Customer Reviews

The Subversion of Christianity

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When I first read this book, so many things fell into place that I've been buying up copies and giving them to my friends to read. Ellul ably holds to the essential core of Christian teaching while showing how the church throughout history has consistently been led away from truly living out the gospel -- whether by outside forces or by the weight of its own success, the church has continually done exactly the opposite of what the New Testament writers tell us to do. This book is fairly easy to read, and is very straightforward: Ellul takes us through some of the most important missteps in church history and shows how the good news of Grace and Freedom was forced to the side, even with the best of intentions. Ellul challenges us to find a new way of living out the Gospel, without either conforming ourselves to our present age or rejecting the essential elements of Christian doctrine. If the church is to have any effect, he says, we must return to our origins as a group of subversive individuals who refuse to play along with society's expectations. Only by being subversive ourselves (as all the heroes of faith have been), can we return Christianity to its place as bearer of good news to a world which needs to hear it.

Jacques Ellul is the author of some forty books, and this one lives up to the high standards that he sets with each one. "The Subversion of Christianity" is an Academic work that is both challenging to read, and thought consuming, but for a true Christian Scholar, beyond the difficult prose lies a strong arguement against the current state of Christianity today. Ellul refutes several issues of the church such as morality, anti-feminism and practices to show that Christianity of the current world is a complete contradiction of the revelation of Jesus Christ. Ellul does not waver in pointing out the causes of this subversion, and supports his thesis with a wealth of knowledge and resources. The purpose of Ellul's work is of course, the repairation of the church and the obedience to the revelation of Christ.

Theologian, Sociologist, Public Servant, Lawyer, Jacques Ellul is one of the twentieth century's deepest thinkers and most prolific writers. The Subversion of Christianity provides the skeleton key to the rest of Ellul's writings, since above and below everything else Ellul is, he is a radical Christian, rooted deeply in biblical thought. But his Christian faith is much more profound and biblical than the Christendom he, and Kierkegaard before him, deplores. Subversion is not just an attack, it is a thorough exploration and explanation of how sincere religious people, lay and clerical, have turned upside down the revelation of God found in the Bible and in the person of Jesus Christ, beginning in the third century and continuing through the present day. This has happened, Ellul explains, not through evil intent but because leaders of the Church were seduced by power, by law, by morality, by syncretism, and forgot to be faithful to revelation.
Though written in the 1980s, Ellul's book is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it. It's a must read for serious and thoughtful Christians.

Like Barth and Brunner before him, Jacques Ellul makes a distinction between the true faith and a institutionalized, world-encrusted religion. In "The Subversion of Christianity," Ellul condemns the Christian religion as a faith subverted by the world. He decries the triumph of philosophy. Theologians readily begin with the biblical witness or revelation but then quickly leave it behind. In a desire to reach the truth, they develop moral codes, philosophical systems, and metaphysical constructs. Although they have good intentions, their result destroys the love and grace of the gospel.

Jacques Ellul is very careful about the charges that he makes against Christianity. His arguments are subtle, and Ellul is quick to acknowledge the hyperbole of those who criticize the faith from the outside. Nonetheless, he often finds a kernel of truth at the root of those criticisms. Ellul blames the worst of Christianity on it's subversion. Moreover, the author levels charges against the church that even her greatest critics do not. For example, he suggests that Christianity itself is at least partly responsible for the rise of nihilism. Biblical revelation destroys the legitimacy of every other worldview. A weakened and subverted Christianity then provides a poor substitute, basically leaving us to ourselves.

At the end, Ellul still offers hope. The institutionalization of the faith appears almost inevitable, but the resurgence of the gospel is likewise inevitable. As Jesus said, the "gates of hell will not prevail against [the church]" (Matthew 16:18). That does not mean there is one particular solution. In reality there are times and places of renewal and retreat. Many times revival comes not as the church relates to itself. Instead, revival comes as the church relates to the world.

"The Subversion of Christianity" is a profound work that deserves more than a cursory read.

Ellul's radical thesis in this book: Christianity has been perverted from its original essence. The formalistic organizations of the Church; the affirmation of the various social status quo within the Protestant Ethics; the substitution of revelation for easy to understand images (e.g. Father, Son, Baby...), and more--all these pervert the purpose, and indeed, the true meaning of Christianity.

Ellul brought a powerful mind to a challengingly acerbic theological thesis. In more than a few parts, Ellul nearly fell into Gnosticism given how important his rhetoric of secret knowledge and revelation plays in his thesis. Ellul is likely to demur from mysticism--he himself rejected this position in the book--yet one is unable to read this book at least on first reading without thinking that Ellul himself was also a mystic; at least a mystic that often found himself arguing against the poverty and reductionism of the organized rationalistic world. Here, one is likely to find the spiritual hypothesis of Ellul's earlier thesis in 'La Technique'.

Where this book really shines is Ellul's preservation of a Christian conscience in a thesis that ineluctably argues against what is perceivably, and acceptably, Christianity. Too often we find theologians either arguing for Christ against the Church, or for Christ against Paul. Surprisingly, Ellul was able to thread this fine (and very meaningful line) well, since it is within this often conflictive tripartite relationship between Christ, the Church and the Pauline doctrines where he expounded his thesis. In an age where even apologetics have chosen the path of going against or deviating from the Word, Ellul did amazingly well--he chose the Word yet remained undogmatic, thereby demonstrating that a conscientious Christian thinker can also be a philosophical one.

While I deemed Ellul successful on first read to have argued his case convincingly, he was less successful, I think, when he ventured into bits of speculative metaphysics (though it was all quite persuasive) to expound on the connection between the 'dominions and powers' of this age with his own thesis. Between the intellectual choice of a pure spiritualistic approach and the allegorical choice of representing these spiritual entities with simple to understand manifestations, Ellul could not really make up his mind. I suppose a deeper commitment to either choice would also have been a wiser and certainly clearer choice. Furthermore, Ellul made multiple propositions within his text--too many to count really--that at least on the pains of immediacy and superficiality, seem to contradict many Scriptural implications.

Part political thesis, part theological argument, and part Gnostic revelation, Ellul's book aspires to great affront for every Christian (and well so) but also inspires great promise for the reader who complements Scriptural readings with hermeneutical expositions.

At its core, even though Ellul reiterated that Christianity, and more so, Christ, can never be compressed and reduced into an idea, an image or a philosophy, he had nonetheless elected to use philosophy in order to represent these ideas. And so what I deem this book to be: a most intriguing set of arguments, and consistent to the pluralism in Christianity today, that these practices of Christianity have almost nothing to do, and as a matter of fact, overwhelmingly contradict the message and purpose of Christ.

Rarely have I taken as long to read a book as I have in working through this one. The content demanded reading, re-reading and pauses to consider what was being said. Make no mistake, this is a book that requires careful and attentive reading to hear what it is saying as well as to discern what it is not saying.

Jacques Ellul was a prolific writer in his native French and more of his works are being translated into English. He is known to most as a philosopher and in particular for his deterministic approach toward technology and its impact upon individuals and society. Ellul however, was a Christian Anarchist too, who had a great deal to say about personal faith, the true nature of the church and the societal, cultural and historical changes that have taken place. The term Christian Anarchist is one that remains grossly misunderstood by many. This is not anarchism in the sense of 18th and 19th century political anarchism. This is in many ways a return to early Christianity and the early churches recognition that relationship and a personal walk with Christ was far more to be desired and in fact was antithetical to a walk based upon obligation and external social pressures toward conformity with an established norm. At its heart it is a return to Christ's direct teaching and strong aversion to the religion of the Pharisees of his day who focused upon the external appearance and had nothing to do with the Kingdom Christ had to establish.

It is really from this that the entire premise of this book springs. Ellul draws a stark distinction between the faith Christ delivered once and for all (Christianity) and what it has become over time due to the influences of Greek Philosophy, Roman Law and many other societal trends over time and in the present age (Christendom.) Christendom, Ellul states, has largely departed from, and indeed is many instances is diametrically opposite that which Christ originally taught and modeled.

Keep in mind that this book was originally written in 1984 in French. This translation of Ellul's 40th book came in 1986. Despite the more than 25 years that have passed since it's being written and the great upheavals and exponential technological change, this message is still very timely and contemporary.

The book itself moves in broad themes to demonstrate the radical changes in the understanding of the basics of Christianity. After initially defining the contradictions that he observed in the first chapter Ellul then moves systematically though several influences outside of the core teaching and relationship model of Christianity that he sees as particularly key. The contradictions noted include,

* the denial of progressive revelation in theory but the practice of progressive changes of interpretation.

* the ongoing struggle of grace and law and the creative and myriad ways that grace is diminished while law is promoted.

* the continued synthesis of cultural and societal values into the core of the Christian religion which in the end comes to reflect society rather than being a change agent within it.

* the foundation of Christ's clear teachings and simple message undermined by Greek Philosophy, Roman Law and turned into an "ism".

* the clear teachings of Christ rationalized away in favor of an intellectually consistent, but content-wise opposite message watered down with the original message cast aside.

With the problem thus defined, Ellul moves on to address how the current forms of Christendom have been arrived upon. The principle elements focused upon is Christianity's historic alignment with political power in direct contradiction to the teachings of Christ about such compromise and use of earthly means to attempt to bring about spiritual results. In a very cursory manner, Ellul covers many of the elements of the paganizing of the church that are covered in far greater detail in Frank Viola and George Barna's Pagan Christianity. Included in these forms is the tendency to moralize or move to legalistic checklists to define how true a person's religion is or may be. The emphasis upon money and wealth in the western church context along with the alignment of Christendom with different forms of governmental theory to prove, after the fact, the validity of the current societally in-vogue economic theory whether that be LaisseFaire capitalism or Marxism, to give but two.

From here then Ellul begins to paint in broad themes through chapters that continue to build upon the foundation laid. He moves from forms within Christendom illustrating his point and then to some of the overlying societal influences that have shaped Christendom into what it is today in the western world especially.

Most of the chapters can actually stand on their own as essays on each individual element addressed. The issues touched up include:

* The artificial distinction between the "sacred" and "secular" in institutional religion.

* The false equation of Christianity with Morality.

* The role of women within society and the church.

* The historical influence of Islam back upon Christendom.

* The perversion of Christendom intertwined with political power.

* The progression of Nihilism in response to societal woes and the themes of it within organized Christianity.

* The heart of why Christianity as a religion is diametrically opposite to historical Christianity as delivered by Christ and received by the early saints.

* The influence of "Dominions and Powers" behind the scenes. (This has to be read to be understood ... it's not what Christians today, would expect it to be.)

* A conclusion that recognizes that despite the broad trends, a remnant or core still remains of faithful people who "get it" and walk outside of and despite the broader perversions and trends that plague organized religion.

Ellul has proven to be an extremely challenging and beneficial read for me. In fact a read that can be said to be pivotal in many understandings that I am currently relearning. Make no mistake, though, Ellul is not a traditional or an easy read. I found elements of things that I'm not in complete agreement with as well. For example, Ellul holds to a form of Universalism and some of his examples of the Trinity come close (or maybe even cross into) modalism. Ellul's personal history as a young Marxist before he came to Christ as well as the context he writes from with the church in France as his experiential model don't line up with everything "neatly" that an evangelical American can relate directly to perhaps.

All these things aside however, this is a powerful read. I strongly recommend it.

5 stars.

bart breen

This book will challenge everything you have ever believed. It is not for the faint of heart or for those stuck in the catagories of rational Western thought. Ellul does not leave a single sacred cow alive.

This was the first book I ever read by Ellul, and it inspired me to read at least a dozen others. In the first chapter he poses this very simple question, How is it possible that Christianity has created a society (the Western world) that is, for all intents and purposes, completely antagonistic toward everything said/lived/demanded by the prophets and Jesus? Working from this question (and, of course, his assumption that this is the case), he argues that the very nature of Christianity has been subverted from its own radically subversive nature in order to accommodate the principalities and powers that rule each age. Each chapter is not only accessible to the average reader, it is also thoroughly argued in a very scholarly manner. This is a book that continues to be important even in the so-called post-Christian West.

A very good read for those who are dismayed with what has happened to the Christian church over the centuries. Elleu covers a lot of ground,often quite throughly, much of it familiar to those who are already familiar with this history.
He is, however, an acquired taste, often goes from trenchant criticism, to diatribe. Ironically, it is his passionate outburst that make it interesting, if a little excessive, at times. Strongly recommended.

This is an excellent book. Not perfect, but very good anyways.

I read this immediately after reading Leo Tolstoy's 'The Kingdom of God is Within You' and I would highly recommend that book also.

Some might worry that this book attacks Christianity, or the Church, but I can tell you that it does not. There is an examination in progress throughout the book, of why we do the things we do. As we have been endowed by our Creator with the wherewithal and means to examine our reality, I believe it is our responsibility to do so. We cannot check our brains at the door when it comes to God or church.

I said that this book does not attack Christianity or the Church. But it is critical of a false-Christianity and the false-church that many times has supplanted the real.

From reading this book (and the Tolstoy one I mentioned above) one begins to form an impression that the Church is a growing organism. It is not a construction of cement and stone, or a stationary monument that we visit to honor the fallen. It is possible for the Church to be distracted or led astray, while still being God's chosen.

From that you might infer that this book is liberal. I do not think this book is overly liberal or conservative, it examines the topic without the filtering of a bias. (just my opinion, of course)

I disagree with his inference that our "human ideas that please and flatter us as though [they] were all our own invention and teaching springing up from within ourselves" are "natural" and therefore our natural state is in opposition to Christianity. This pride is NOT natural, not from God, not part of our creation. Yes, we have succumbed to pride, and mistakenly taken it up even enthusiastically as a tool for success in this world, but it is not natural any more than our clothes are. But I do agree with Ellul that this posturing way of life IS in opposition to true Christianity.

I entitled this review that "reading this brings compassion, not judgment." What I mean is summed up by Ellul here:
"Those who attack Christianity usually do it, then, by pointing first to our disastrous practice. The attacks of Voltaire, Holbach, Feuerbach, Marx, and Bakounine, not to mention those that concern us more directly, are justified. Instead of defending ourselves against them and attempting a maladroit, useless, and contemptible apologetic, we should listen to them and take seriously what they say. For they demolish Christianity, that is, the deviation to which Christian practice has subjected God's revelation." And the "demolishing" of the "deviation" is tremendously good! If Jacques Ellul had written this today, instead of in the 1980's, I'm sure he would have included references to Dawkins, Harris, Dennett, Barker, Pat Condell, and many of the modern atheists and critics of Christianity. And once we admit that most of the complaints brought against modern Christians are not because of faith in God, but because of a facade of human construction, that wall between us begins to crumble. Maybe we can be taught by people with different views, as we in turn are ready to teach them? Perhaps there is not too great of a separation between all of us human beings that we cannot meet together and talk, maybe eat together. After all, Jesus ate with all sorts of people, and as far as I know he didn't make each one state or defend their beliefs before they came in to sit and eat with him.