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Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham
by: D. G. Hart
Product Information
Condition: New
Binding: Paper Back
Author: D. G. Hart
Publisher: Baker Academic (October 2005)
ISBN: 0801031184
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Millions of Americans identify themselves as evangelicals. But what does the word mean? D. G. Hart provocatively argues that evangelicalism is a concept that has obscured more of Christianity than it has revealed and should be abandoned as a separate religious identity. Instead, he suggests that American Christians rediscover their rich theological heritage. 'Hart's reasoning cannot be easily dismissed. . . . Recommended.'--Library Journal
The academic sound of the title does not do justice to the startling thesis that ''evangelicalism'' as a term should be discarded. An exhaustive historical study of the term as created in the twentieth century is followed by a report of its fragmentation. Lacking discipline in polity, richness in creed, and depth of worship, Hart (former director of the Institute for the Study of Evangelicals at Wheaton College) argues that late twentieth century evangelicalism has sold its birthright by seeking a lowest common denominator in beliefs and practices in contrast to historic Christianity. In this sense, evangelicalism has become ironically much like liberal Christianity's minimalism, attempting to separate the ''husk'' from the ''kernel'' of the gospel. Offering a provocative combination of academics and polemics, Hart helps both friend and foe of evangelicalism to see the historical issues at hand from Charles Fuller's Old Fashioned Revival Hour to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Church.
The academic sound of the title does not do justice to the startling thesis that ''evangelicalism'' as a term should be discarded. An exhaustive historical study of the term as created in the twentieth century is followed by a report of its fragmentation. Lacking discipline in polity, richness in creed, and depth of worship, Hart (former director of the Institute for the Study of Evangelicals at Wheaton College) argues that late twentieth century evangelicalism has sold its birthright by seeking a lowest common denominator in beliefs and practices in contrast to historic Christianity. In this sense, evangelicalism has become ironically much like liberal Christianity's minimalism, attempting to separate the ''husk'' from the ''kernel'' of the gospel. Offering a provocative combination of academics and polemics, Hart helps both friend and foe of evangelicalism to see the historical issues at hand from Charles Fuller's Old Fashioned Revival Hour to Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Church.
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