Promise Unfulfilled: The Failed Strategy of Modern Evangelicalism [Hardcover]

Rolland McCune (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2004

The New Evangelicalism was conceived if not born with the formation of the National Association of Evangelicals in 1942. This new group was in the main led by younger professing fundamentalist scholars and leaders who had become dissatisfied with their heritage and wanted to carve out some evangelical middle ground between fundamentalism and neo-orthodoxy. This book is an analysis of the break-away movement in terms of the issues ideas, and practices that led to its beginning, its expansion to an apogee in the 1970s, its subsequent loss of biblical and doctrinal stability, and its slide toward virtual irrelevancy in a postmodern world culture of the 21st century.

The twenty-five chapters are grouped under nine main sections: Historical Antecedents; the Formation of the New Evangelicalism; Ecumenism; Ecclesiastical Separation; The Bible and Authority; Apologetics; Social Involvement; Doctrinal Storms; and Evaluations and Prospects.

It will be a valuable addition to the pastor’s library and a strategic resource for theological education in Bible colleges and seminaries.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Rolland McCune is the former President of the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McCune has written numerous articles about Systematic Theology, Neo-Evangelicalism, Apologetics, and other subjects. He is the current Professor of Systematic Theology at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 398 pages
• Publisher: Emerald House Group Inc (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932307311
• ISBN-13: 978-1932307313
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #803,279 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Review and Critique of the New Evangelicalism November 11, 2004

By Allen Mickle

Dr. Rolland McCune (Th.D., Grace Theological Seminary), Professor of Systematic Theology at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary ([...]) has written a thorough, well-documented, and accurate review and critique of what is commonly known as the "New Evangelicalism."

What first follows is a summary of the book from the DBTS website ([...]

Dr. Rolland McCune has faithfully invested himself in the life of his seminary students for some forty years. There are hundreds of men serving across the country and around the world who have profited from his teaching on systematic theology, dispensationalism, apologetics, and biblical separation. Now the fruit of his scholarly work is being made available to those outside his seminary classroom.

Promise Unfulfilled: The Failed Strategy of Modern Evangelicalism will be released in October 2004 by Ambassador-Emerald International. It is a thorough work of 416 pages, including a Scripture index, a topical index, and an annotated bibliography. It will be a valuable addition to the pastor's library and a strategic resource for theological education in Bible colleges and seminaries. A synopsis of the book is included below.

The New Evangelicalism was conceived if not born with the formation of the National Association of Evangelicals in 1942. This new group was in the main led by younger professing fundamentalist scholars and leaders who had become dissatisfied with their heritage and wanted to carve out some evangelical middle ground between fundamentalism and neo-orthodoxy.... This book is an analysis of the break-away movement in terms of the issues, ideas, and practices that led to its beginning, its expansion to an apogee in the 1970s, its subsequent loss of biblical and doctrinal stability, and its slide toward virtual irrelevancy in a postmodern world culture of the 21st century.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

About the Author Introduction

PART 1: HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS

Introduction

1 The Rise of Theological Liberalism

2 The Great Controversy

PART 2: THE FORMATION OF THE NEW EVANGELICALISM

Introduction

3 Four Crucial Issues

4 Other Contributions

PART 3: ECUMENISM

Introduction

5 Ecumenical Evangelism

6 Ecumenical Church Councils

7 Ecumenical Accolades and Ecumenical Journalism

8 The Charismatic Movement

9 Roman Catholicism

PART 4: ECCLESIASTICAL SEPARATION

Introduction

10 The Rationale of Evangelical Non-Separatism

11 The Biblical Idea of Ecclesiastical Separation

PART 5: THE BIBLE AND AUTHORITY

Introduction

12 Biblical Revelation

13 Biblical Inspiration and Inerrancy

14 Further Issues, Events, and Publications Related to Inerrancy

15 Aftermath of The Battle For the Bible

PART 6: APOLOGETICS

Introduction

16 The Development of New Evangelical Apologetics

17 An Analysis of New Evangelical Apologetics

PART 7: SOCIAL INVOLVEMENT

Introduction

18 New Evangelical Social Activism

19 The Biblical Idea of Social Action

PART 8: DOCTRINAL STORMS

Introduction

20 The Status of the Unevangelized

21 The Destiny of the Finally Impenitent

22 The Open View of God

PART 9: CONCLUSION

23 Evaluations and Prospects

24 Addendum 1: The Younger Evangelicals, A Book Review

25 Addendum 2: Major Events in Evangelicalism, 1942-2003

Selected Annotated Bibliography

Scriptural Index

Topical Index

The book cites copius amounts of primary documents from both early Fundamentalists and New Evangelicals. Where McCune's book separates itself from others that critique New Evangelicalism (like Wells and Schaeffer), is that McCune interprets the movement in light of the Scriptures and finds it wanting.

This book is a must have volume for all those who care about American Religious History and specifically the history of the New Evangelicalism. New Evangelicals will not be able to dismiss the Biblical critiques that McCune brings to the discussion. A book that all pastors and theologicans who care about the state of Christianity today must read this book! Read more ›

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fulfilling my expectations February 9, 2008

By Joshua Longoria

This is a great book with a good insights of the failed attempt to move into a New-Evangelical era while remaining godly. It is not possible to try and walk hand in hand with other "religions" that do not believe in the one true God, and remain faithful to your Lord. This book shows the hopeful beginings and the clear failure of Nodern Evangelicalism that is continuing in a downward spiral. It also gives a clear explination as to why there was such a change in Billy Grahams ministries over the years. I highly recomend this book to any reader that is interested.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars like 7 books in one October 31, 2008

By Jason Schaitel

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is very comprehensive and very detailed at the same time. I learned a lot about the history of liberal theology, fundamentalism, and new-evangelicalism. I also learned much about apologetics, social action, the battle of bible inerrancy and separation issues. This book cleared up a lot of the fog for me surrounding these issues and demonstrated how they are all interrelated.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! January 27, 2009

By Steven A. Leap

Amazon Verified Purchase

This book serves as a nice resource for those who want background information on the fundamental/evangelical movements. It is a must read for anyone who wants a conservative view on the problems of evangelicalism.

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for everyone December 15, 2012

By DrPhilS

Amazon Verified Purchase

McCune pulls no punches as he addresses the historical data and the contemporary outcome of the New Evangelical movement. Filled with quotes from primary sources, McCune exposes the reality that the promises of the early New Evangelicals are indeed unfulfilled.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good work, but has some problems April 5, 2009

By John Wolf

Amazon Verified Purchase

The Rise of Theological Liberalism is the first chapter in the book and in it does McCune describe and detail the many movements and phases of Theological liberalism. Its impossible to detail all these movements in such a short amount of space, but the Influence of Higher Criticism McCune argues was a major formation of Liberal theology as it produced a hermeneutic method of interpretation that viewed the Bible as a culture-bound book (7). This is tragically the ways many New-Evangelicals today interpret the Bible when they read passages like 1 Cor 14 & 1 Tim 2 which are offensive to their ears. It is impossible or very difficult to convince someone who came from such a branch of thinking as the fallacy of higher criticism has incorporated their mindset. In chapter 3 McCune speaks of the formation of the New Evangelical movement with the formation of the National Association of Evangelicals. It was at this point, where the distinction between Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism began to take shape (29).

The doctrine of Separation was the heated debate point and in the end, it is the doctrine that separates Fundamentalists and Evangelicals. It was this formation of the NAE that proved to be the watershed event in the rise of New Evangelicalism (33). These evangelicals felt that the old style Fundamentalism did not suit the new generation of Evangelicals and so a change was needed (33). Fuller Theological Seminary was the New Evangelicalism's new flagship center of learning (39). In chapter 4 McCune lists other contributions to the New Evangelicalism. Christianity Today was a powerful influence to the New Evangelicalism (57). The Case for Orthodox Theology written by Fuller professor Edward John Carnell created a great concern for Fundamentalists.... Carnell very much attacked Fundamentalism in his work proving that he was nothing like Machen and his Fundamentalist friends (60). The Christian Century was yet another problem for the Fundamentalists as some Evangelicals were publishing liberal articles (62). In Chapter 5 McCune speaks of Ecumenical Evangelism and the influence that Billy Graham had then and its future it would have on Evangelicalism. Today inclusive evangelism is the norm and those that question it are considered odd, strange, out of touch, and or intolerant (67). Many arguments are made in favor of ecumenical evangelism, but all these arguments are rebuffed by McCune and the scriptures when examined closely which is often something that these New Evangelicals fail to do. On pages 74-75 McCune argues against Interdenominationalism and in his arguments does he show no appreciation for the early Bible Conference movement. What McCune does is equate interdenominationalism with New Evangelicalism or does he give it a bad rep, when he himself said he appreciated the early works of the Bible Conference movement on page 17, and these were very much interdenominational. McCune has contradicted himself here and shown that his attacks on evangelicals are not all accurate. However, he does argue a strong case and point for the doctrine of Separation, which is the strongest rebuttal to inclusive evangelism (79).

In chapter 8 McCune speaks of the Charismatic movement. The Pentecostalism movement was founded in 1901 when a student spoke in tongues. The Charismatic movement is the neo-Pentecostal movement that began in 1960 when Dennis Bennett spoke in tongues. McCune makes an important distinction between the old Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement and this is that the Pentecostal movement did not have the ecumenical, non-doctrinal stance that many Charismatics have these days (103). However, tragically the Charismatic movement swallowed up old Pentecostalism and these days many don't understand the difference between the two (103). Pentecostalism had an influence in the New Evangelicalism as the Assemblies of God denomination held membership in the National Association of Evangelicals (105). On page 106 McCune speaks of the three waves of the Charismatic movement. The first wave was the old Pentecostal movement (which exists only in small pockets today), the second wave was the post-1960 charismatic renewal movement, and the third wave was the outpouring of healings, prophecies, exorcism, tongues, began slain in the spirit, and other such activities which began about 1980 (106). The Signs and Wonders movement received full acceptance and support from Fuller Theological Seminary, which had a class on healing (106). Tragically, the Third wave movement had invaded many denominations by the mid 1980's (107). Even today, the Charismatic movement has a huge influence in new evangelicalism. Promise Keepers began in 1990 under Bill McCartney whom was a member of a Charismatic church (108). I find it interesting that the vast majority of Christians had been cessationists until the rise of the charismatic and third wave movements. Tragically, the charismatic/Pentecostal presence in new evangelicalism has greatly deteriorated their theology and has fostered "experience based Christianity" (108). Experience based Christianity is that which overrides the intellect and relies solely on experience. I have interacted with many Charismatics who have told me many stories of speaking in tongues or raising the dead, and no amount of theological arguments can convince them, as they do not care what the Bible says, and deny the doctrine of Sufficiency as their experience is ultimately the measure of truth.

In chapter 17 McCune speaks of New Evangelical apologetics and states his experience at becoming a presuppositionalist. A presuppositionalist is one who believes that the Bible alone is the only apologetic method, and one who engages in this way of apologetics will not reason with an unbeliever about evidences against the Bible (213). This style of apologetics can be both good and bad as so often in New Evangelicalism are there evangelists and apologists that are schooled far more in logic, reason, rhetoric and the like than the Bible. They so often believe that neither the Holy Spirit nor the Bible has much power as compared to their arguments and reasoning skills. This approach can be quite problematic, but on the other hand, McCune claiming to be 100% presuppositionalism can also be a problem, as there are evidences that unbelievers and Bible critics can learn, and sometimes the only way they will be convinced is by using this approach to evangelism. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, I just think that being a total presuppositionalist is not the best as its very important to avoid extremes, which I believe, has trapped McCune in this area. In chapter 19 does McCune explain the Biblical idea of Social action. One pages 264-65 McCune speaks of `kingdom now" theology and in this discussions launches a full out attack on progressive dispensationalism. McCune makes no sense at all in his attacks, and provides little if any evidence for his view against progressive dispensationalism. On pages 273-74 McCune makes an attack on Para church ministries that do not operate under a local church. I say that McCune is wrong on his analysis here on several accounts. First, who is to say that God can only work through a local church and cannot use missionaries and ministers involved in Para church ministries? McCune puts God in a box on these pages, and his rationale for these statements come from a heretical comment he made on page 153 when he said that "Baptist Distinctives" are of the Fundamentals of the faith. I am sorry McCune but there will be others besides Baptists in Heaven. McCune may not have meant what he said, but his statement is in print and he should revise it, or he will be thought of as someone that only thinks Baptists can go to heaven.

In chapter 23 McCune gives his conclusion to his book. He believes that new evangelicalism has been slowly moving toward neo-orthodoxy and beyond and I would agree. Carnell had some influence from the heretic Karl Barth whom was quite neo-orthodox and much of New Evangelical influence came from Fuller. So, it would make sense why new evangelicalism is slowly headed to neo-orthodoxy. McCune concludes the chapter by stating that the new evangelicalism is incapable of self-correction. I have to disagree with that remark, because in God all things are possible. I will also object to McCune's argument and fierce attacks on new evangelicalism with the example of Samson, whom was quite a disobedient believer, but is mentioned in the Hall of fame in Hebrews and not to forget was mightily used by God at the end of his life. I am no new evangelical but McCune's attacks I believe are too fierce and condescending. God can use new evangelicals and presently uses many to reach millions and to carry out his work (Hank Hanegraaf, Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah). McCune forgets that not everyone is s intellectual as he is, and some do not understand all of theology to the same depth as him. But some of the people that McCune attacks deeply love the Lord and desire to serve him, and are used by God. While many of McCune's attacks are accurate, some of them are very inappropriate and are condescending to evangelicals and those that love the lord deeply but are just off in a few areas. New evangelicals can play McCune's game with him and claim him to be a cultist because he thinks that only Baptists will go to heaven. Overall, a good work, but definitely needs revision and correction. I do not believe that McCune thinks that the Baptist Distinctives are a part of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, and why he needs to revise that statement. Read more ›