Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church

Invoking Martin Luther's treatise On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church, Michael Horton fears that the church in America has also been willingly taken captive. The captors are American culture and ideals: consumerism, pragmatism, self-sufficiency, individualism, positive thinking, personal prosperity, and nationalism. Though these are antithetical to the gospel, we have often made them part and parcel with it.

Horton argues that while we haven't yet arrived at Christless Christianity, we are well on our way. Though we invoke the name of Christ, too often Christ and the Christ-centered gospel are pushed aside. The result is a message and a faith that are, in Horton's words, "trivial, sentimental, affirming, and irrelevant." This alternative "gospel" is a message of moralism, personal comfort, self-help, self-improvement, and individualistic religion. It trivializes God, making him a means to our selfish ends. Horton skillfully diagnoses the problem and points to the solution: a return to the unadulterated gospel of salvation. Here is a must-read for anyone concerned about the state and future of Christianity and the church in America.

"Horton confronts modern evangelicalism in terms reminiscent of J. Gresham Machen's challenge to liberalism in the 1920s. Both authors spotlight flaws that do more than distort Christian faith; they reject it. Horton's brush is broad--expect loud lamentation from the evangelical camp--but the picture he paints is largely accurate. His argument is convincing: therapeutic moralism has, in fact, found a home among evangelicals."
--Parker T. Williamson, editor emeritus and senior correspondent, The Presbyterian Layman

"Christless Christianity makes an important contribution in defense of the centrality of Christ to vibrant Christian life and witness. Horton has ably helped us see the train wreck that is so much of popular Christianity. While others are legitimately concerned with errors originating in the academy, errors that excite the intellectual but few average pew sitters are even aware of, Horton turns his sharp mind to exposing the mass production of a kinder, happier legalism that robs the average Christian of the liberating joy of knowing the Jesus whose work is finished and never improved. A more important and timely volume could not have been written."
--Thabiti M. Anyabwile, senior pastor, First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

"Christless Christianity establishes Michael Horton as the outstanding protagonist for classical Protestant orthodoxy. His wide-ranging and carefully researched examples show how our churches and megachurches have pandered to the culture with Gnostic, Pelagian, moralistic, and self-help heresies bereft of the saving action of Jesus Christ. He leaves us with a profound trust and a sure confidence in our biblical faith. What could be more important?"
--Episcopal Bishop C. FitzSimons Allison

In another screed on what’s wrong with American Christianity, theology professor Horton, of Westminster Seminary California, bemoans the slide of the American Christian church into what he, and others, call a moralistic, therapeutic deism. Drawing on studies, surveys and anecdotal evidence, Horton reaches the oft-repeated conclusion that American Christianity is self-centered rather than Christ-centered, Jesus is a life coach rather than a redeemer, and salvation is focused on therapeutic well-being. He rants against the purveyors of this watered-down Christianity—Robert Schuller, T.D. Jakes, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer—but saves his most savage attack for megachurch preacher Joel Osteen, whom Horton depicts as a snake-oil salesman teaching that God is a personal shopper ready to deliver happiness and prosperity if only individuals let God know their needs. Horton reveals his lack of theological depth when he argues that ancient Gnostics saw God as no different from humans. Yet Gnosticism’s entire point is this difference. Horton regrettably offers no recommendation for the reformation of American Christianity beyond a simplistic call to let the church be defined by the Gospel rather than the laws of the market. (Nov.)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Average Rating:

6 of 6 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Tom Klein (Wayne, NJ), January 21, 2010

Horton hits the nail on the head as far as I am concerned. If you do not understand "therapeutic moralistic deism" then you need to read this book.

Reviewed by William Walls (Cross, SC), October 22, 2009

A very well written account of the worldliness of so much of "Professed Christianity" found in America in this time of materialism and so-called, faith healers. This book...and Hank Hanegraaff"s book entitled; "Christianity in Crisis", should also be among every mature Christian's book collection in this day of deception that plaques the real gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Well worth the price! Signed: An Unknown Christian

Reviewed by Padunkiaet (Bangkok, Thailand), July 15, 2009

As a foreign guy, I have to admit that this book is rather difficult to read because of it's high level vocabulary usages. They are a lot of words that are not in common usages. It is a very good book for me but it is hard to grasp all the meanings . I hope the author should simplify his words to make a new simplified edition for average readers.

Reviewed by Catherine D Carr (Beaufort, SC), June 19, 2009

This is a very timely and important subject. It's one that Christians need to stop and consider once it's put before us in such a clear and concise manner.

Reviewed by Naomi O'connor (Florissant, MO), May 30, 2009

Not an easy read but valuable insight on the condition of American churches. Rather difficult to determine if a statement was quote or authors opinion, requires careful reading.

Reviewed by Pastor Frank (Michigan), April 27, 2009

Superb book and very timely. We live in an age where the church is more shaped by secular culture than the Bible. Horton exposes the trend of Christian confusing Christianity with American-ism. He offers the solution- a return to the purity of the Biblical gospel of regeneration and salvation. This book could do for the modern church what Luther's 95 Thesis did for the Renaissance era church if enough folks read it. God bless Michael Horton.

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