No Place for Truth
Author: David F. Wells
Written: 1993
“...the problem is that, without a vision of God as Other, different from and standing over against the modern world, there is no compelling reason to think thoughts about the world that are not essentially modern. in fact, there is no reason to think at all, let alone to think as Christians ought.”
Hello Ordinary Readers,
In No Place for Truth Wells looks at how the modernization of America as impacted the evangelical church. He looks at culture and how that has impacted the way we ‘do’ church. Wells is making a case that there has been a loss of Truth and theology in the Christian church. As my quote above shows, there is a lack of the study of God and the idea that he is Other, Holy, and separate from His creation. Wells's case is that our society has led to this. What is most thought-provoking for me about this book is that it was written in 1993. The accuracy with which he portrays where we are heading is uncanny.
I wouldn’t say this book is something everyone should read. I think it is a great book if you are interested in culture and its impact on the church. But I think chapters IV and V are great for everyone to read. Chapter IV: Self-Piety is about the modern individual and our move from culture to self. Chapter V: The Rise of the Everyperson is about how even though Americans see themselves as individuals we are also conformists. If you want a more in-depth review I found Andy Naselli’s review very helpful.
Happy reading!
Quotes
“Their search, he says, is predicated on the belief that the normal routines of life, such as working at a job and raising a family, are not really what life is about.”
“Many charismatics have made the experience of God rather than the truth of God foundation. The self therefore becomes pivotal.”
“The unifying center, therefore, is no longer theological truth but whatever it is that the student needs in order to become a religious professional.”
“The question, then, is not whether people believe or not. The only question to be settled is what they believe in.”
“Those who are most relevant to the modern world are the most irrelevant to the moral purpose of God, but those who are irrelevant in the world by virtue of their relevance to God actually have the most to say to the world.”