"Letters to Laodicea" grew out of an Internet dialogue between author John E. Hartman and his son concerning the deep decline in evangelical churches in America and the collapse of culture generally in the post-Christian West. The book is written to open the eyes of many who do not realize what is happening to the evangelical community in America, and to show some of the reasons why we are losing our message and the spiritual vitality that is central to spiritual maturity and an effective witness in the face of spreading unbelief. The book is a warning that evangelicals are committing spiritual adultery in their deepening love affair with the world. Many have exchanged the gospel for therapy and a compromised message that has little authority, little life, and little power. The book outlines a way out of the ongoing collapse through a lifestyle of repentance and a return to basic spiritual and life disciplines. We are in a time of great challenge and great opportunity. The possibility of presenting the gospel witness to a culture dying from within and facing enormous problems and dilemmas it cannot resolve hangs in part on what happens to the American evangelical community in the near future. Millions of people are in the balance, possibly even the future of the nation. "Letters to Laodicea" opens the door to a new level of Christian spirituality and ministry opportunity for those who are willing to meet the challenge, look deeper, and make radical spiritual change in a time of turmoil and difficulty mixed with great potential for good.
