Evangelicalism, as the term is used, is a construct developed over the last half of the twentieth century. Prior to 1950 the word had not been used the way religious leaders and academics now use it, and even then it was not a coherent set of convictions or practices. For that reason, its construction is as novel as it is misleading. This book offers an explanation as to why evangelicalism as currently used became a useful category for journalists, scholars, and believing Protestants. But it is more than simply an account of a specific word's usage. It is also an argument about the damage the construction of evangelicalism has done to historic Christianity. As much as the American public thinks of evangelicalism as the "old-time religion," whether positively or negatively, this expression of Christianity has severed most ties to the ways and beliefs of Christians living in previous eras. For that reason, it needs to be deconstructed. Book jacket.

"This book is electric! Hübner goes about Deconstructing Evangelicalism with the skills available only to someone formerly embedded in the apologetics-oriented, take-no-prisoners, Calvinist-Piperian-Brownian conservative evangelical subculture. Brilliant. Learned. Passionate. Creative. Angry. Hopeful? Maybe. You must read it for yourself and find out. I will be studying this book for a long time to come." -DAVID GUSHEE Past President, American Academy of Religion and Distinguished University Professor of Ethics, Mercer University "This book is special: at once incendiary and charming, you are invited into the world of Christian fundamentalism, in all of its glory and complexities and traumatic realities. This world is a crazy place, filled with all of the political zealotry, casual sex(ism), and apocalyptic young-earth creationism one could desire. Hübner's story is a dynamic, sobering testament to that reality. From the depths of his days as an Internet apologist to his interdisciplinary career as a professor, we see the impact of religious fundamentalism on heart, mind, and body. For those who have walked through the valley of the shadow of fear, may you be filled with curiosity and joy at the sight of another theologian on the journey. From one sojourner to another, I am happy to commend to you the work of my colleague and dear friend." -NICHOLAS RUDOLPH QUIENT Associate Pastor, The First Baptist Church of Redlands Co-Host of the Sinnergists Podcast and Author of The Perfection of Our Faithful Wills "Many of Jamin's experiences mirror my own, and I am grateful we were friends while surviving as faculty at evangelical "liberal arts colleges." Reading this book has once again encouraged me, and given me a hopeful way forward, as he always has as a friend. His theological nuance and understanding highlights why evangelicalism is, in many ways, so superficial, and it will encourage anyone that their own deconstruction can lead to a stronger, more robust, and more inclusive faith in God. I will be passing along his book to my friends who come to me for help as they struggle with asking questions of who God really is." -KRISTY WHALEY PhD Theology (Candidate), University of Glasgow, Former Theology Faculty, Colorado Christian University

Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible. Imagine for a moment what the world might look like if we as people of faith, morality, and conscience actually aspired to this mantra. What if we were fully burdened to create a world that was more loving and equitable than when we arrived? What if we invited one another to share in wide-open, fearless, spiritual communities truly marked by compassion and interdependence? What if we daily challenged ourselves to live a faith that simply made us better humans? John Pavlovitz explores how we can embody this kinder kind of spirituality where we humbly examine our belief system to understand how it might compel us to act in less-than-loving ways toward others. This simple phrase, "Thou Shalt Not Be Horrible," could help us practice what we preach by creating a world where: spiritual community provides a sense of belonging where all people are received as we are; the most important question we ask of a religious belief is not Is it true? but rather, is it helpful? it is morally impossible to pledge complete allegiance to both Jesus and America simultaneously; the way we treat others is the most tangible and meaningful expression of our belief system. In If God Is Love, Don't Be a Jerk, John Pavlovitz examines the bedrock ideas of our religion: the existence of hell, the utility of prayer, the way we treat LGBTQ people, the value of anger, and other doctrines to help all of us take a good, honest look at how the beliefs we hold can shape our relationships with God and our fellow humans—and to make sure that love has the last, loudest word.

This provocative addition to The Church and Postmodern Culture series offers a lively rereading of Charles Sheldon's In His Steps as a constructive way forward. John D. Caputo introduces the notion of why the church needs deconstruction, positively defines deconstruction's role in renewal, deconstructs idols of the church, and imagines the future of the church in addressing the practical implications of this for the church's life through liturgy, worship, preaching, and teaching. Students of philosophy, theology, religion, and ministry, as well as others interested in engaging postmodernism and the emerging church phenomenon, will welcome this provocative, non-technical work.

Named one of the Top 10 Books of the Year in 2020 by the Academy of Parish Clergy "Drawing on his own spiritual journey, David Gushee provides an incisive critique of American evangelicalism [and] offers a succinct yet deeply informed guide for post-evangelicals seeking to pursue Christ-honoring lives." —Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Calvin University Millions are getting lost in the evangelical maze: inerrancy, indifference to the environment, deterministic Calvinism, purity culture, racism, LGBTQ discrimination, male dominance, and Christian nationalism. They are now conscientious objectors, deconstructionists, perhaps even "none and done." As one of America's leading academics speaking to the issues of religion today, David Gushee offers a clear assessment and a new way forward for disillusioned post-evangelicals. Gushee starts by analyzing what went wrong with U.S. white evangelicalism in areas such as evangelical history and identity, biblicism, uncredible theologies, and the fundamentalist understandings of race, politics, and sexuality. Along the way, he proposes new ways of Christian believing and of listening to God and Jesus today. He helps post-evangelicals know how to belong and behave, going from where they are to a living relationship with Christ and an intellectually cogent and morally robust post-evangelical faith. He shows that they can have a principled way of understanding Scripture, a community of Christ's people, a healthy politics, and can repent and learn to listen to people on the margins. With a foreword from Brian McLaren, who says, “David Gushee is right: there is indeed life after evangelicalism,” this book offers an essential handbook for those looking for answers and affirmation of their journey into a future that is post-evangelical but still centered on Jesus. If you, too, are struggling, After Evangelicalism shows that it is possible to cut loose from evangelical Christianity and, more than that, it is necessary.

In their work as Christian apologists, father and son Stuart and Cameron McAllister hear from Christian parents who worry about raising their children in the faith amid a seductive culture. Reflecting on their own very different experiences of coming to Christian faith, they share how our homes can be places of honest conversation, open-handed exploration, and lasting faith.

Is there a way to walk faithfully through doubt and come out the other side with a deeper love for Jesus, the church, and its tradition? Can we question our faith without losing it? Award-winning author, pastor, and professor A. J. Swoboda has witnessed many young people wrestle with their core Christian beliefs. Too often, what begins as a set of critical and important questions turns to resentment and faith abandonment. Unfortunately, the church has largely ignored its task of serving people along their journey of questioning. The local church must walk alongside those who are deconstructing their faith and show them how to reconstruct it. Drawing on his own experience of deconstruction, Swoboda offers tools to help emerging adults navigate their faith in a hostile landscape. Doubt is a part of our natural spiritual journey, says Swoboda, and deconstruction is a legitimate space to encounter the living God. After Doubt offers a hopeful, practical vision of spiritual formation for those in the process of faith deconstruction and those who serve them. Foreword by pastor and author John Mark Comer.