David W. Congdon
Cambridge University Press, 404 pages
Published April 4, 2024
The timing of this book couldn’t be more apropos, considering the current temperature of heightened religiosity across our country’s socio-political landscape. The drawback, however, is its bent toward academia, positioning itself excellently for theological education (no surprise given Congdon’s profession) but not so much for the average parishioner or even pastor (not for a lack of desire or intellect, but of time).
Through a Western Christian lens, Congdon situates the logic of his argument in Christian history and its relationship with culture and modernity, cautiously weaving his personal experiences with modern-day evangelicalism. If there is an axe to grind, it is the position that true Christianity inherently involves “liberal democracy, civil rights, and social justice.” Congdon draws parallels from Christian history that are contextually relatable, such as the conflict between German Christians and the Confessing Church in the 20th century, and in doing so, brings some balance between applying his title’s question (and quest) to both today’s context and yesterday’s lessons.
Congdon writes for those who hope to (re)claim a Christian identity apart from the rhetoric splashed across headlines. By claiming there is no normative Christianity, he critiques liberal and conservative Christians alike for their practices of exclusion (e.g., labeling what qualifies as “true” or orthodox Christianity). I find Congdon’s equal treatment of evangelicals and liberals commendable and refreshing.
Who is a True Christian? lacks, however, the component I most seek: attention to the gospel message. As a pastor whose current congregation is brightly red and blue, I seek resources to tell the shared gospel story of love for one another that belongs to us all, and that has deep historical roots. I hoped for that message in the voice of a church historian and scholar, and in a book that bridges the divide between the practical and theoretical. Folks in the trenches of ministry have little time for thick treatises and little patience for superficial “how to” fixes. Congdon’s book, as the title suggests, explores an attractive and relevant question for Christians in today’s waters to consider. The academic nature of his arguments, however, can be prohibitive. What would help, then, is a short discussion guide for each chapter. Perhaps this is the work of the reader — if only she weren’t a full-time pastor!
If you have a lengthy flight, consider packing (or downloading) this one. While fitting for an academic setting, you’ll be able to extract themes applicable for discussions on the layered meanings of identifying as a Christian in America’s choppy waters. For the reader who can commit time to the historical complexities of identifying as a Christian and the skills for extracting themes a study group finds relatable, this can be one resource upon which to build. And if you find yourself creating a study guide for a group, please consider sharing it. This reader sure would appreciate it.
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