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The Evangelical Moment: The Promise of an American Religion

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The Evangelical Moment is an informative account of a complex and often misunderstood movement known as American evangelicalism. Kenneth Collins traces the roots of evangelicalism beyond its major identifying movements in America to events in the first-century Church. He engages the reader in the evangelical conversations that have defined its theological and sociological positions in a way that is easy to understand and easy to read. The image he presents of the intelligent, well-educated American evangelical is radically different from the ignorant bigot on the lunatic fringe most often portrayed by the media today. His chapter on "Evangelicals and Feminism" is a welcome ray of sunlight for any woman who has ever longed for scriptural community but felt her spirit 'bound and gagged' by oppressive teachings. As Collins points out, not all the problems for American evangelicalism have been solved, but the conversation is ongoing and his prognosis is good. This book is rich in information and inspiring in hope.

Kenneth Collins presents a thorough examination of American Evangelicalism in this book, and those with varying degrees of knowledge about Evangelicalism will find it extremely helpful. This is a very readable presentation of the history, challenges, strengths and weaknesses of a movement that encompasses Christians from all denominations. Timely and encouraging is the treatment of Feminism and Evangelicalism. Collins advocates the power of God working through women as well as men to minister for the Lord. He calls for a balanced handling of Scripture through the illumination of the Holy Spirit. He asks probing questions that seek for integrity to Scripture and to the Living Word, Jesus Christ. American Evangelicalism is not just a doctrine but also a way of life. This way of life, through the power of Jesus Christ's atonement, has the power to radically change lives. I am encouraged about the position of evangelicals and their ability to face the challenges of a culture that is swiftly growing more spiritual and less Christian as time goes on.

I vacillated on whether to give this 4 stars or 5--when I first read through it, I recommended it to many, and got through it quickly. I have some minor objections, but he raises a more traditional perspective that, especially within the Methodist tradition (which receives special, though not exclusive, focus in the book) has become more and more neglected among more academic Wesleyans, though starting to make a comeback.

Collins challenges those who favor pushing evangelicalism, and Methodism in particular, more and more away from its distinctly evangelical roots. For example, he calls out Methodist academics who raise questions about fundamental points of Christian orthodoxy, and cites the Methodist Discipline to boldy suggest as that those in authority who do not accept standard doctrine should be kept from communion. Although this may lead to a kneejerk reaction by many, his argument for this is straightforward and fair--what does communion mean, if not an acceptance of the basic tenets of Christian orthodoxy? He also notes that many younger scholars have moved in a conservative direction (my own observations agree with this), because they have been astute enough to apply the hermeneutic of suspicion, or the critical method, back on these

approaches themselves!

It would be a mistake to see this as simply a conservative apologetic. His section on politics shows balance, and he remains aware of the central importance of the "social Gospel" to turn of the century Evangelicalism. He also defends women's ordination. I found his method here to be his main shortcoming, as he relies largely on experiential and anecdotal arguments, and doesn't address the more fundamental points of church tradition, apostolic succession, etc. that would be raised by traditional Catholic or Orthodox readers who would be otherwise sympathetic with his discussion. Speaking of which, he gives a fairly balanced discussion of Catholicism and Orthodoxy (important dialogue partners with Evangelcials these days), while standing once again for the distinctives of evangelicalism, without castigating these other traditions. Those who favor reading Wesley more in light of Anglo-Catholicism may find this to be more of "holiness" read on Methodism than a Wesleyan one, though Collins does give attention to sacramentology, etc. Once again, though, he doesn't address the strongest arguments these traditions make for their own distinctive views of works/grace, ecclesiology, etc. In that sense, he writes with a definite pro-Evangelical slant. In all, though, there is enough there to argue with, and plenty to agree with (if you are a fairminded reader), to make for a stimulating read.

Collins' book the "Evangelical Moment" takes the reader on a historical journey of the evangelical movement with some exciting stops along the way. The book provides a reader-friendly discussion of American evangelicals in term of such hot buttons issues as politics, social action and feminism. I especially liked the argument for a leadership role of woman in the church; it is the best I've ever read. The chapter on politics, as Collins skewers some of the reigning shibboleths of the left (I found at times even humorous), is worth the price of the book itself.

The segments on conversion and being born again, so important to American evangelicals, were also challenging to say the least... Collins seems to have a keen sense that grace is liberating, that it sets the captives free--really free. I don't often hear that.

From what I can tell, the book is carefully researched, and the bibliography is extensive. It will chart my way for some future reading. The "Evangelical Moment", however, is a good place to begin. It is a must read for all Christians who would like to understand their evangelical brothers and sister a little better.

In an age consumed by concepts such as "fair and balanced," partisan politics, and media bias, critiques of Evangelical Christianity seem to pull no punches. More often than not, these critiques go uncriticized, and the object of their scrutiny is either vaguely defined by crude generalizations, misdefined by historical anachronisms, or left undefined by blatant prejudice. In this book, Kenneth J. Collins first defines the multiform concept of Evangelicalism as it plays out in American Christianity and confronts its subsequent critics. In addition, Collins offers that "Evangelicals," a specific subset of Christians present among the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, are proving to be quite effective in unifying the various communions of the Christian faith.

This promise of the beginnings of a true ecumenism provides a glimpse of hope in amidst the picture of despair that is the seemingly rampant division so prevalent among Cristians of various backgrounds. The question for these communions of believers in Christ is can they "break bread" together, these that "affirm Scripture, the four great ecumenical councils, and the three creeds?" (p.204). Collins' book offers the hope that they can. In time, through the Spirit of love and truth, Christians may understand the importance of their unity, especially in the face of tribulation.

The evangelicals are cautioned against the comfortabilty and prosperity of their American context, and a call to preach the gospel and minister to the poor ever exceeds matters of secondary importance that divide so many Christians. The time is now...the season is ripe..."the night is far spent, the day is at hand" (Romans 13:12). May the reader join with Collins in his vision of hope for Christian unity in this honest, candid, and humble exploration of the evangelical moment in American religion.