The Embarrassed Believer: Reviving Christian Witness in an Age of Unbelief [Paperback]

Hugh Hewitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 1998

Due to increased hostility toward Christianity, believers have become too timid about their faith and alternative religions have stepped in to fill the void. Hewitt offers an intelligent, thought-provoking defense for Christians wanting to defend their faith.

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849914191
• ISBN-13: 978-0849914195
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #583,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hewitt Shouldn't Be Embarrassed About This One, January 3, 2001

By 

Jack Turner - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Embarrassed Believer: Reviving Christian Witness in an Age of Unbelief (Hardcover)

It was a good read. Hewitt doesn't try to spare anyone's feelings during the book, including his own. He hits hard and doesn't pull any punches on the Embarrassed Believers, but delivers a matter of fact lay out. It's not high Christology (you theology majors know what I'm talking about); it doesn't claim to be. But should still challenge even the most seasoned believer. I think the end was a little lacking because it left a lot of questions and provoked thought, but doesn't really give you an answer to the questions it raises...it doesn't even really make a step in the direction of answering questions. However, I would still recommend that you read it. It's worth the small amount of effort you need to get through it and you'll have more than your fair share of food for thought.

34 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I'm Surprised This Thoughtful Book Is Out Of Print So Soon, July 14, 2001

By 

C. Ryan (Winthrop, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Embarrassed Believer: Reviving Christian Witness in an Age of Unbelief (Paperback)

The Embarrassed Believer is a well-articulated challenge for Christians to become obvious "believers" (through words, actions and witness) rather than just be "bystanders". Hewitt defines "bystanders" as Christians who are embarrassed to publicly articulate and live out their beliefs and values in an age when media elites and popular culture denigrate, if not out-and-out deride or ridicule, religious believers, particularly Christians.

Hewitt asserts, probably correctly, that although media elites put up a facade of widespread indifference or hostility to traditional religious values, the number of people in America who actually share the media's view is relatively small (IF they would turn off the tube long enough to think about it).

Ironically, while Hewitt repeatedly states that popular culture has descended to a dangerous level of incoherent, violent, immoral chaos, he says that he goes to see practically every new movie with anything other than an NR rating. Talk about a disconnect! Also, while he argues that Christians need to more fully engage the culture rather than retreat from it, he doesn't provide many specific suggestions for doing so.

I think the best "action step" Hewitt suggests is for Christians to become more active in cultural and social institutions (presumably as shining examples to others) rather than trying, in vain, to change the country through the political process. Think about it: social phenomenon and cultural abominations arise from an immoral or amoral society, and then we propose to improve or turnaround the situation through laws and government programs rather than through active participation in the society. Doesn't make much sense, does it? Also, Hewitt points out that rather than merely boycotting things we don't like (which seldom seems to accomplish anything positive as far as I can tell), Christians should actively support, with dollars and encouragement, things we like and want to see more of. "Find something good and praise it."

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those who are tired of seeking, seeking, seeking..., March 11, 2002

By 

"mcmllr" (Barneveld, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Embarrassed Believer: Reviving Christian Witness in an Age of Unbelief (Paperback)

This book is good for Christians who already know what they believe, and are tired of yet one more program to help Christians "find" or "discover" the truth in their religion. Hewitt accurately protrays the truth of the Christian faith for Christians, and the need to speak up without embarrassment for the faith. He shows how proponents of other religious systems, also claiming the truth as they know it, are not shamed by the media, but rather, lauded. What has happened to Christians? Reading the Bible is helpful in answering that question (the Way of the Cross is real), and Hewitt has much to say about how to cope with, and be proud of, being a Christian believer. A well thought out book from a real thinker.