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The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture?

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This book is not a book about post-modernism or the emerging issues of our culture. Instead this book is about the attack on the Christian faith that is emerging in our culture and besetting our young people daily in our schools. All of us are affected by the trends that occur in the culture around us, and in this book we are giving insight into just what has been happening over the past few decades to undermine the faith of younger generations. Another reviewer has said to look elsewhere for a book about post-modernism, as the person was somewhat disappointed. On the contrary I was not looking for that at all- I was looking for a way to defend my faith in a culture that says that it is irrelevant and useless. I wanted to know that not only does my faith matter, it is important to share that faith in love and compassion with others that live in this world who are culturally trained to think in a "post-Christian" mindset, as though Christianity's time has past, and it is no longer culturally acceptable to follow that faith. Other religions are having their time now in our culture, and for many it is cool and accepted to practice them, yet Christianity, the faith of this nation's first immigrants and statesmen, has been pushed to the side, its followers reckoned as foolish and backwards by many.

Yet there are many, many people who still believe. They simply do not know how to talk with others about their faith who hear their ideas through the filters of post-modernism and even anti-Christian bias. This book is very well-written and serves to fill the void in our understanding of how to reconcile our faith within our culture.

The Ever-Loving Truth by Voddie Baucham is a must-read for every Christian who is serious about their faith and defending it in today's world. While not an overly exhaustive view of such topics as absolute truth and postmodernism, Voddie does a fantastic job of setting up each point and laying a solid foundation from which he argues. The text is biblically-based, at times in-your-face, but the message he delivers is one every Christian needs to hear.

I must say that I didnt know much about postmodernism before reading this book, but after hearing Voddie speak this past summer and seeing the gifts he has from the pulpit, I had take my chance on his book and it was well worth the chance. If you want a book that is relevant for today's society and for the future, a book that will make you open your eyes to the truth, this is your book.

Dr. Baucham has illuminated the culture vs. Christianity conflict with clarity. His no-compromise approach is refreshing in a day of watered down faith. Living a God-honoring Christian life can certainly seem impossible for Christians with half of their mind fixed on the popular culture - Dr. Baucham calls Christians to a higher standard and makes clear the Biblical examples of the committed life. His passion is clearly evident and the research he has undertaken is quite convicting. Highly recommended for all Christians, especially those struggling with the common issues of today's secular pressures and temptations. While not a handbook of "how-tos", it is an eye opener!

I have had the privelege of speaking personally with Voddie and I have many of his sermons on CD. He is the most powerful and relative speaker for Christians today. This book shares the heart of his ministry. It equips Christians to defend their faith with facts. It also runs against today's culture encouraging Christians to stay true to their faith and what scripture says. We are not to modify our faith for the world and this books helps us to stand firm and strong. If you get a chance to hear Voddie speak, I wouldn't miss it.

This book is a must read for every parent, teenager and pastor! Dr. Baucham provides a clear, concise presentation of what believers are up against in this post-Christian culture in which we live. Without a doubt, it is a fight for Truth. In the marketplace of ideas, Christian values and convictions are under attack. This book reveals the intentional ploys of a culture that has no place for absolute truth, nor those who believe it. Each chapter is a commentary within itself and provides valuable information and insight into how our faith and Christian convictions are no longer welcome in our culture. The best defense for the believer is to be armed with biblical truth and an understanding of the ploys of the enemy. You will receive some of each while reading this book. Our children must be aware of the ongoing fight that is being waged against Christian beliefs, and the people who have them, if we are to pass on our heritage of faith. The Ever-Loving Truth is an excellent resource for teenagers who are beginning to develop their Christian worldview. I strongly suggest parents read the book along with their children. There is even a workbook for private or small group Bible studies. Pastors will find plenty of sermon material to illustrate why it is time for the church to wake up and contend for our faith in the Truth. Preachers will be challenged to boldly preach the Truth. Parents will be exhorted to prepare the next generation to defend the only real Truth.

Dr. Ted Seago

Pastor, Grace Community Church

This book is wonderful, concise and hard-hitting. It should be required reading for all Christians. It's a real wake-up call for all the Gen-Xers out there. Baucham is thorough in his research and makes a valid argument time and time again. After seeing him give a lecture, I fell in love with this book even more and bought copies for five of my friends. Highly recommended.

The Ever-Loving Truth is a well-written guide for modern American Christians and their pastors/ teachers. The book is divided into 3 main sections:

1. Pre-Christian Attitudes in a Post-Christian Culture - "examines cultural attitudes toward Christianity" pg. 5

2. Drawing a Line in the Sand - "noting essentials where Christians must be in agreement if they are to keep their Christianity intact." pg. 5

3. What Shall We Say? - "elaborates on two crucial issues in Contemporary Christianity - belief in the Bible and the trend toward belief in an unbiblical Jesus - and how to respond to each of them." pg. 5

Furthermore, the author states clearly on pg. 5 that "This book was written with a view toward changing the manner in which we as Christ's followers respond to modern trends within our culture." With this in mind, Dr. Baucham provides a wide array of topics and situations where many Christians may not be aware of just how profoundly the culture affects our thinking and our actions more than we as Christians impact the culture in which we find ourselves.

Topics covered in Section 1 include:

* The university & seminaries

* The legal system, the issue of the separation of church and state, hate crimes legislation

* Chapter 2 addresses the cultural ideals/ myths about truth and explores such topics as "All Religions are the Same," "Tolerance in the greatest virtue," and "There are no absolutes."

* Chapter 3 provides an excellent overview of how Christians are portrayed in media and thus reflects how the culture at large views Christianity in America

* Chapter 4 discusses how the name of Jesus and references to Christianity are being pushed out of the Public Square. For more on this topic, I would recommend the book: The ACLU vs. America: Exposing the Agenda to Redefine Moral Values

Section 2 challenges the Christians reading the book to examine their own thinking and putting themselves to the worldview test. The author challenges us to really consider whether or not we have formed our opinions according to the world's teachings or according to what God teaches in the Bible. How willing are we as Christians to put our faith in action and actively preach the good news to our culture? How willing are we to take a stand and make sacrifices or suffer consequences from the culture to live out our Christian faith? The author provides a number of illustrations and practical advice.

Section 3 "puts forth evidences for the historicity and veracity of the Bible and the Christian view of Jesus." pg. 133 It's a great synopsis and brief overview for many Christians who may not have much familiarity with the topic. For those who want to dig deeper into this toppic, I recommend: The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ.

Bro. Voddie's book has been edifying. This book is a battle strategy with the aim to arm the soldiers of our risen LORD to fight the good fight of Faith more effectually in this pluralistic post-Christian culture. Brother Voddie strongly encourages us to boldy speak the truth in love as we raise our voices in the "marketplace of ideas." Without our LORD we can do nothing, but in humble submission to Him we, though

"untrained men," can partake of the privilege of sharing in His sufferings thus being a living and vocal example that the Faith can thrive in this post-Christian culture. To God alone be the glory!!!

This book addresses issues every Christian deals with in a way that is easy to grasp (and apply). Our culture has affected our thinking as Christians and this book brings us back to the truth of God's word. If you are seeking a closer walk with God and a better testimony for him, then you should read this book. If you are not a Christian but you want to know what truth is, this book is a good place to start.

Let me say this up front: this is not an exhaustive treatise dealing with post-modernity, nor is it a comprehensive book with a view of deep apologetic matters.

What it is though is an excellent presentation of the many issues facing Christianity in engaging the present culture that we find ourselves in. It branches out there to sort of "wet the appetite" to solutions and issues that we should understand, answers we should be able to provide.

This is a great introductory book for those interested in looking into the challenges facing the modern church. It is also and incredible book to use for leading a youth study and building a fondation of apologetics in the youth of our churches.

I definately recomend and enjoyed this book!