In these passionate essays, Tripp York makes the case that both nations and the church require total allegiance and that Christians should choose Christ over state. Greg Boyd, Author, The Myth of a Christian Nation; and Pastor, Woodland Hills Church, says that "The quasi-Christian civic religion of America is like an immunization shot: people get just enough surrogate Christianity to keep them from getting the real thing! Third Way Allegiance is a powerful cure to this widespread diabolic affliction. I don't know any work that so succinctly and effectively helps readers wake up to the way many values and practices of the American empire, and of the American church are opposed to the kingdom Jesus established. This well-written, provocative and insightful little book deserves to be--indeed, needs to be--in the hands of every American who is serious about following Jesus." M. Therese Lysaught, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Theology, Marquette University, observes that "Drawing on a cloud of witnesses, Tripp York juxtaposes the politics and liturgies of Christianity with those of U.S. culture, challenging contemporary Christians to rethink the powers that truly hold their allegiances. Those who allow York's vignette's and questions to confront their assumptions cannot help but find their lives changed." J. Nelson Kraybill, President Emeritus, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, warns: "Reader beware! This collection of essays may cause insomnia, bold new insight, heated debate, and exuberant bursts of radical discipleship. Tripp York agitates, stimulates, and occasionally pontificates. But if you take Jesus seriously, you'd better listen up. Here is a mother lode of rich ethical reflection, mined by a Christian scholar and teacher with a heart for the church. Third Way Allegiance is perfect as a small group study guide, an adult education elective, or a personal wake-up call to lived faith."
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In a culture where Christian language, symbols and rituals pervade virtually every sphere of life, from the money to the halls of congress to hometown events like Friday night football games, it can be quite difficult to discern what actual Christian discipleship looks like. Tripp York's collection of essays in Third Way Allegiance offers solid, yet challenging (and often controversial) guidance for those who desire something more than the deceitful, anemic civil religion of the United States. He delves into topics ranging from the unique peculiarity of the Christian community to the way Christians approach politics to the importance of rituals, for both the nation-state and the church, in forming and informing citizenship.
York's writing style is engaging and his fusion of pop culture references, from the Crocodile Hunter to Star Trek, historical narratives and skillful theo-political analysis make this book eminently accessible and exceedingly thought provoking. It will spark discussion!
Part theology and social ethics primer, part Christian political manifesto and part passionate plea for Christians in America to take Jesus more seriously, Third Way Alegiance is among the best resources for any individual or group in the American context longing to have a life that more clearly bears witness to Christ.
York's writing style is engaging and his fusion of pop culture references, from the Crocodile Hunter to Star Trek, historical narratives and skillful theo-political analysis make this book eminently accessible and exceedingly thought provoking. It will spark discussion!
Part theology and social ethics primer, part Christian political manifesto and part passionate plea for Christians in America to take Jesus more seriously, Third Way Alegiance is among the best resources for any individual or group in the American context longing to have a life that more clearly bears witness to Christ.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Eliza S.
Format:Paperback
I picked this book up after reading the author's Living on Hope and found it to be almost as good. At times, it's even a better a book.
The book is broken up into eighteen very shorts chapters that includes a few brief study questions at the end of each chapter. This is probably one of the greatest strengths of the book as he allows for dissenting and critical remarks within its very pages. This book is also incredibly accessible, at times quite witty, and constantly thought-provoking. It's a perfect book for small groups or use in a classroom. It covers a wide array of topics, including: science & religion; faith & atheism; care of creation; religious holidays; animals; martyrdom; politics; capital punishment, and other forms of violence. Despite the array of topics, they are broken down into various sections by which they seem to flow perfectly. However, each chapter can also be read by itself and be used to serve as quite a conversation starter. In my mind, this book is a very strong compliment to a number of books within the realm of Christian ethics (e.g., Lee Camp's 'Mere Discipleship').
I would suggest reading this book alongside other books like it in order to find even more substantial footing for some of his more polemical arguments. For instance, one of the other reviewers noted that he appears to be 'anti-intellectual' based on the approach he adopts in the first part of the book. Nothing could be further from the truth as the author engages some of the strongest intellectual voices of both our contemporary and ancient tradition (from David Bentley Hart to Aquinas). He is simply refusing to play ball on the ground that certain 'intellectual' voices claim is the only ground worth playing on. He is taking the game, so to speak, elsewhere. This provides a host of other resources for how to think about the topics in this book, yet I could see how someone might miss this point if they are not aware of his earlier work or the work of those he is most reliant upon (e.g., Yoder, Hauerwas, and Stringfellow).
All in all, a very good book that does what you most hope a book will do: provoke you to thinking in new and different ways and leave you wanting to probe further into some of the issues he discusses.
The book is broken up into eighteen very shorts chapters that includes a few brief study questions at the end of each chapter. This is probably one of the greatest strengths of the book as he allows for dissenting and critical remarks within its very pages. This book is also incredibly accessible, at times quite witty, and constantly thought-provoking. It's a perfect book for small groups or use in a classroom. It covers a wide array of topics, including: science & religion; faith & atheism; care of creation; religious holidays; animals; martyrdom; politics; capital punishment, and other forms of violence. Despite the array of topics, they are broken down into various sections by which they seem to flow perfectly. However, each chapter can also be read by itself and be used to serve as quite a conversation starter. In my mind, this book is a very strong compliment to a number of books within the realm of Christian ethics (e.g., Lee Camp's 'Mere Discipleship').
I would suggest reading this book alongside other books like it in order to find even more substantial footing for some of his more polemical arguments. For instance, one of the other reviewers noted that he appears to be 'anti-intellectual' based on the approach he adopts in the first part of the book. Nothing could be further from the truth as the author engages some of the strongest intellectual voices of both our contemporary and ancient tradition (from David Bentley Hart to Aquinas). He is simply refusing to play ball on the ground that certain 'intellectual' voices claim is the only ground worth playing on. He is taking the game, so to speak, elsewhere. This provides a host of other resources for how to think about the topics in this book, yet I could see how someone might miss this point if they are not aware of his earlier work or the work of those he is most reliant upon (e.g., Yoder, Hauerwas, and Stringfellow).
All in all, a very good book that does what you most hope a book will do: provoke you to thinking in new and different ways and leave you wanting to probe further into some of the issues he discusses.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Jeremy Myers
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Every once in a while, someone needs to come along and raise some challenging questions for Christians. Not challenging theological questions, but challenging practical questions about how to live as Christians and how to function as the church.
This little book by Tripp York asks some of these questions. He writes about how we have changed the God of Scripture into a tribal deity who we worship and pray to so we can lead happy lives. We have caved in to capitalism and become a state religion for our government so that we no longer have the strength or courage to say, "No!"
If you want to be challenged about how we live as Christians in the West, this might be a good book to read.
This little book by Tripp York asks some of these questions. He writes about how we have changed the God of Scripture into a tribal deity who we worship and pray to so we can lead happy lives. We have caved in to capitalism and become a state religion for our government so that we no longer have the strength or courage to say, "No!"
If you want to be challenged about how we live as Christians in the West, this might be a good book to read.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Dubious Disciple Book Review
Here's a perfect selection for your book club. York feeds us a collection of thought-provoking essays, ranging from the politics of war to the proper celebration of our holidays. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dubious Disciple
3.0 out of 5 stars
mediocre
There are some good points, some questionable points, and some views... all the way deserving to be called silly. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Konstantin
