Richard J. MouwCritiques

This book is as appropriate as ever considering the political/economic climate we have been living in for the past 5-10 years. With the rise in Christian Nationalism and the MAGA movement, this books tries to bridge the chasm between these two worlds. I do think Dr. Mouw tries to weave the narrative so that all parties are somewhat represented in this discussion without offending anyone. That may be the downfall of the book overall is that one feels that a consensus of understanding was not reached by the end of the book. I do think the book is a worthwhile quick read for anyone looking to start the discussion of this large and at times complex intersection of Religion and Nation state. Would he curious to see the author pen another book that intersperses the current environment examples for further introspection.

Mouw and I fundamentally disagree on several points; however I appreciate his civil approach in this attempt to find a sort of third way between Christian Nationalism and an Anabaptist-like rejection of civil involvement. Early in the book, his discussion of Nation vs State is an interesting framing for such discussions.

Review
“Will there be few who are saved? Richard Mouw opens the reader’s eyes to a Calvinism guided by a spirit of generosity. Or more precisely, to a God whose sovereignty and electing grace consist in a breathtaking salvific generosity.” (Cornelis van der Kooi, distinguished lecturer at Erasmus University, Rotterdam)

“Here, as always, Mouw is thoughtful, gracious, and genuinely illuminating. He writes with an appealing reverence for God and respect for humanity. Warmly recommended!” (Cornelius Plantinga, senior research fellow in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship)

(Who shall be saved? How wide is the scope of God’s salvation? One of the world’s leading voices in Reformed philosophy, ethics, and public theology tackles a complex, urgent, and deeply personal question. With his unique combination of academic rigor and pastoral care, Richard Mouw invites readers to join him as he explores the surprising riches (and mysteries) of divine generosity in Reformed theology.” ("Matthew Kaemingk, Fuller Seminary "  )

A brief, accessible inquiry into the wideness of God’s mercy in Reformed theology.
How broad is the scope of salvation? To explore this topic, Richard J. Mouw draws on Scripture and a rich heritage of Calvinist theology. Mouw brings voices like the old Princeton theologians, Kuyper, and Bavinck into conversation with more recent voices such as David Engelsma on pertinent topics, including: The salvation of unbaptized infants, God’s wrath and love for sinners, Problems with universalism, The number of the elect.

Learned yet approachable, Mouw explains how Christians can affirm God’s justice while holding hope for the wideness of his saving mercy. Congregations today face pressing questions about how to reconcile orthodoxy with empathy in increasingly pluralist neighborhoods and communities. For Reformed pastors, students, and interested laypeople, Divine Generosity serves as a biblically based, doctrinally sound guide.

Summary: A discussion from a Calvinist perspective of how widely God’s saving mercy extends.

There is a perception of Calvinism that believes that relatively few people will be saved and that the vast majority of humanity will be consigned to everlasting condemnation. In this concise, scholarly and accessible discussion, Richard J. Mouw makes a case for a broad, though not universal, extension of God’s saving mercy.

First of all, Mouw makes it clear that he is not a universalist, not even a hopeful one. Along with N.T. Wright, Mouw holds to the importance of an accountability before God of the persistently unrepentant, including those responsible for cruelties and injustices. He also points out the dehumanizing effects of persistent rejection of God, that there is a directional character of spiritual life where the persistently unrepentant reach the point where God says “thy will be done.” Personally, I’ve thought that the outer darkness is the mercy of God to those for whom being in the immediate presence of God would be unspeakable torture.

That addressed, Mouw turns to the question of how wide may we hope for God’s mercy to be, and what sources might be drawn upon in Calvinist theology. He engages the ideas of Hoeksema and Engelsma that God’s love is restricted to the elect by drawing upon both Benjamin Warfield and Geerhardus Vos who cite biblical examples for the love of God for the non-elect. He questions whether it is hate God has when he commands Jacob return to Esau, who welcomes with open arms and forgives Jacob.

The extent of mercy broadens further with the question of unbaptized infants, showing that from the Westminster Confession, chapter ten, “that all dying in infancy are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit.” Shedd and Warfield also note that the article on infants allows for adults who are “regenerated and sanctified immediately by God without use of means.” He notes evidence from the papers of W.G.T. Shedd, Charles Hodge and Benjamin Warfield that there would be a large number who would be saved. He cites the work of Amos Yong that many may be In Christ who have not had “epistemic access” to the preaching of Christ. Mouw goes on to consider his encounters with both devout Muslims and Mormons. While leaving judgment to God, he urges that our response not be to express doubt about their testimony. He explores the biblical examples of those who believe on behalf of others, and raises questions of how this may be done, including in the case of ancestors of believing persons in Asian cultures.

Mouw is clear in all these instances that salvation is through the Spirit’s regenerating work, and through the justifying and sanctifying work of Christ. It is not a result of good works or devotion. What he does is uphold both God’s justice and the greatness of God’s mercy without undercutting the importance of Christian proclamation. He avoids going beyond scripture, allowing God to be God and acknowledging mystery where it exist. And along the way, he retrieves some surprising writings of W.,G.T. Shedd as well as the 19th century “Princeton theologians” who support an expansive view of divine generosity as consistent with confessional faithfulness.

____________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

This book was received as part of Early Reviewers. Dr. Mouw valiantly attempts to be the voice of reason in an unreasonable time. While the concepts are worthy, and easy to follow, I fear that those who really do need to be reminded of them willl fail to grasp the intent. Those on either side of the spectrum may feel that he is failing to push one way or another, rather than seeing the fine line he is attempting to straddle. Definitely a worthy read, and one that would make a great starting place for discussion. Sadly, I doubt those who read it will be inspired to open their mind to possible overlap in beliefs.½

An expert in analyzing the intersection of religion and politics, Dr. Mouw has many worthwhile points for the modern American context. However, despite his expertise, it does seem that he's holding back in this book. While worth a quick read, it would be wonderful to read the author's true, full feelings without worry of offending. But that may just be the point, Dr. Mouw makes sure that all can read his book through without slamming it down in disagreement. However, it does leave a bit of a lukewarm taste in the mouth as the volume is truthful, yet not overly forceful, in its arguments.

what intellectuals learn from popular

Mouw is threading a lot of needles in "How to be a Patriotic Christian." He places himself in a non-denominational, non-partisan position straddling a universalist theology and a specific nationalism.
As a disclaimer, I am Jewish, and I read "How to be a Patriotic Christian" from the perspective of someone personally familiar with Christians whose beliefs range from queer liberationism to Christofascism, and who is particularly concerned by the increasing public acceptance of Christian Nationalism. Richard Mouw shares my concerns.

His writing style is eminently readable, his theology is legible to a diverse readership, and his American patriotism is carefully worded to be at least acceptable to the vast majority of American Christians. This balance is the book’s greatest strength and its greatest weakness. It leaves room for a thoughtful exploration of what being both patriotic and faithful means in the modern world (it does not mean theocracy!), but the vision prepared is not inspiring in its own right. His nationalism limits his theology and his theology limits his nationalism, except in some narrow examples where the two overlap. His American context also limits the degree to which his Christianity can drive his stated political preferences; it would not be breaking new ground to find Biblical support for myriad government welfare programs (for mothers, children, orphans, the old, and disabled) but since these are controversial within an American context, Mouw provides no discussion beyond vague allusions to a “social safety net.”

In summary, Mouw thoughtfully engages with the tangled issues of Christian faith and American patriotism, producing a centrist path. The book’s greatest contribution is as a rebuttal to Christian Nationalism, an ideology the author finds disquieting.

A fascinating and timely book. As religion seems more and more divisive and becomes a political issue, this book goes a long way toward showing that it doesn't have to be. The author draws from decades of experience in a large variety of settings to bring the reader through seeing all people as neighbors, even those you disagree with politically. While this might not be easy, the author’s examples for why it is important are compelling and thought provoking.

One of the first points Dr. Mouw makes (and had the most impact on me) was the difference between a state (rules, bureaucracy, functionaries) and a nation (neighbors sharing patriotism and feeling goodwill about their collective experience). Can/should a Christian be patriotic and where do loyalties lie between the state, the nation, and God?

This book will get you thinking and it has provoked a number of good conversations with friends and coworkers.

I could tell the author was thoughtful when writing this book, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

Writing: 4.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.0

This was a book I received from Library Thing Early Reviewer (Giveaway). The theme in this volume is much needed in the world today, especially among professing Christians. The author shares principles and his thoughts on the subject of civility in relation to patriotism and the love we have for our great country- the United States of America. We do suffer from a lack of civility in culture and the social aspects of society. Social media sites were meant to open up communication, and in many ways, it has. It has also sadly caused a lack of civility and communication in our interactions with others. Because social media will be with us for future generations most likely, we must learn to speak the truth in this realm with love and kindness with those who we especially disagree with. The author's theme is very valuable for today, but I don't think he gave a lot of practical ways in order to accomplish this. I think this is a good book to start the discussion towards a more civil and productive future in America. Recommend.

***March 12, 2023***

This was a really helpful book for me. I've been wondering a lot lately about how a person can have a healthy perspective on their relationship with their country and this book helped me think about this issue in a clear way. When I started reading, I immediately noticed the author's humble and sensitive tone, which he maintains throughout the book. He often points out that there aren't easy or clear answers, but that the important thing is that we are asking questions and also listening to what others have to say. I learned some good ways to have healthy discussions with people even if I disagree with them. This was a short but impactful book with a lot of wisdom and clarity.

Feb. 19, 2023. How to Be a Patriotic Christian Love of Country as Love of Neighbor by Richard J. Mouw

Why I picked this book up: I was selected for the Jan. 23 early reviewer on LibraryThing.com. I thank IVP publishing for donating and LibraryThing for selecting me. I picked it because I am a Christian, it was written by a Christian that was the president of Fuller theological seminary which I know Fuller to be a more liberal grad school but wanted to read his perspective and I became interested in how the Christian view and patriotism as a USA citizen meshed or conflict. I know we cannot serve two masters and wanted to read this for education.

Thoughts:
What does it mean to love our country?
Some Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Other Christians are skeptical that our nation warrants such devotion. Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement. He uses a lot of United Sates songs like America the beautiful, hymns and others.

Mouw raises questions like how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive. He different religious backgrounds which I’d one of our constitutional rights but our diversity in the Country is something I appreciate but also something I need to learn how to negotiate better. My library is full of religious texts which I pick up to understand what people put in their head, and live out but I am a Christian.

This author was born in 1940, is from China. Went to China every year for 20 years, talked about socialism, communism, Confucianism, and US nationalism. He reviewed the star spangled banner, states from sea to sea, discussed biblical, scriptural topics and gave a lot to consider.

Why I finished this read: I enjoyed this top and was challenged to consider how my views and being a citizen works. I’ll readily admit that recent election cycles has brought much disappointment with my fellow Christian church on matters of politics. I sincerely think we have not come close to living up to Jesus’ high ethical demands as recorded in the Christian Scriptures. Mouw, a seasoned, sophisticated evangelical, may be just the voice to right this ship a bit. To allude to another famous metaphor, “What good is salt if it has lost its saltiness?” Mouw offers a theological framework for Christians to approach these issues that does not adhere to one political perspective alone. Readers can only be enriched by contemplating through this book. This book did not come across to be as liberal.

Stars rating: 4.5 out 5½

As the author freely admits, this book is not apt to be found on the DIY shelf in a book store; it is more apologetic than instructive. It could have been more accurately titled ‘It’s Okay for a Christian to be Patriotic”. In no way, does that detract from its worth.

Early in the book, in reference to the role of the President, Mouw makes the distinction between his duties as leader of the State and his role as the personification of the Nation. The Nation, he asserts is a collection of neighborhoods and the State is a collection of rules and regulations. That distinction is reflected in the entire book. It is far easier to rationalize a patriotic duty with regard to the Nation rather than the State—it is a matter of expressing love of a neighbor. Expressing patriotic fervor regarding the State is okay as long as it involves civil argument and debate rather than emotions.

The author references personal experiences from his extensive study of the interactions of religion and government. One example was an exchange of view points with a Chinese Christian leader, sanctioned by the Communist Party. Two points were made: the government was softening its relations with the church and being sanctioned referred to an assurance that antigovernment action not be taken—a strict separation of church from the state.

Mouw impresses me as a kind and gentle academic who avoids confrontation and is highly motivated to find an amiable middle ground between an innate drive to display an emotional expression of patriotism and a more measured approach. His preferred style often reverts to platitudes rather than to active participation with the heat I associate with patriotism.

This book is one that will get you thinking. i am currently sharing it with my inlaws who are from the south so lets just say this book was a conversation piece. We are enjoying the read and it sparks up some interesting conversations that i would not have otherwise had. thanks for the book!

The content of 'How to be a Patriotic Christian' is encouraging, and engaging; however, the book seems to lack a significant punch or ah-ha moment. Additionally it seems to be written in no particular order and reminds me of a college essay where the student is given a word limit. Several times when the book reeled me into a point it seemed to abruptly come to explanation without further exploration.

Richard Mouw was a pastor and seminary president for 20 years. This book is a teaching about how to live as a Christian and American simultaneously. His background lends toward a more pastoral approach, rather than political. He does admit that some of his ideas have changed over the years due to conversations with students.

As a Christian, this book was so so eye opening to me, but who doesn’t need a healthy dose of humility sometimes. This book outlines Gods words about love, Faith, and your duty’s as a Christian in the crazy crazy world we live in. I loved the points of view on state versus country, finding the middle ground, and how to argue points without being rude or judging others. What a slice of humble pie this book was for me. 5 stars ⭐️

This was a well written discussion of a very timely topic. I appreciated the way the author emphasized that there is a middle area and we don’t have to be polarized to one extreme or the other, as is so common right now. This book presented things well and gave me a lot to think about. Highlights for me are: the difference between state and nation, the importance of discernment, the value of being able to argue well rather than “quarrel”, and the practical guidelines at the end.

What does it mean to be simultaneously a devout Christian and an American citizen? Are such dual allegiances even possible? In this book, Mouw – a scholarly, religious expert on the Christian’s place in the (American) public square – offers a case that these domains can be compatible with each other… for the most part. He does so in a way that sides neither with the left nor the right, but instead welcomes warm-hearted debate and constant “wrestling” for essential truths. This timely message is presented in a way that churches and individuals can reflect together in healthy discussion.

The tone of this book is strongly pastoral, not political. That may put off some. But understand that Mouw was a president of a well-known evangelical theological seminary (Fuller in Pasadena, California) for two decades. That is, he trained people to be pastoral leaders. Therefore, this book’s tone, though bordering on patronizing, is authentic to Mouw’s voice. As in his past role as seminary president, he seeks to offer pastoral advice to a diverse American churchgoing populace about how to handle politics.

He also writes as a scholar who has studied this topic formally since a graduate student at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. Thus, he tightly weds pastoral guidance with a scholar’s objectivity. Sometimes, I just wanted Mouw to take a stand and deliberate the pro’s and con’s of an issue; however, he steadfastly resists this impulse. He tries to find the ideological and emotional core to complex issues and admonishes us to treat each other with, of all things, compassion. This brings forth unique sentiments towards rich, complex issues.

His central argument is that patriotism – the love of one’s country – overlaps with the Christian ideal of love of one’s neighbor. Many Christians and evangelicals (his intended audience) have pulled back from society in an attempt to remain pure. Mouw seems to argue that we should engage in the lives of our fellow citizens while wrestling (internally and in discussion) with the ethics of Jesus and of the Bible. Although the title makes this book seem to fit in a “how to” genre, its contents do not. Until the final few pages, he avoids easy, broadly applicable admonishments. Instead, as a scholar, he presents issues to wrestle with, albeit in an evangelical American (and Reformed Protestant) style.

I’ll readily admit that recent election cycles has brought much disappointment with my fellow Christian church on matters of politics. I sincerely think we have not come close to living up to Jesus’ high ethical demands as recorded in the Christian Scriptures. Mouw, a seasoned, sophisticated evangelical, may be just the voice to right this ship a bit. To allude to another famous metaphor, “What good is salt if it has lost its saltiness?” Mouw offers a theological framework for Christians to approach these issues that does not adhere to one political perspective alone. Readers can only be enriched by contemplating through this book.

The issue of the City of Man vs. The City of God is at least as old as Augustine, if not older in the Jewish tradition. How do we honor God and our nation is the heart of the question. What does it mean to love our country?

There are two opposing poles of thought. Some Christians see loyalty to America as central to our faith and identity. Is America a Christian nation? A Judeo-Christian country? On the other hand, some Christians are skeptical that our nation, or any nation, warrants such devotion or attachment. But Richard Mouw encourages Christians to have a healthy sense of national peoplehood that promotes civic kinship and responsible citizenship. He navigates between Christian nationalism on one hand and cynicism about country on the other to avoid the perils of both idolatry and disengagement.

The Jewish tradition flirted with idolatry and that stance did not work out well. And, there is a tendency of some American Christians to be nationalist, not as much as the Left fears, but of some concern.

Mouw grapples with sticky questions such as how to honor national holidays in church and the place of protests in forging a more perfect union. Placing love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor, he sees patriotism as an expression of our heavenly citizenship and a call to help our country be a place where all people can thrive in peace. We can consider those groups, such as Jehovah Witnesses who feel that national symbols are idolatry but their reluctance to be involved in civic celebrations absents their positive and moral influence out of the country.

Mouw's winsome and wise reflections direct our patriotic affections toward the civic good of others within our churches and in our communities. This guide helps us travel together on a shared national journey toward liberty and justice for all. The Constitution is based on liberty and justice which harmonizes with Judeo-Christian ideals.

Most of his examples are liberal in orientation which mars his expression that he is more centrist but certainly his understanding of patriotism is mostly sound. As the former President of Fuller Theological Seminary of course he has leaned left in accordance with the sentiments of his parishioners. And, theologically, he is conservative and evangelical.

Summary: Navigating the space between Christian nationalism and national cynicism, explores how Christians might properly love country within their primary allegiance to Christ, focused around civic kinship and responsibility.

At least in the U.S. setting in which Richard Mouw writes, there often seems to be no middle ground between some form of Christian nationalism and a deep cynicism about any national loyalty. Mouw has navigated this ground over the course of his life, from his days as an “angry young man” protesting Vietnam and racial injustice up to the present, including experiences of tears while touring the American cemetery in Normandy and being present at a Holiday Bowl concert a few days after 9/11. He has wrestled with what the Christian’s primary allegiance to the global kingdom of Jesus means in the context of being a citizen, He invites us to wrestle with him as we consider the possibility and character of being a patriotic Christian.

He describes the basic character of this patriotism early in the book when he writes:

“But patriotism is not just about our relationship to specific government policies and practices. It is about belonging to a community of citizens with whom we share our political allegiances–and even more important, our common humanness. Patriotism is in an important sense more about our participation in a nation than it is about loving a state” (p. 14).

What Mouw argues for is our “civic kinship,” our sense of peoplehood with those who constitute our nation. He proposes that the Boy Scouts are an example of a program in civic kinship, cultivating the kind of character required in our public life with a concern for the place and the people with whom we live. He notes the evidence of the decline in the societal bonds among us and our increasing isolation from each other, and the necessity, in our season of tribalism, to cultivate room in our hearts for those with whom we differ. He appropriates John Calvin’s language of contemplating our fellow human beings in God, not in themselves.

Mouw’s focus on peoplehood and civic kinship calls into question what Mouw considers to be the role of the state. He contends that the preamble of our Constitution actually offers a good delineation of the primary tasks of government: 1) to establish justice, 2) to ensure domestic tranquility, 3) to provide for the common defense, and 4) to promote the general welfare and to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. He notes the parallel with Psalm 72 in these four tasks. He cites the Catholic idea of subsidiarity, that higher authorities should not undertake what lower authorities, or even private associations or individual citizens can accomplish, which requires civic responsibility rather than dependence on government authority.

Against some who either implicitly or explicitly believe Christians ought to pursue a theocracy, Mouw supports the idea of our democratic republic, with its protections of differing beliefs rather than compelling uniformity. He believes this creates the space for people to change beliefs of their own, respecting the image of God in human beings. How then do we disagree in a plural society? Mouw encourages active patience (as God has acted toward us), genuine engagement with those with whom we disagree, and an openness that believes all truth is God’s truth, to receive that truth from wherever it appears.

How then should we think of expressions of patriotism within the confines of our church buildings, everything from the presence of flags to the recognition of national holidays? Some would see this as a form of idolatry, or perhaps offensive to those visiting from other countries. Mouw recounts such a conversation where he pushes back, contending that symbols like the flag can remind believers of their Christian calling as citizens, and that Christians in other countries may understand this because of their love for their own countries. Remember, he invited us to wrestle together–there is wrestling going on here! Likewise, there is the need to do careful pastoral teaching–what does it mean to seek the peace and prosperity of the people among whom we live (Jeremiah 29:7) while recognizing our primary allegiance to Christ and that we are part of a global people?

This leads him to consider our patriotic songs, many which invoke the blessing of God, and other civic observances with religious overtones, such as our various pledges and oaths. Is this just an invidious form of civil religion or something the Christian can embrace. Mouw notes the good of an acknowledgment of the transcendent, to which the nation is both accountable and on which it depends.

He concludes this work with four guidelines: 1) to do the work of contemplation to see people in the light of God, 2) to cultivate compassion, 3) to go deep in our quest for rootedness, in Christ, in our place, with our people, and 4) to trust Jesus, in whom are met “the hopes and fears of all the years.”

This is not a massive treatise on Christian political philosophy but a concise work of pastoral theology on what it means to love Jesus and love one’s country, particularly the United States. I affirm his restrained view of the role of the state, an absence of any language of getting the “right” people in office, and his focus on our own civic kinship and responsibility as citizens to pursue the shalom and prosperity of the place where we make our earthly home. His own unashamed expressions of his love of country and solidarity with its people reminded me of similar experiences. Most of all, I appreciate Mouw’s articulation of this rich third way of being patriotic Christians that offers an alternative to the unsatisfying and miserly binary on offer in so much of our national discourse.

____________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.

Richard J. Mouw (PhD, University of Chicago) is a senior research fellow at the Henry Institute for the Study of Religion and Politics at Calvin University. He previously served as the president of Fuller Theological Seminary (1993–2013) and directed their Institute of Faith and Public Life (2013–2020). In 2007, Princeton Theological Seminary awarded him the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life. He is the author of over twenty books, including Uncommon Decency, Adventures in Evangelical Civility, Restless Faith, and All That God Cares About.

"What does it mean to love our country? Navigating between the extremes of Christian nationalism and disengagement, Richard Mouw sees healthy patriotism as love of country in the context of Christian love of neighbor. Calling us to build a country where all people can thrive in peace, this guide helps us pave the way toward liberty and justice for all"--

"At a time of sharp polarities and confrontational discourse, Richard Mouw's, How to Be a Patriotic Christian could not be more timely. Drawing on his profound theological scholarship and his vibrant evangelical faith, he offers readers, in a conversational and respectful tone, a thoroughly balanced and wise discussion of how as believers we can both love our country as our home and, at the same time, be committed to the kingdom of God that embraces all nations and peoples. This is pastoral theology at its best." (Donald Senior, CP, president emeritus of Catholic Theological Union, Chicago)

"As always, Richard Mouw offers his warmly humanistic thoughts on the state of America and its religiosity. This time, however, his inclusive understanding of Christian duty is especially welcome given the attraction of so many American Christians to an amoral worship of power for power's sake. A most welcome book." (Alan Wolfe, professor emeritus, Boston College, and author of The Politics of Petulance: America in an Age of Immaturity)

I read this book last week in preparation for a small group discussion today, and I had already forgotten most of what I had read. Not because I didn’t like the material, but because Mouw was “preaching to the choir”. I long for more civility in public and private discourse. Will this book help toward that end? I don’t know. I think its audience will likely be self-selecting, consisting mainly of those who are already disposed toward civility.

Mouw is no stranger to writing great little books. These include:

Kuyper: A Short and Personal Introduction
Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport
When the Kings Come Marching In
Political Evangelism

Restless Faith is a very welcome addition to these other great little books. Mouw is a philosopher, an academic, a former president of a prestigious evangelical seminary - it is this that has kept him grounded and in touch with the younger more radical evangelicalism.

Here Mouw examines a series of fascinating topics all exploring evangelical identity. He begins by reexamining the label evangelical. Unlike others, he reluctantly affirms the use of the label - despite the recent politicisation of the term.

What does it mean to be an evangelical in a world of drones and clones? This is the issue that Mouw examines. Unlike Russ Douat he doesn't see a split between the elite (the evangelical academics) and the pew.

He sees a restlessness in many younger people's evangelicalism - this he sees as a good thing. Particularly, as Mouw's background was one where thinking was not encouraged and there was a climate of anti-intellectualism, where the refrain you don't need exegesis you need Jesus was heard.

Mouw draws upon his own experiences to provide wisdom and insight into new issues and problems that face contemporary evangelicals. He shares insights he received from Carl Henry, Edward Carnell, Billy Graham.

Through it all Mouw still holds to the age-old fundamentalist adage: if the Bible says it, I believe it. But he does so in a post-critical rather than a naive form. Mouw may have a child-like faith but it is certainly not childish.

Mouw is never pompous, pontificating or patronising. He listens, affirms, critiques and then enriches others' views. This is seen particularly in his examination and discussion of Robert Schuller, the Mormons, Rob Bell and several others in the fringes of evangelicalism. His use of xxx's notion of bounded and unbounded sets is helpful.

The book bleeds insight. Mouw helps us see the grey in the black and whiteness of evangelicalism. It provides a good justification for the continued use of the evangelical label.