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Religionless Christianity: God's Answer to Evil
Christianity is not about rituals but changed hearts. In the prophetic tradition of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Eric Metaxas calls slumbering Christians to battle.
Picking up where he left off in his electrifying Letter to the American Church , Eric Metaxas renews and deepens his call to believers not to “practice” their faith but to live it—heroically and with joy. Invoking famous but misunderstood words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he shows that God’s answer to evil is “religionless Christianity”—the rejection of religiosity and the embrace of a living and active faith, one that consumes the whole person and affects every aspect of his life. The awakening of this faith will bring revival, a “new birth of freedom” and a renaissance of Christian culture.
Picking up where he left off in his electrifying Letter to the American Church , Eric Metaxas renews and deepens his call to believers not to “practice” their faith but to live it—heroically and with joy. Invoking famous but misunderstood words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, he shows that God’s answer to evil is “religionless Christianity”—the rejection of religiosity and the embrace of a living and active faith, one that consumes the whole person and affects every aspect of his life. The awakening of this faith will bring revival, a “new birth of freedom” and a renaissance of Christian culture.
140 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2024
111 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Eric Metaxas
131 books2,254 followersIn a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 14, 2024
This book would thrive in an echo chamber! I’m disappointed because the book had a great first chapter, and the author writes well enough; however, it seemed more like a radical diary then anything else going into the end of the book.
I read this book because it was a graduation gift—and by all accounts, I appreciate the gesture and will tell them I loved the book. But in full honesty, the author had some really bad takes. If I had to choose the worst, it would be his approach to cancel culture. To take the stance that it’s problematic is one thing, but to equivocate it to what was done in Nazi Germany is a leap that cannot be supported. Even further, the author went and manipulated Nielmöller’s poem to fit his narrative to defend anyone and everyone who faces being cancelled in cancel culture.
If you’re debating reading this book—I would say it’s worth the read if you’re going to have your worldview validated and mirrored; otherwise, find another read.
If by some rare occurrence the author reads this review—it’s possible, not a lot of people have logged it on goodreads—you would thrive as a biographer. Focus on recounting events in history, and you would be golden. The few moments of the book near the end that grabbed my attention were the biographical narratives.
I read this book because it was a graduation gift—and by all accounts, I appreciate the gesture and will tell them I loved the book. But in full honesty, the author had some really bad takes. If I had to choose the worst, it would be his approach to cancel culture. To take the stance that it’s problematic is one thing, but to equivocate it to what was done in Nazi Germany is a leap that cannot be supported. Even further, the author went and manipulated Nielmöller’s poem to fit his narrative to defend anyone and everyone who faces being cancelled in cancel culture.
If you’re debating reading this book—I would say it’s worth the read if you’re going to have your worldview validated and mirrored; otherwise, find another read.
If by some rare occurrence the author reads this review—it’s possible, not a lot of people have logged it on goodreads—you would thrive as a biographer. Focus on recounting events in history, and you would be golden. The few moments of the book near the end that grabbed my attention were the biographical narratives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2024
Eric Metaxas is one of the most important voices of our time. Too many Christians have abandoned the political arena and evil has rushed to fill the void. To anyone wondering, “what has happened to our world?” this is it. Christians want to be nice and likable and just “preach the gospel.” However, Metaxas makes it clear that religion (having beliefs and following rituals) when divorced from actually LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH is not Biblical Christianity. Remember in Jesus’ day, it was those who worshipped God the most explicitly through religious ideas that killed Jesus. It’s not religion we need. It’s living out our faith by obeying what God asks of us. We are called to love our neighbor. Due to “politics,” hundreds of thousands are dying in needless forever wars, millions are being experimented on through modern medicine via vaccines and gender surgeries and millions of unborn humans are terminated because politics have revoked their human rights. A better way of perceiving this quandary is that these are not political issues but moral ones. And Christians are just supposed to sit on the sidelines and “preach the gospel?” As Metaxas has stated on his podcast, “Maybe God won’t view your pious inaction the same way you do when you meet him face to face.” (paraphrase)
December 19, 2024
This is the first one-star rating I have given so far, not because the book is poorly written -- it's not. This is based solely on the content of the book.
I don't know what has happened to Metaxas. Years ago, when I read his biography of Bonhoeffer, I found Metaxas to be a serious, thoughtful scholar of religious matters. Perhaps events of intervening years -- such as a worldwide pandemic -- have been too much for him. Maybe he snapped. In any case, after having read his book Religionless Christianity, I can only conclude that Metaxas has become a deluded dupe of extreme right-wing Christian Nationalism. In addition to filling the pages with rants about satanic forces and demonic possession, Metaxas spews talking points straight out of right-wing propaganda, replete with all the buzz words.
Metaxas writes poignantly about the case of Martin Niemoller. Ironically, Metaxas seems not to see that he himself has been every bit as fooled as Niemoller had been. The difference is that, while Niemoller eventually realized he had been fooled, Metaxas appears to be actually embracing right-wing authoritarianism. It's truly a sad spectacle.
I don't know what has happened to Metaxas. Years ago, when I read his biography of Bonhoeffer, I found Metaxas to be a serious, thoughtful scholar of religious matters. Perhaps events of intervening years -- such as a worldwide pandemic -- have been too much for him. Maybe he snapped. In any case, after having read his book Religionless Christianity, I can only conclude that Metaxas has become a deluded dupe of extreme right-wing Christian Nationalism. In addition to filling the pages with rants about satanic forces and demonic possession, Metaxas spews talking points straight out of right-wing propaganda, replete with all the buzz words.
Metaxas writes poignantly about the case of Martin Niemoller. Ironically, Metaxas seems not to see that he himself has been every bit as fooled as Niemoller had been. The difference is that, while Niemoller eventually realized he had been fooled, Metaxas appears to be actually embracing right-wing authoritarianism. It's truly a sad spectacle.
June 24, 2024
Every parent, every follower should read this!! Eye opening, grateful for this read.
December 18, 2024
Metaxas is among my favorite authors. Prior to this book I had only read his biographical books and his autobiography. I am challenged in this book by his reminder that our Christianity should not be relegated only to a few hours on Sunday. Instead, it should permeate all facets of our life.
Although he and I don’t see eye to eye eschatologically, I appreciate his call to be faithful to the Lord in all things and to be willing to go wherever that faithfulness takes us.
Although he and I don’t see eye to eye eschatologically, I appreciate his call to be faithful to the Lord in all things and to be willing to go wherever that faithfulness takes us.
July 26, 2024
a must read
We need revival in our Nation in this perilous hour- the Church needs to leave the secular homestead where it has wasted away and return to the powerful spiritual roots of its beginning-we may lose some people- but that’s ok - they never belonged there anyway
We need revival in our Nation in this perilous hour- the Church needs to leave the secular homestead where it has wasted away and return to the powerful spiritual roots of its beginning-we may lose some people- but that’s ok - they never belonged there anyway
June 4, 2024
Wow. I keep thinking I’m gonna get tired of reading this topic, but I’m amazed at their wisdom and insight that Eric Metaxas continues to bring to the light. I think he does a really good job, presenting how we don’t have to fail like so many others before us have. I think my favorite part was when he called out the idols of winsomeness, respectability, and fatalism. It is so clear how many in the church still think that it is more important to be winsome than truth speakers. This is a must read. It’s short and very engaging. What a gift we have in Eric Metaxas.
June 28, 2024
Fantastic read. Eric spelled out the importance as to why Christians need to speak up. He gave great examples from the Bible as well as from history of those who spoke up. We cannot hide in our churches and pretend nothing is wrong nor can we shrug our shoulders. We have to get involved. Like Eric states in his book, we have to speak up and be willing to go alone if need be.
August 29, 2024
I grew up reformed Protestant, knowing my Bible extraordinarily well. After college I started attending a church in Highland Village, TX that blew up in popularity with a now celebrity pastor who fell to the whims of culture and saw his theology eaten away until it was just alignment with progressivism. So naturally I followed. I even made friends with prominent progressive Christians at the time.
Until I was forced out of that social circle for not completely assenting to the anti-whiteness doctrine they worshipped.
This was God’s grace. Although, for a good 7-8 years I was in the wilderness. I did feel betrayed not only by these people (How could they not recognize how little grace they had? Although I also could recognize how little love for Christ they had).
I dove deep into studying everything. Economics, philosophy, history, political philosophy and science, etc.
And I started to realize that everyone was religious. And that we as humans are immensely flawed. We will sell out ourselves and others just to feel belonging. We will lie to ourselves and others and exist in a totally constructed fantasyland just to be accepted.
In other words, in this wilderness, I was constantly bombarded with the inescapable conclusion that God’s truth as described in scripture is undeniably true.
And that progressivism is a conglomeration of the great sins that make up the first third of Genesis. Adam/Eve, Tower of Babel, Cain. It’s a whole religion based on achieving utopia through force and deception, through evil leaders at the top exploiting loyal followers for their own gain.
Recently VP candidate Tim Walz’ wife remarked about Minneapolis burning during the George Floyd riots that she opened the windows of the governors mansion to smell the burning tires, the smell of Revolution. Has anything been more on point? Progressivism is people at the top of the Tower of Babel (or governors mansion) who wish to play God laughing and reveling in the chaos they wreak around them.
In other words, progressivism is demonic.
And I’m happy to report that Eric Metataxes realizes this too. And hits it hard. The book is short, able to be read in a day or two and hopefully gives the Christian encouragement to start living out their faith in courage, without fear of loss of status or even life. For the good of our country and the world. The satanic religion of progressivism must be destroyed. And it starts with good, solid Christian leadership standing up and calling out its destruction.
I’m ashamed that I once fell under its spell. But it allows me today to fight with clearer eyes. To call out friends and family lovingly showing them that progressivism and Christianity are diametrically opposed. Progressivism seeks to destroy the Christian influence and foundations of our once miraculous society.
The good news is that there does seem to be a counter elite also forming. With RFK, Nicole Shanahan, Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, etc supporting Trump there is a real force understanding how deadly progressivism is. And they are being partially influenced by podcasters and scientists who have true faith in God. Who, perhaps a bit obviously, are of the Eastern Orthodox faith as well. A fight is mounting. It will not be peaceful. It will not be without tragedy. But it’s not because of those of us who seek peace. It’s because of the demonic conquest agenda of progressivism.
But we’re done watching our children be abused by the culture. Not only being sexualized and encouraging them to sexualize themselves, but also groomed by those who have sought to rise into positions of influence and authority so that they can execute their abuse all the more.
We’re done being a nation that spends the majority of its resources on violence and division. Whether through propaganda disseminated through the regime media. Or through the military industrial complex that begs for wars. Wars where coincidentally enough nations and people groups have to suffer significant losses of fathers, the best way to force a nation under our control.
We’re done being ok with our citizens being poisoned through our food through corrupt Big Ag and corrupt FDA.
We’re done watching chronic illness and mental illness continue to rise just so Big Pharma can have more control, its CEOs become even more wealthy, the politicians invested and intertwined and bought by the industry continue to enrich themselves.
We’re done with a corrupt government overall. No longer for and by the people, but one that only serves elites.
Hopefully these dissidents aligning with Trump and Vance can stay focused and brave. And show the citizenry how much better it is that they (the people) once again have power.
It’s something to pray for.
Until I was forced out of that social circle for not completely assenting to the anti-whiteness doctrine they worshipped.
This was God’s grace. Although, for a good 7-8 years I was in the wilderness. I did feel betrayed not only by these people (How could they not recognize how little grace they had? Although I also could recognize how little love for Christ they had).
I dove deep into studying everything. Economics, philosophy, history, political philosophy and science, etc.
And I started to realize that everyone was religious. And that we as humans are immensely flawed. We will sell out ourselves and others just to feel belonging. We will lie to ourselves and others and exist in a totally constructed fantasyland just to be accepted.
In other words, in this wilderness, I was constantly bombarded with the inescapable conclusion that God’s truth as described in scripture is undeniably true.
And that progressivism is a conglomeration of the great sins that make up the first third of Genesis. Adam/Eve, Tower of Babel, Cain. It’s a whole religion based on achieving utopia through force and deception, through evil leaders at the top exploiting loyal followers for their own gain.
Recently VP candidate Tim Walz’ wife remarked about Minneapolis burning during the George Floyd riots that she opened the windows of the governors mansion to smell the burning tires, the smell of Revolution. Has anything been more on point? Progressivism is people at the top of the Tower of Babel (or governors mansion) who wish to play God laughing and reveling in the chaos they wreak around them.
In other words, progressivism is demonic.
And I’m happy to report that Eric Metataxes realizes this too. And hits it hard. The book is short, able to be read in a day or two and hopefully gives the Christian encouragement to start living out their faith in courage, without fear of loss of status or even life. For the good of our country and the world. The satanic religion of progressivism must be destroyed. And it starts with good, solid Christian leadership standing up and calling out its destruction.
I’m ashamed that I once fell under its spell. But it allows me today to fight with clearer eyes. To call out friends and family lovingly showing them that progressivism and Christianity are diametrically opposed. Progressivism seeks to destroy the Christian influence and foundations of our once miraculous society.
The good news is that there does seem to be a counter elite also forming. With RFK, Nicole Shanahan, Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, etc supporting Trump there is a real force understanding how deadly progressivism is. And they are being partially influenced by podcasters and scientists who have true faith in God. Who, perhaps a bit obviously, are of the Eastern Orthodox faith as well. A fight is mounting. It will not be peaceful. It will not be without tragedy. But it’s not because of those of us who seek peace. It’s because of the demonic conquest agenda of progressivism.
But we’re done watching our children be abused by the culture. Not only being sexualized and encouraging them to sexualize themselves, but also groomed by those who have sought to rise into positions of influence and authority so that they can execute their abuse all the more.
We’re done being a nation that spends the majority of its resources on violence and division. Whether through propaganda disseminated through the regime media. Or through the military industrial complex that begs for wars. Wars where coincidentally enough nations and people groups have to suffer significant losses of fathers, the best way to force a nation under our control.
We’re done being ok with our citizens being poisoned through our food through corrupt Big Ag and corrupt FDA.
We’re done watching chronic illness and mental illness continue to rise just so Big Pharma can have more control, its CEOs become even more wealthy, the politicians invested and intertwined and bought by the industry continue to enrich themselves.
We’re done with a corrupt government overall. No longer for and by the people, but one that only serves elites.
Hopefully these dissidents aligning with Trump and Vance can stay focused and brave. And show the citizenry how much better it is that they (the people) once again have power.
It’s something to pray for.
November 5, 2024
Like Letter to the American Church, this is extremely relevant in our particular moment in history. Metaxas draws parallels between what many Christians and churches were doing in the years during Hitler’s rise to power. He quotes Bonhoeffer’s words he used to describe the faith of many in the German church of his day, and which is the title of this book, “religionless Christianity.”
This is a hollow form of Christianity. Like the faith of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. A kind of Christianity that goes only as far as a set of religious rules and one that neglects the living and active Word of God that undoubtedly is interwoven throughout every facet of life. Religionless Christianity is a safe religion. It means not to offend anyone for the sake of not turning anyone away. And in so doing, becomes a religion of the naïve and the cowardly.
He describes how in America today, there are blatant and insidious lies permeating every level of our culture. If the Church is not bold now, at some point it will be too late.
Metaxas makes a point that the first real threat to our nation was at the beginning with the revolutionary war - a threat from without. The second was the civil war - a threat from within. Both of these nearly destroyed our nation entirely. But now, we face a threat from both within and without. United global powers rising in dominance against the US. And a poison that has infected the ideology and theology of our institutions and culture.
He fit a lot into the short book. And for that, it was a quick read albeit somewhat disjointed. I felt similar about the first book. Still, the points are clear. And there should not be confusion among American Christians about these things. We are living in a day where the enemy is stealing, killing, and destroying in some of the most blatant ways imaginable. And meanwhile, he deceives as he masquerades as an angel of light. Let us not be deceived and take his bait. Instead, let us speak the truth with love in all things.
As Bonhoeffer himself said:
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.”
This is a hollow form of Christianity. Like the faith of the Pharisees in Jesus’ day. A kind of Christianity that goes only as far as a set of religious rules and one that neglects the living and active Word of God that undoubtedly is interwoven throughout every facet of life. Religionless Christianity is a safe religion. It means not to offend anyone for the sake of not turning anyone away. And in so doing, becomes a religion of the naïve and the cowardly.
He describes how in America today, there are blatant and insidious lies permeating every level of our culture. If the Church is not bold now, at some point it will be too late.
Metaxas makes a point that the first real threat to our nation was at the beginning with the revolutionary war - a threat from without. The second was the civil war - a threat from within. Both of these nearly destroyed our nation entirely. But now, we face a threat from both within and without. United global powers rising in dominance against the US. And a poison that has infected the ideology and theology of our institutions and culture.
He fit a lot into the short book. And for that, it was a quick read albeit somewhat disjointed. I felt similar about the first book. Still, the points are clear. And there should not be confusion among American Christians about these things. We are living in a day where the enemy is stealing, killing, and destroying in some of the most blatant ways imaginable. And meanwhile, he deceives as he masquerades as an angel of light. Let us not be deceived and take his bait. Instead, let us speak the truth with love in all things.
As Bonhoeffer himself said:
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil.”
July 8, 2024
I think the title is meant to be provocative, but within the narrow definition established by the book, it ends up being less so.
The basic theological idea behind the book was sound, however, I feel the book would’ve been more balanced if it had also used “left” examples/talking points. Without those, it tended to be more one-sided politically (which may be what you’re looking for)
The basic theological idea behind the book was sound, however, I feel the book would’ve been more balanced if it had also used “left” examples/talking points. Without those, it tended to be more one-sided politically (which may be what you’re looking for)
October 20, 2024
Powerful tool everyone needs to read
April 28, 2025
After reading through this entire book, it saddens me to realize that, despite examining Bonhoeffer’s life and devotion to Christ, Metaxas cannot see how his analysis of the current times is actually propelling the side that Bonhoeffer was against.
This book is only for white, heterosexual Christians who despise everyone else for existing. I’m sorry, but that’s not who God is; Christ died for all - not just for those who are white, straight Christians. American exceptionalism and American nationalism has no place in the Church.
This book is only for white, heterosexual Christians who despise everyone else for existing. I’m sorry, but that’s not who God is; Christ died for all - not just for those who are white, straight Christians. American exceptionalism and American nationalism has no place in the Church.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2024
Metaxas lost me at the end when he introduces us to his pre-tribulational premillennialism. His cultural analysis is good and would have stood on its own. Unfortunately he falls into the great error of interpreting the Bible through the lens of current events rather than the Bible itself. This was unnecessary to advance his thesis. Was Bonhoeffer a dispensationalist? Doubtful. Maybe the author can explore this next. Nonetheless, the call to the American church is clarion and appreciated. I’ve enjoyed many of Eric Metaxas’ books but his biographies are the best.
July 13, 2024
Very good discussion of a Christian's responsibility to stand up to evil. The author uses Dietrick Bonhoffer's resistance to Hitler and the Nazis in the 30s and early 40s as a guide.
May 7, 2025
Eric Metaxas has a great biography about Deitrich Bonhoeffer. I have also read his book, “Is Atheism Dead?”, and found it to be simply ok. This one, “Religionless Christianity”, is about the same. It’s just ok.
I think Mataxas and I are on the same team, but we disagree on some pretty important points. He is for Christian Nationalism and I am not. He is concerned with things that might bring about or signal the “end time”, and I am not. That may not be all together fair. I pay attention to end time type events, but they don’t bother mebir get me worked up. I know it’s coming, it doesn’t change my mission. If anything it makes me want to focus more so I can complete my mission as best as I possibly can.
Metaxas wants to divide American politics and tell the people of the churchh who they should vote for. I do not. He wantsts the church to be neck deep in worldly affairs, and I couldn’t care less. This bothers Metaxas and he believes I should repent and leave the church I attend because obviously my Pastor either isn’t doing a good enough job or is actively working against God by preaching some other agenda. Unfortunately, I am not as concerned with what he is concerned with because I believe most of those things are distractions From my mission. What is my mission? Reaching as many lost souls in my circle of influence as I can in the time I have been given.
That means I have to decide whether or not my opinion of secular politics will really help that woman who just lost her husband to cancer and has to figure out how to finish raising her young children by herself. I have to decide if end time type events are what will move my neighbor’s heart closer to God or not. I have to ask myself how Christian Nationalism really moves the needle in a positive direction for evagelism that ends in transformed, redeemed, souls.
Unfortunately Metaxas and I seem to disagree on how much these things matter, concerning them receiving the gospel, to the people I am called to influence. I have never won a soul through politics, or fear through end time prophecy, or the need for Christian Nationalism.
Metaxas and I are concerned about some of the same things but not necessarily for the same reasons. In fact we both seem to agree that the church needs to adopt a religionless Christianity. However, we disagree fundamentally on what that means and how to accomplish it. We both agree that religionless Christianity doesn’t mean condoning sin, but after that, well, God has given us different instructions.
Overall I found myself disagreeing with many of his points for various different reasons and being frustrated because I felt like we kind of agreed and then the more he talked the less I felt like we agreed. I think many Christians would agree with him on most of his points. But. I have read the Bible enough times, been around the proverbial block more than enough times, to be able to stand alone in my beliefs if necessary. I pray about dissenting opinions that have credibility in scriptures and that make me stop and think, but I don’t allow myself to be swayed easily. (Unless it’s from my Pastor, but I dont have time to explain why he is different.) Unfortunately here, I actually think I could make a few decent arguments against Metaxas and have more biblical references to back them up than he did.
Still. Though I was frustrated at times and disagreed with Metaxas at times, the book wasn’t fruitless and I did enjoy it a little. I just wouldn’t say it was better than ok. I know lots of people who would love it, but, even though we are close, they would align more with Metaxas thoughts and even his fears. Metaxas and those friends of mine aren’t bad or ungodly. We just disagree on the points in this book. If you are for Christian Nationalism, if you believe the Church needs to stand up and do something or else it will be destroyed, if you are afraid the world is headed towards end time prophecy events and that concerns you, then read this book. I don’t know that it will encourage you, but it will add fuel to your fears, and your anxieties. It will add fuel to your unwinnable arguments against lost people of the world that you should be trying to win to God instead of argue with.
I think Mataxas and I are on the same team, but we disagree on some pretty important points. He is for Christian Nationalism and I am not. He is concerned with things that might bring about or signal the “end time”, and I am not. That may not be all together fair. I pay attention to end time type events, but they don’t bother mebir get me worked up. I know it’s coming, it doesn’t change my mission. If anything it makes me want to focus more so I can complete my mission as best as I possibly can.
Metaxas wants to divide American politics and tell the people of the churchh who they should vote for. I do not. He wantsts the church to be neck deep in worldly affairs, and I couldn’t care less. This bothers Metaxas and he believes I should repent and leave the church I attend because obviously my Pastor either isn’t doing a good enough job or is actively working against God by preaching some other agenda. Unfortunately, I am not as concerned with what he is concerned with because I believe most of those things are distractions From my mission. What is my mission? Reaching as many lost souls in my circle of influence as I can in the time I have been given.
That means I have to decide whether or not my opinion of secular politics will really help that woman who just lost her husband to cancer and has to figure out how to finish raising her young children by herself. I have to decide if end time type events are what will move my neighbor’s heart closer to God or not. I have to ask myself how Christian Nationalism really moves the needle in a positive direction for evagelism that ends in transformed, redeemed, souls.
Unfortunately Metaxas and I seem to disagree on how much these things matter, concerning them receiving the gospel, to the people I am called to influence. I have never won a soul through politics, or fear through end time prophecy, or the need for Christian Nationalism.
Metaxas and I are concerned about some of the same things but not necessarily for the same reasons. In fact we both seem to agree that the church needs to adopt a religionless Christianity. However, we disagree fundamentally on what that means and how to accomplish it. We both agree that religionless Christianity doesn’t mean condoning sin, but after that, well, God has given us different instructions.
Overall I found myself disagreeing with many of his points for various different reasons and being frustrated because I felt like we kind of agreed and then the more he talked the less I felt like we agreed. I think many Christians would agree with him on most of his points. But. I have read the Bible enough times, been around the proverbial block more than enough times, to be able to stand alone in my beliefs if necessary. I pray about dissenting opinions that have credibility in scriptures and that make me stop and think, but I don’t allow myself to be swayed easily. (Unless it’s from my Pastor, but I dont have time to explain why he is different.) Unfortunately here, I actually think I could make a few decent arguments against Metaxas and have more biblical references to back them up than he did.
Still. Though I was frustrated at times and disagreed with Metaxas at times, the book wasn’t fruitless and I did enjoy it a little. I just wouldn’t say it was better than ok. I know lots of people who would love it, but, even though we are close, they would align more with Metaxas thoughts and even his fears. Metaxas and those friends of mine aren’t bad or ungodly. We just disagree on the points in this book. If you are for Christian Nationalism, if you believe the Church needs to stand up and do something or else it will be destroyed, if you are afraid the world is headed towards end time prophecy events and that concerns you, then read this book. I don’t know that it will encourage you, but it will add fuel to your fears, and your anxieties. It will add fuel to your unwinnable arguments against lost people of the world that you should be trying to win to God instead of argue with.
June 2, 2024
A Sentinel for Urgent Times
In “Religionless Christianity: God’s Answer to Evil” Eric Metaxas continues the comparison of modern American Christianity with the Nazi-era German church that he began in his compelling “Letter to the American Church” and, arguably, his excellent biography “Bonhoeffer”. He’s not so much an alarmist as a sentinel alerting the American church and American Christians to the evil portents abounding at an ever-accelerating pace. He is, however, a sentinel emphatically sounding an urgent alarm and convincingly envisioning dire outcomes through the parallels with a feckless and denying German establishment church of the 1930’s.
Religion, Metaxas argues, in its establishment (mainline) form tends toward conformity and appeasement with secular forces instead of stepping up to its role of being the conscience of society. Surely any observant Christian has experienced church leadership that justifies cultural norms under the pretense of being a “big tent” toward all, or increasingly uses popular experience and worldly judgment to override specific Scriptural guidance. Yes, the church should be a “big tent,” but toward repentance and salvation, not toward secularity. And it should consider the context and timeless intent of Biblical teaching, but on the basis of the rest of Scripture, not on mutable whims of culture. The establishment German church made those mistakes in the face of Nazism until it was too late, and Metaxas contends that the American church is well into the same pattern. When religion becomes Scripture-less, Christianity must become religionless.
Metaxas will be criticized by some for his allusions to signs of the End Times or Last Days. But he does not make too much of it, and he uses it primarily as an impetus for stressing the urgency of this matter. In his defense, which he really doesn’t need, his examples are factual, not fabricated or inflated. We should not ignore them or dismiss them as exaggerated in significance. After all, Christ came once in the fullness of time (a pinnacle in ancient civilization) and who can deny that time is full once again in terms of mass communication and rising secularity? Metaxas uses the warning to stress how Christians must adapt and respond to a religion that increasingly is culturally apologetic.
“Religionless Christianity” is compelling and concise. It is a short, easily digested book with an urgent message. Metaxas is speaking out in our secular wilderness. We should listen.
In “Religionless Christianity: God’s Answer to Evil” Eric Metaxas continues the comparison of modern American Christianity with the Nazi-era German church that he began in his compelling “Letter to the American Church” and, arguably, his excellent biography “Bonhoeffer”. He’s not so much an alarmist as a sentinel alerting the American church and American Christians to the evil portents abounding at an ever-accelerating pace. He is, however, a sentinel emphatically sounding an urgent alarm and convincingly envisioning dire outcomes through the parallels with a feckless and denying German establishment church of the 1930’s.
Religion, Metaxas argues, in its establishment (mainline) form tends toward conformity and appeasement with secular forces instead of stepping up to its role of being the conscience of society. Surely any observant Christian has experienced church leadership that justifies cultural norms under the pretense of being a “big tent” toward all, or increasingly uses popular experience and worldly judgment to override specific Scriptural guidance. Yes, the church should be a “big tent,” but toward repentance and salvation, not toward secularity. And it should consider the context and timeless intent of Biblical teaching, but on the basis of the rest of Scripture, not on mutable whims of culture. The establishment German church made those mistakes in the face of Nazism until it was too late, and Metaxas contends that the American church is well into the same pattern. When religion becomes Scripture-less, Christianity must become religionless.
Metaxas will be criticized by some for his allusions to signs of the End Times or Last Days. But he does not make too much of it, and he uses it primarily as an impetus for stressing the urgency of this matter. In his defense, which he really doesn’t need, his examples are factual, not fabricated or inflated. We should not ignore them or dismiss them as exaggerated in significance. After all, Christ came once in the fullness of time (a pinnacle in ancient civilization) and who can deny that time is full once again in terms of mass communication and rising secularity? Metaxas uses the warning to stress how Christians must adapt and respond to a religion that increasingly is culturally apologetic.
“Religionless Christianity” is compelling and concise. It is a short, easily digested book with an urgent message. Metaxas is speaking out in our secular wilderness. We should listen.
April 25, 2025
I had mixed feelings about this book. I leaned mostly toward dislike for the nearly militant approach Metaxes felt like he was promoting in Christianity against culture. Also, the majority of the front of the book, he talked like Bonhoeffer could do no wrong and that all Christians should model themselves after him. However, I felt a little better when, nearly at the end, he clarified that Bonhoeffer was a fallible man. Up until that point I might have gotten the impression that I was following Dietrich rather than Jesus.
I still believe the scope of action proposed by Metaxes is too narrow and does not allow for the moving of the Holy Spirit, who rarely conforms to a pattern of expectation for Christians. If truth be told, the Bible warns that Christians WILL be persecuted and will need to stand firm in Jesus in the midst of those trials. While there will be times we are called to take radical action, there will also be times we will be called to gentleness and submission during our persecution.
Much of what Metaxes suggests isn’t supported in Scripture, especially the teachings of Jesus nor the apostles. Much of the radical actions recommended were supported by Old Testament Scriptures but the Nee Testament does not display anything in the way of political action. Rather, preaching the gospel is the consistent response called from the believer.
In summary, the Spirit WILL call for radical action at times, but we are to ALWAYS preach Jesus and not compromise His holy name. Our goal is to call the “opposition” TO Christ, not kill them so they begin to suffer in torment sooner.
There are some thought-provoking elements in. what Metaxes challenges. I definitely will prayerfully consider my responsibility not to shrink away when evil does rise up!
I still believe the scope of action proposed by Metaxes is too narrow and does not allow for the moving of the Holy Spirit, who rarely conforms to a pattern of expectation for Christians. If truth be told, the Bible warns that Christians WILL be persecuted and will need to stand firm in Jesus in the midst of those trials. While there will be times we are called to take radical action, there will also be times we will be called to gentleness and submission during our persecution.
Much of what Metaxes suggests isn’t supported in Scripture, especially the teachings of Jesus nor the apostles. Much of the radical actions recommended were supported by Old Testament Scriptures but the Nee Testament does not display anything in the way of political action. Rather, preaching the gospel is the consistent response called from the believer.
In summary, the Spirit WILL call for radical action at times, but we are to ALWAYS preach Jesus and not compromise His holy name. Our goal is to call the “opposition” TO Christ, not kill them so they begin to suffer in torment sooner.
There are some thought-provoking elements in. what Metaxes challenges. I definitely will prayerfully consider my responsibility not to shrink away when evil does rise up!
September 24, 2025
This book is such a mixed bag. I think he is spot on in a lot of his modern day cultural analysis and rightly points out a lot of the trends in our society as well as Covid fascism that still has never been accounted for, but there is just a lot of wonky stuff as well. I don't understand the urge to try and reclaim Bonhoeffer as if he was an orthodox Evangelical; he was not. It has been pretty firmly established that he wasn't, yet it would get in the way of Metaxas's hagiography to admit so. Secondly, all of his ideas toward "religion" and then "religionless" were lame. God never condemns religion, he condemns false religion. The demonizing of the word "religion" is meaningless at best, and outright anti biblical at worst. Now the main reason for the two stars is the dispensationalism of Metaxas. It was to expected, as he starts his book by saying we are in the end times, but I was just hoping he wouldn't say anything about Israel. Unfortunately, he is actually advocating for Hal Lindsey. I appreciate that he isn't a retreatist as most dispensationalists are, but it is so frustrating that after all these (rightful) tirades against secularism and its consequences, he supports one of the most secular modern day nations. It is also unfortunate that Metaxas is not reformed and also broadly condemns cessationism, but those are less severe errors in my eyes. I don't think this is a bad book, but I think Metaxas is misguided in a lot of his doctrine. I still appreciate the prophetic call he gives to the church.
November 4, 2025
After being disappointed with Letter to the American Church, I was pleased to enjoy this one much more. In my opinion, Letter would have been much better if it had blended with much of the content of this one. It did a better job of explaining Bonhoeffer’s theological connection to the modern day. Overall, I think the book is excellent.
One criticism is the sanitizing of Martin Niemöller. While Metaxas later warned against such treatment of historical figures, he seems to do it at least in part with Niemöller’s legacy. Much of the short biography is true, but Metaxas appears to portray the German pastor as an unwitting dupe in his early support of Hitler. In reality, Niemöller continued preaching highly anti-Semitic sermons even after joining the Confessing Church. While it does appear that the pastor repented after his time in the concentration camps, his story is warped if we simply believe that he thought Hitler would do the right things.
That aside, the book is well worth the read and has a lot of great information and thoughtful commentary.
One criticism is the sanitizing of Martin Niemöller. While Metaxas later warned against such treatment of historical figures, he seems to do it at least in part with Niemöller’s legacy. Much of the short biography is true, but Metaxas appears to portray the German pastor as an unwitting dupe in his early support of Hitler. In reality, Niemöller continued preaching highly anti-Semitic sermons even after joining the Confessing Church. While it does appear that the pastor repented after his time in the concentration camps, his story is warped if we simply believe that he thought Hitler would do the right things.
That aside, the book is well worth the read and has a lot of great information and thoughtful commentary.
March 23, 2025
Metaxas has become a strong polemicist for the church’s engagement in the public square. “Religionless Christianity” is taken from Bonhoeffer’s famous 1928 that became seed for his famed resistance to Nazism. Leaning on biographical lessons from Bonhoeffer and astute treatments of various biblical texts, this is a call for the church to publicly engage in the complex issues of our day. Social issues, moral debates and the role of the church in cultural renewal are all touched upon. Even if the reader diverges at some point from select arguments in the book, Metaxas’ central thesis that apathy or fearful silence are tantamount to abandonment of duty does carry a deep resonance as we seek to be light in a challenging point of western cultural history.
July 12, 2024
A great book. I over heard this recommendation from a patient to the doctor I work for and I thought it sounded really interesting. I didn’t realize how much German history it would contain but honestly I enjoyed it. I didn’t necessarily agree with everything, but I can appreciate the book as a whole. I really loved the concept of idol of purity or idol of respectability and how he unpacks those thoughts. Honestly, this book was a cry for the American church to be the church and not just play the church and I agree.
May 23, 2024
This is a great follow up to Metaxes’ Letter to the American Church. Metaxes illustrates the importance of abandoning meaningless religion and embracing a life of relationship with God. It is through relationship with God that we can truly stand against the enemy that seeks to destroy us. A fantastic audiobook. Metaxes has a unique cadence as he reads his own books. A little different but once i got used to it, I loved it. I like when authors read their own audiobooks.
July 30, 2024
I was really looking forward to reading the perspectives of this author. I admire what Bonhoeffer & genuinely wanted to read the comparisons that the author had between Nazi German Christians & current American followers. Unfortunately, I felt that what I read was the ranting of a paranoid bigot instead of an unbiased, religious scholar.
August 15, 2024
Excellent part 2 book in the authors series to American Churches. I believe I heard there is 1 more in this series of books. The author bring truth and light to where American churches are today and gives proof in how close we are aligned to where the German churches were in WWII. Really good read! Short book but packed with so much!
January 9, 2025
I’ve read dozens of versions of this book: “the world is going to hell in a hand-basket so be bold and devoted.” As a pastor, I love the drive to find meaning amidst uncertainty. As a critical thinker, I don’t like that this book is simplistic, self-contradictory, and redundant. Bad book; didn’t like it.
August 31, 2025
If I could give this more stars I would. The way Metaxas writes everything so eloquently and straight to the point is something I wish I could do. Brilliant!
I feel so encouraged in my walk with Jesus and even more empowered to fight the good fight.
God IS everywhere; and therefore should touch everything in our lives.
I also read Is Atheism Dead and knew I had to pick this one up too.
Great work Metaxas!
I feel so encouraged in my walk with Jesus and even more empowered to fight the good fight.
God IS everywhere; and therefore should touch everything in our lives.
I also read Is Atheism Dead and knew I had to pick this one up too.
Great work Metaxas!
April 30, 2024
An Amazing Call
This book is an amazing call for God's church to stand up and oppose the evil we are seeing right now being played out in America. A call to Religion less Christianity....a call to not go along with the deceptions Nd lies of secular voices.....
This book is an amazing call for God's church to stand up and oppose the evil we are seeing right now being played out in America. A call to Religion less Christianity....a call to not go along with the deceptions Nd lies of secular voices.....
June 12, 2024
I’ll be honest I didn’t totally finish it. It seems to just be saying a lot of what was said in Letter to the American Church. Maybe there’s something new towards the end. But much of it is very similar.
September 10, 2024
Challenging read both spiritually and mentally but well worth it. It’s a good kick in the pants reminder that we can be brave and should be brave because God has defeated death and evil. We must learn from the past and not compromise with evil or give it leverage but turn our hearts to God alone
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