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Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, & Other Confused Presbyterians
Addressing such questions as "Are You Saved, or Are You Presbyterian?" and "Is the Bible the Literal Word of God or Just a Long, Boring Book?" this is an easy-to-understand, slightly irreverent appraoch to theology and the kind of theological musings that many youth and others have today. Bring Presbyterian in the Bible Belt Today helps Presbyterian young people articulate their faith and respond to these questions from a mainline point of view.
91 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 16, 2024
Someone really needs to write a book for Reformed Christians that guides them through the landscape of American Christianity. Sadly this book does not accomplish that task. It raises questions, and answers them with a tepid Christology and a watered-down Bible.
American Christianity is an eclectic mix. We worship the Creator from the Declaration of Independence who gives inalienable rights. We practice the piety of WWJD bracelets echoing the liberal Christianity of Charles Sheldon. We embrace the Jesus of Mel Gibson's "Passion" drawn from pre-Vatican II Roman Catholicism. We accept the dispensationalism of the "Left Behind" books. We follow the moral teachings of Veggie Tales and the psychobabble of Norman Vincent Peale and James Dobson. Our politics draws from both Martin Luther King Jr. and Pat Robertson. The forty days of Lent have been replaced by the forty days of Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life." Finally, set the whole thing to a soundtrack of bubble gum praise choruses and Fanny Crosby hymns. Presbyterians wonder if this theological pop culture is all there is. Many wonder who they are and what makes them distinctive.
As Presbyterians we draw upon the historical ecumenical consensus of the faith found in the Scriptures and outlined in texts such as the Nicene Creed. Instead of engaging the culture of the Bible Belt with this consensus, the authors of this book propose an alternative. They make a distinction between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith. Doesn't Jesus proclaim that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)? The authors attribute it to the anti-Semitism of the early church (pg 72). Then they reinterpret the meaning of the verse. Wherever one finds the way, the truth, and the life, they seem to argue, one finds Jesus (pg 73).
I agree with the authors that the Bible needs to be interpreted. Moreover, I agree that there are some lousy interpretations out there. However, the authors do not engage those who interpret the Bible differently. Rather they merely rail against those who interpret the Bible literally. The authors engage in rhetoric that they themselves find offensive among "neo-evangelicals." For example, they make an argument in favor of "Biblical universalism." They then ask the question, "What then do we make of biblical references to the `fires of hell'?" The response: "We've already noted that literal interpretations of many scriptures are problematic" (pg 39). There is no discussion of the argument on its merits. Rather, those who take the Scriptures seriously concerning hell just don't know how to read the Bible. To make matters worse, the authors then imply that those who accept the traditional notion of hell probably just want to populate it with people they don't like (pg 39).
As a Presbyterian pastor in the Bible Belt, I am constantly encouraging my congregants to move beyond a cultural Christianity to embrace the faith for themselves. Essentially, this book is a hindrance to my efforts. The book is a wasted opportunity.
American Christianity is an eclectic mix. We worship the Creator from the Declaration of Independence who gives inalienable rights. We practice the piety of WWJD bracelets echoing the liberal Christianity of Charles Sheldon. We embrace the Jesus of Mel Gibson's "Passion" drawn from pre-Vatican II Roman Catholicism. We accept the dispensationalism of the "Left Behind" books. We follow the moral teachings of Veggie Tales and the psychobabble of Norman Vincent Peale and James Dobson. Our politics draws from both Martin Luther King Jr. and Pat Robertson. The forty days of Lent have been replaced by the forty days of Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life." Finally, set the whole thing to a soundtrack of bubble gum praise choruses and Fanny Crosby hymns. Presbyterians wonder if this theological pop culture is all there is. Many wonder who they are and what makes them distinctive.
As Presbyterians we draw upon the historical ecumenical consensus of the faith found in the Scriptures and outlined in texts such as the Nicene Creed. Instead of engaging the culture of the Bible Belt with this consensus, the authors of this book propose an alternative. They make a distinction between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith. Doesn't Jesus proclaim that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)? The authors attribute it to the anti-Semitism of the early church (pg 72). Then they reinterpret the meaning of the verse. Wherever one finds the way, the truth, and the life, they seem to argue, one finds Jesus (pg 73).
I agree with the authors that the Bible needs to be interpreted. Moreover, I agree that there are some lousy interpretations out there. However, the authors do not engage those who interpret the Bible differently. Rather they merely rail against those who interpret the Bible literally. The authors engage in rhetoric that they themselves find offensive among "neo-evangelicals." For example, they make an argument in favor of "Biblical universalism." They then ask the question, "What then do we make of biblical references to the `fires of hell'?" The response: "We've already noted that literal interpretations of many scriptures are problematic" (pg 39). There is no discussion of the argument on its merits. Rather, those who take the Scriptures seriously concerning hell just don't know how to read the Bible. To make matters worse, the authors then imply that those who accept the traditional notion of hell probably just want to populate it with people they don't like (pg 39).
As a Presbyterian pastor in the Bible Belt, I am constantly encouraging my congregants to move beyond a cultural Christianity to embrace the faith for themselves. Essentially, this book is a hindrance to my efforts. The book is a wasted opportunity.
January 18, 2008
Much of what these authors identify as "Presbyterian" would not be recognizable to any of the earlier generations who owned that label. A low view of Biblical authority, a loose cafeteria view of confessions, a man-centered theology -- that used to be called "Unitarian" not Presbyterian!
More or less a waste.
More or less a waste.
September 24, 2021
If this book truly defined what Presbyterians believe, I would cease being Presbyterian immediately. One is much better off reading R. C. Sproul, Tim Keller, John Frame, and many other Presbyterians to understand the faith of Reformed and Presbyterian people. The theology of this book was often wrong, often mushy, and misleading. The authors are in dread fear that some Presbyterian might take a portion of the faith literally, meaning seriously.
September 12, 2008
Unlike some, I have no issue with the liberal interpretations here. I think that Foote takes on some deep issues, and offers some alternative viewpoints, but I wasn't deeply impressed by the writing, and about midway through the book, I began losing interest. Though not exciting, it was perfectly serviceable.
July 17, 2012
Simple and delightful handbook of Presbyterian uniqueness and breadth in a theological landscape that seems to demand uniformity. The authors convey diversity of thought and understanding even within the Reformed tradition.
April 22, 2012
I relate to this book and enjoyed it very much. I found it enlightening and it now helps me to understand my roots and the theological upbringing I had in the United Presbyterian Church. If you were raised Presbyterian you will find this book very helpful.
March 29, 2008
Reading this for a class I am taking at church, Presbyterian 101 - learning a lot! Interesting book if you are not quite sure what exactally Presbyterian's believe.
August 18, 2013
An easy read that describes an intelligent faith that is accepting, scriptural, and joyful that flows out of the Presbyterian tradition.
March 6, 2020
Since Jesus began his letters to the churches in Revelation with praise, and then critiqued, I will do the same. The positives in this book are their emphasis on grace, that God alone saves, that understanding grace should cause us to be humble and accepting of those made in God's image. I affirm that these things are true and from the Bible.
However, as for the problems. I had great hopes for this book, but they were quickly dashed. The authors assume (wrongly I believe) that true Presbyterianism is of the form that has only existed for the last 80 years- a watered down, man-centered imitation of the tradition that began over 300 years ago. They take the phrase 'God alone is Lord of the conscience' to mean that any interpretation of Scripture is valid and no one can say any one view is right! Calvin and Knox would not recognize or agree with the views stated here. Among the problems, the authors have a very wooden view of "literal". They say, if you believe the Bible is literal - the world is flat, etc. They do not take into account the idea of genre, or literary devices that the writers of Scripture used. They do not use the historic principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture. They also don't seem to understand the difference between a "real" contradiction and an "apparent" contradiction, and thus fall on the old liberal view that "the Bible is full of contradictions". Instead of having a Word of God that we can seek truth in, the authors claim we have a book that gives us God-encountering experiences. While the authors quote the Westminster Confession at many points, they have hollowed out and weakened the very faith those Divines sought to preserve. If you are looking for a book that really defends Presbyterian and Reformed views, avoid this book. It does a disservice to all who have borne that label through history.
However, as for the problems. I had great hopes for this book, but they were quickly dashed. The authors assume (wrongly I believe) that true Presbyterianism is of the form that has only existed for the last 80 years- a watered down, man-centered imitation of the tradition that began over 300 years ago. They take the phrase 'God alone is Lord of the conscience' to mean that any interpretation of Scripture is valid and no one can say any one view is right! Calvin and Knox would not recognize or agree with the views stated here. Among the problems, the authors have a very wooden view of "literal". They say, if you believe the Bible is literal - the world is flat, etc. They do not take into account the idea of genre, or literary devices that the writers of Scripture used. They do not use the historic principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture. They also don't seem to understand the difference between a "real" contradiction and an "apparent" contradiction, and thus fall on the old liberal view that "the Bible is full of contradictions". Instead of having a Word of God that we can seek truth in, the authors claim we have a book that gives us God-encountering experiences. While the authors quote the Westminster Confession at many points, they have hollowed out and weakened the very faith those Divines sought to preserve. If you are looking for a book that really defends Presbyterian and Reformed views, avoid this book. It does a disservice to all who have borne that label through history.
March 16, 2025
I'm a new member in the PCUSA denomination, having grown up in the C&MA and being a member of Southern Baptist and having attended a Sojourn/Harbor Network plant until Dec 2023 (and having been a student at a private Christian school for half of my secondary school years). I cherish the comfort of the inclusive attitude of our congregation and those in our synod we've been fortunate to interact with. Of course I could just have had the experience of feeling less than comforted in my previous churches, in contrast with others in the same places, but my upbringing lent itself much more strongly to a "who's in/who's out" mentality.
All that to say, my "neo-evangelical" background lines up almost exactly with much of what the authors of this book describe, and the contrast in the PCUSA rings true. The emphasis placed on grace and therefore God's work vs human effort makes all the difference.
I'm sure there are other ways to express the PCUSA views on things, but this book meant a lot to me as a new member and as someone who views my "calling" as a Christian to be about loving people genuinely vs viewing them as a "mission field" as therefore objectifying them. What I took away from this book is not so much a solid stance on the issues included from a PCUSA point of view, but more like one possible way to look at things that are often narrowed down to a dangerous effect in today's American Christianity. I do wish that there was an updated version, as things have shifted even more toward the narrow view of Jesus in much of the white American church since it was first published.
All that to say, my "neo-evangelical" background lines up almost exactly with much of what the authors of this book describe, and the contrast in the PCUSA rings true. The emphasis placed on grace and therefore God's work vs human effort makes all the difference.
I'm sure there are other ways to express the PCUSA views on things, but this book meant a lot to me as a new member and as someone who views my "calling" as a Christian to be about loving people genuinely vs viewing them as a "mission field" as therefore objectifying them. What I took away from this book is not so much a solid stance on the issues included from a PCUSA point of view, but more like one possible way to look at things that are often narrowed down to a dangerous effect in today's American Christianity. I do wish that there was an updated version, as things have shifted even more toward the narrow view of Jesus in much of the white American church since it was first published.
December 23, 2017
"Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt..." immediately caught my eye. The title amused me. And the quote, "Entering the Bible Belt, not a religion, but a state of mind," had me laughing out loud.
This book in my opinion targets "liberal" Christians of any denomination who may feel confused or even anxiety in today's Christian media. Only the most extreme on the left or right are heard. "Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt" is a gentle reminder that we are all God's children.
I don't think teens will read this book (as stated in the title,) but I do think parents may have a starting off point in talking to their teens about God and religion in general.
This book in my opinion targets "liberal" Christians of any denomination who may feel confused or even anxiety in today's Christian media. Only the most extreme on the left or right are heard. "Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt" is a gentle reminder that we are all God's children.
I don't think teens will read this book (as stated in the title,) but I do think parents may have a starting off point in talking to their teens about God and religion in general.
September 3, 2024
This is such a comprehensive, yet abridged, way to approach the theological differences that exist between Presbyterians and neo-evangelical congregations in the Bible belt. Hint: it's more than just trespassers and debtors. Directed toward young adults and thriving Presbyterians alike, the book gives solid Biblical backing for why the concept of being saved and born again isn't part of our vocabulary anymore than a literal interpretation of the Rapture or fear of hell. I could have used this in high school.
August 9, 2019
This book has become even more relevant as the "neo-evangelicals" work even harder to force their beliefs on everyone. They seem to have forgotten about the whole "Freedom of Religion" thing in this country. Something about the writing style makes it hard to read at times...had to force myself to stay on task...
December 20, 2021
A really nice, albeit concise, summary of modern Presbyterianism in the US. Other reviews may be far more critical of the liberal interpretation of the faith, but I enjoy the open and kind viewpoints expressed here. This book shows how accepting and tolerant ALL Christians should be.
July 30, 2017
I skimmed a lot. It was interesting in parts.
On further thought, I've upgraded slightly. I realize it has clarified my thinking on some matters.
On further thought, I've upgraded slightly. I realize it has clarified my thinking on some matters.
January 8, 2026
Good ideas. Good topics. Not always very clear. I find some of the arguments to be circular reasoning. Not an easy read. More clarity and simplicity is needed.
July 30, 2020
This book worked really well for a Sunday school class primarily aimed toward youth, but which included their parents. I found with my own children (now grown) that they were often confronted by their Southern Baptist friends with questions such as "when were you saved?" This book does an excellent job of raising those kinds of issues and a slightly less good job of answering the questions; but in reality, raising the questions is more important than trite answers. In fact, that is part of the point about the difference between those who try to hold a black-and-white, inerrantist view of the Bible versus those willing to leave room for the mystery of God which supersedes our finite ability to grasp the infinite. I highly recommend this book for equipping youth (and adults) for living without apology with aggressive evangelicals.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews