I've just read The Next Christians: The Good News About The End Of Christian America by Gabe Lyons and a few thoughts follow. The Next Christians makes the case that Christianity in America is in sad shape; so sad that we are actually in a post Christian era. Lyons however, is persuaded that we should be optimistic about the future of Christianity due to those he dubs "restorers". Lyons proclaims that the work of Jesus was/is all about restoring people and the universe to the state of wholeness and goodness that existed before the fall. Restorers then, are Christians who seek to restore goodness, beauty, truth, justice, etc. to our culture; indeed to all people.
Lyons describes how restorers live out six special characteristics in seven channels of cultural influence. They desire to do this for the sake of Jesus. If I understand what Lyons is saying, the difference between restorers and the Christians of the past 2000 years is that the goal of the restorers is simply to do these good things. If people find salvation through Christ in the process, that is a bonus, but not necessarily the main objective. To his credit though, Lyons does exhort Christians to keep the gospel as the highest priority of life. He claims that when Christians practice the lifestyle of a restorer the result will be that people are saved.
Lyons has certainly done his homework here. He provides statistical results from various studies to support his claims. He also provides numerous real life illustrations based on personal friendships and interviews to demonstrate the demise of Christianity as well as to illustrate the good things that restorers are doing. Some of the stories he cites are interesting whereas others, not so much.
I did enjoy the book. Lyon's writing is clear and easy to follow, although not extremely engaging. However, I did find his narrative of the gospel in chapter four to be fresh and enjoyable. Overall I give the book a C+ for writing, B for holding interest, C+ for consistency and logical conclusions, A for optimism, and B for provoking further thought.
In short, if you put all the trendy phrases and personal illustrations and anecdotal stories aside, Lyons is saying that he expects revival. I hope he is right.
Who might enjoy or benefit from The Next Christians? Any Christians interested in ideas for social justice ministry or outreach to the lost. Anyone intrigued by the message of the emerging church movement (this is not to say that Lyons is definitely a part of that movement). People who think Christians are jerks. Christians who are interested in living more fully for Christ.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
