The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons, unfortunately, does not stand up to the quality of the first, major work he produced – unChristian. This book starts off with a bang as he introduces his idea and begins to lay the foundation for the dual choices he presents later. He goes back to that first book and reproduces some of the research on the world’s perspectives of Christians. He does provide a harrowing forecast for Christianity in our modern times because, for the most part, Christians have disengaged.
After his opening chapters, he presents a contrast between what “next Christians” (whom he calls “restorers”) should be doing rather than what they are currently doing. Those actions are: (1) provoked, not offended; (2) creators, not critics; (3) called, not employed; (4) grounded, not distracted; (5) in community, not alone; (6) civil, not divisive; and (7) countercultural, not relevant. It is here, within these discussions, that Lyons’ work reveals signs of weakness. I do realize that big name individuals have endorsed his manuscript; however, I hope to clearly outline my objections with opinion and analysis of his arguments.
Before I go on, I highly recommend that anyone struggling with questions of God’s will and their current workplace read chapter 7 very carefully. In my mind, this was the strongest chapter of the book that provided a cogent analysis of our situation. We cannot continue to separate our current occupations from “real ministry” that God has provided. As Lyons says, “work provides the only real contact many Christians have with outsiders” (p 109). That reality is a sad one that must be changed. We cannot be lights in this world (Matthew 5:16) without being in the world.
My major problem begins with his early chapters as he describes the differences between “separatists” and “cultural.” He advocates for a more middle ground and wants “next Christians” to be “restorers.” These individuals take both extremes, merge them together, and make Christianity relevant in our pluralistic and relativistic society. While that sounds great, Lyons seems to be reacting to his stringent upbringing. For instance, he readily and perpetually acknowledges that he grew up in a separatist home and all of his examples swing to the “restorer” or even “cultural” side.
In one of his examples for a restorer, he concedes that the positive example may have made “unjustifiable compromise” and that separatist concerns may be “valid” (p 88). Those very statements undercut his argument for this individual being a restorer. Remember, restorers are the middle ground; however, that example seems to indicate Lyons advocates for more cultural solutions instead of those advanced by separatists. Maybe I am reading too much into this particular example, but it fits the pattern that his personal pendulum may have swung from separatist to cultural.
Another issue that I noted is with chapter 6 – Creators, not Critics. This chapter was incoherent, weak, and thoroughly disappointing. He opens with the mention of some cultural magazine named Paste that is supposedly run by two Christians. Other than discussing the topics covered by this print media, he makes no case for how this periodical creates beauty and advances the cause of Christ. Throughout, he uses esoteric terms like beauty and common good but never truly connect them to our purpose in life – glorify God as we live in the redemptive grace He alone provides.
Lyons own example in this chapter 6 creates major problems with this theory. For instance, in detailing the appeal of Paste, he noted they created culture “not by censoring music with questionable lyrics” (p 91). So, this cultural journal glorifies God by including and discussing material that a holy God may consider offensive? Lyons omitted completely any reference to Psalm 101:3 (NIV) that says: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” He also fails to consider the implications of Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” I cannot know the mind of God, but would questionable lyrics fit the principles advanced in either of those two verses?
My overarching issue with the work is its structure. Christians are to be followers of Jesus; and as a follower of Jesus, I should be consumed by study of His word. Lyons utilizes snippets of Scripture here and there to bolster one of his points. Instead, I wish he would have stated specific Biblical examples and then peppered in the modern, human examples that match the Word of God. For instance, he mentions that Zacchaeus was changed by Jesus and not instructed to change his occupation. Rather, Jesus told him to live as an example within his profession. Where was the detailed analysis of that entire scene that could have bolstered his argument? It was missing other than a few, random lines.
There are some good qualities in this read – like the chapter on employment – and the last several contrasts are quite wonderful. Chapters 7, 8, 10, and 11 are highly relevant and authentic for us to consider. At times, Lyons has a tremendous ability to turn a wonderful phrase. At the end of chapter 6, which I have already unpacked, Lyons has two SUPERB paragraphs. While those thoughts stick with you, the examples he selects detract from them. If I can spend as much time as I did in pointing out my issues of this chapter while having positive things to say about the rest, my suggestion is simple: either rewrite chapter 6 or throw it out altogether.
Despite my reservations, I think it is worth a read to find some of those buried nuggets.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. 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 25: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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