Campolo, prophet, teacher, evangelist and evangelical, writes out of deep concern about the current state of evangelicalism. He calls for Christians to follow Jesus and his teachings rather than the rhetoric and attitudes of the politically oriented religious right, or what he perceives as idolatrous hyper-nationalism and super-patriotism in much of today’s evangelical community.

In this book Campolo writes, ala the apostle Paul, to imagined young evangelicals whom he names Timothy and Junia. In his twenty-one “letters” (chapters) he writes about the history and central beliefs of historic evangelical Christian faith and then relates them to key issues and controversial topics. Campolo spells out what in his view is a more responsible picture of true evangelicalism than is normally conveyed in today’s media.

One of the problems for American evangelicalism today is that it has become so entwined and identified with the “Religious Right” as to become a hindrance. Thus, a group of evangelicals decided to call themselves “Red-Letter Christians”, taken from their intense desire to be faithful to the words of Jesus, sometimes printed in red in some Bibles.

For evangelicals, following Jesus includes commitment to social justice, though there are different ways evangelicals propose to work at social justice issues. Often this may turn on attitudes about the role of government in social justice. Campolo is clearly concerned about some of evangelicalism’s drift toward legalistic fundamentalism. He opposes the Dispensationalist theology founded by John Darby that undergirds the Zionist movement, proposes a Rapture and considers working for peace and justice as secular humanism. Campolo argues for loving persuasion over political coercion.

Campolo takes on some hot button issues including abortion, gay marriage, war, care for the creation and relating with Muslims. He definitely sides with Jesus’ interests in the poor and oppressed. He recognizes these are not easy issues with ready made answers. He is able to consider various viewpoints but will state where he comes out and why. He also makes clear it is possible to be friends and relate positively with people holding differing views. On one issue he and his wife, who are members of different congregations, hold to the divergent views of their respective, and respectful of each other, congregations.

In Campolo’s final letter he challenges his imaginary young proteges, actually all his readers, on where they, and we, will take evangelicalism in the future. To Campolo it appears some young evangelicals’ personal practices, if not their theology, are undergoing changes; so also their relationship with the organized church. And there will be new crises, issues and moral dilemmas ahead.

Tony Campolo has written this message in a fashion as perhaps only he could. Those familiar with his writings will certainly welcome this book. For those not familiar, it’s a wonderful place to start.

This book was borrowed from the Goshen Public Library. The call number is 248.4 CAM.

Dan Haarer, Reviewer