Krattenmaker, Tom. The Evangelicals You Don't Know: Introducing the Next Generation of Christians. Rowman & Littlefield. May 2013.232p.

摘要

Mention evangelical Christians-indeed, Christianity itself-and many Americans think of right-wing political conservatism often expressed in its most judgmental forms-opposition to abortion, gay marriage, and a disbeliever in evolution-while promoting school prayer and Christmas creches on the courthouse lawn. Surprisingly, argues Krattenmaker (contributing columnist, religion, USA Today; Onward Christian Athletes), young evangelicals share this criticism of their faith communities and are increasingly transforming evangelicalism from within. Outmoded conceptions of evangelism, hateful attitudes toward gays and lesbians, scorn heaped on those of other faiths or on those who have none, anti-intellectual rejection of science and evolution: such attitudes are being weighed and found wanting by the "next Christian" leaders Krattenmaker encounters. These young evangelicals, says the author, are altering for the better not only evangelicalism's self-presentation but-also its self-understanding and commitments. Krattenmaker offers little explanation of the dynamics behind these changes other than to suggest that a younger generation is weary of the "culture wars" of the faith and wary of a dogmatism that thinks it has nothing to learn from nonbelievers. VERDICT Krattenmaker's engaging journalistic survey of kinder, gentler, younger evangelicals working toward cooperation rather than confrontation will hearten secularists and progressive religionists, as well as evangelicals who have long been uncomfortable with the political captivity of their faith.