prolife advocates outside the clinic, and her eventual understanding of abortion. Prolife advocates will salivate over her story, abortion rights advocates will be skeptical,but those who oppose abortion will find inspiration, education, and emotion. Johnson offers a well-planned, well-written account that will touch nerves on both sides of the issue. (Jan.)

Spiritually Healthy Divorce: Navigating Disruption with Insight & Hope

Carolyn Call. SkyLight Paths, $16.99 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-1-59473-288-1

In a conversational style both intimate and direct, ordained minister and social scientist Call relays hope, acceptance, and concrete advice for those facing “the emotional tsunami of divorce.” Particularly addressing divorce’s spiritual ramifications, Call offers visual suggestions: pondering the “dynamic triad” of God, self, and others; creating spiritual maps, which navigate away from such “cul-de-sacs” as victimhood, “the unlovable self,” and “demonizing the other”; and doing “a belonging audit,” which names other relationships worth cultivating. Sharing personal stories from her own divorce experience, as well as written reflections from those she has counseled, Call conveys a range of experiences nuanced enough for most readers to relate to. For example, some find spiritual healing through yoga or community service; some by joining faith communities, or by leaving one. Each chapter closes with “Questions for Reflection,” for journaling or conversation with one’s “compassionate mirror”--“a mentor or honored peer” who walks beside the divorcing person, offering honest reflections. Following the main chapters, Call offers “A Prayer for Renewal,” and she directly addresses those considering divorce. Appendices provide guidance for using the book in groups. (Jan.)

Breaking the Silence: Sexual Abuse in the Jewish Community

Edited by David Mandel and David Pelcovitz. KTAV, $24.95 (340p) ISBN 978-1-60280-165-3

In this accessible and well-researched primer on sexual abuse, editors Mandel and Pelcovitz, both highly respected in the fields of psychology and social work, amass a full arsenal of prevention and treatment techniques as well as identifying red flags for use in the orthodox Jewish community, a population that has heretofore shied away from public exposure on this crucial issue. Integrating religious concerns such as loshon hora (inappropriate speech) and mesirah (informing on fellow Jews) within the broader framework of listening to children’s allegations, and exposing and responding to molesters, this volume speaks directly to Jewish parents and schools. Excerpts from interviews and letters, summaries of true abuse stories, conversation guidelines for parents, and lessons for listening to and validating child and adolescent victims all shed light on the lifelong impact of abuse and contribute to the primer’s overall importance and effectiveness. This must-read guide contains chapters on every aspect of sexual abuse as it relates to observant Jews and is certain to be instrumental in the prevention of future manipulation and abuse. (Jan.)

The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation

Thom S. Rainer and Jess W. Rainer. B&H Publishing, $22.99 (304p) ISBN: 978-1-4336-7003-9

This book is based on a survey of 1,200 men and women born between 1980 and 1991 and pegged the first half of the “millennial” generation, which extends to the year 2000. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, the Southern Baptist Convention’s research division, partners with his son Jess, a millennial. Their research findings are aimed at evangelicals and church growth consultants eager to reach out to this cohort known for avoiding church. According to the Rainers, only 6% of millennials are classically evangelical; 70% find the church irrelevant. Still, the authors are optimistic about making Christian converts among this age group based on their findings that this generation prizes family and friends, wants to make a difference, and is eager to listen to and seek advice from their elders. The results of this survey might have worked better as a magazine story or research paper. The Rainers repeat key findings over and over without offering corroborating sociological research or a deeper perspective. (Jan.)

The Heart Revolution: Experience the Power of a Turned Heart

Sergio De La Mora. Baker, $17.99 (224p) ISBN 978-0-8010-1384-3

Mora, a former drug addict and disc jockey who now pastors the third-fastest-growing church in North America, offers an inspirational book of poignant stories, including many about his father, to whom he dedicates the book with deep love. When young aspiring skateboarder Sergio skips church to practice his sport, his father learns about it and burns the skateboard while Sergio and his siblings watch in disbelief. “Sergio,” his father says, “nothing in your life will ever come before God again. Put Him first and you can have anything. Put Him second and you’ll have nothing.” God’s goal, the author says, is to change our hearts in a revolutionary way and make us holy. The book touches on many areas of life, including money, sex, anger, justice, and success, and almost overreaches the profound stories to become a self-help book. What redeems it is the passion of the author, who does not shy away from authentic storytelling about change inspired by some excruciatingly difficult experiences. (Jan.)

Sneak Peek: Religion Book Reviews Coming in PW Jan. 10

The Vampire Defanged: How the Embodiment of Evil Became a Romantic Hero

Susannah Clements. Brazos, $14.99 trade paper (208p) ISBN 978-1-58743-289-7

It’s indisputable that vampires are au courant in America, but according to Clements, an associate professor at Regent University, they ain’t what they used to be. In this astute survey, she argues that Christian theology, once essential to understanding the vampire, has been lost through decades of change in vampire characterization, effectively de-fanging the vampire of meaningful theological bite. Clements begins with the iconic monster Dracula, a repulsive creature who represented the power of sin and evil in the Christian metanarrative. Moving through such subsequent incarnations as the vampires of Anne Rice, Joss Whedon (in Buffy and Angel), and Charlaine Harris (the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries on which True Blood is based), Clements chronicles a gradual secularization and social acceptance of vampires. By the time Stephenie Meyer stops hearts with Edward Cullen, the vampire is no longer a grotesque cautionary tale of humanity gone wrong but the apotheosis of humanity, a beautiful angel who stands above humankind. Clements writes well and persuasively as she argues that “vampires are more than just monsters to us,” demonstrating that now, as ever, the vampire represents our darkest anxieties and most ardent desires. (Mar.)

The Spirit of Vatican II: A History of Catholic Reform in America

Colleen McDannell. Basic, $27.50 (336p) ISBN 978-0-465-04480-1

With the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) approaching, debates are flaring over just what happened at what was a signature event of the 20th century for both the Catholic Church and the world. The current debate is a struggle to define the meaning of the past and thus chart the church’s course in the future. But McDannell (Heaven: A History) shifts the spotlight from Rome to America, covering the impact of the council and its reforms there in deeply researched but lively social history that uses the affecting story of her own mother as the narrative thread. McDannell sketches the state of American Catholicism on the eve of the council, during those fateful three years, and then in the turbulent aftermath when Catholics struggled to assimilate the changes. Finally, she looks at what the council has wrought and is buoyed by the transformation. This is indispensable history for today’s Catholics—and others—to learn, and McDannell has told the tale well and with a depth and context that places the council in time and space, but also acknowledges a conciliar spirit that blows where it will. (Mar.)

A First Look at the Stars: Starred Religion Book Review Coming in PW Jan. 10

The Rise and Fall of the Bible: The Unexpected History of an Accidental Book

Timothy Beal. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25 (256p) ISBN 978-0-15-101358-6

The role of the Bible in Western culture is undisputed. It has defined the Judeo-Christian ethic in so many ways it’s hard to imagine the Western world without this inspired book. However, as Beal so eloquently explains, the specific role played by Holy Scripture has morphed over the years. In particular, it has taken on the role of “cultural icon”—inerrant guide, big brother, worthy oracle. This is a new phenomenon: witness the number of specialty Bibles available in Christian bookstores. Raised in a strict, religiously literalist home, Beal (Roadside Religion), a professor of religion at Case Western Reserve University, has evolved into a top-notch scholar who makes a compelling case against the idea of a fully consistent and unerring book, positing instead a very human volume with all the twists and foibles of the human experience, truly reflecting that human experience. He presents a convincing case for a radical rereading of the text, an honest appreciation of this sacred book. An engrossing and excellent work, highly recommended. (Feb.)

On the Virtual Shelves: Web Exclusive Religion Book Reviews

Why We Pray What We Pray: The Remarkable History of Jewish Prayer

Barry Freundel (Urim, Nov.)

Dharma Road: A Short Cab Ride to Self-Discovery

Brian Haycock (Hampton Roads, Nov.)

Bob Drinan: The Controversial Life of the First Catholic Priest Elected to Congress

Raymond A. Schroth (Fordham Univ., Nov.)

Amy Inspired