Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America by Russell Moore is an honest and prophetic call to honesty and repentance for the future of American Evangelicalism. In this work, Moore draws especially from personal experience, relating his own journey and testimony with the shocking political and theological developments within American Evangelicalism during the past decade. Between his many years within the Southern Baptist Convention, and especially his time on the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Moore pulls from a wealth of experience in order to both diagnose the problems of American Evangelicalism and prescribe the potential remedies to the current crisis.

There is much to commend in this work, though three strengths deserve special attention. First, rather than attempt to smooth over the issues facing American Evangelicalism or deny their existence, the author is incredibly forthcoming concerning the challenges and both past and present sins of the church. This honest aspect of Moore's work is refreshing. Second, the book is equally hopeful for the future. Not content to simply diagnose the problems, the author also provides a plethora of "next steps" that Christians from across the Evangelical spectrum can adopt with the continual encouragement that these actions can actually make a difference. Finally, Moore's deep knowledge of the Evangelical world as an "insider" comes through in the book. Though potentially a concern for bias, the author utilizes this facet of his past to better relate to the ongoing crises within the American Evangelical church. As such, Moore's solutions remain grounded in the realities of the church as it currently exists.

While the book overall is incredibly helpful, I do have some minor critiques. First, I felt that the organization/structure of the book was a bit inconsistent at times. Certain sections moved from topic to topic at such a pace that it was difficult to track the author's main points. Additionally, each chapter ends with potential solutions that do not always seem to link to the overall concern of the chapter, though this is a less prevalent issue. Second, the subject matter of the book is not always novel. This is not necessarily a serious concern, but it does mean that those already familiar with the issues facing the American Evangelical church might not find any new material in this work beyond Moore's personal testimony. Even with these limitations, I can certainly recommend this work. For those struggling with the questions of "how we got here?" and "what do we do now?" this is the book for you.

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley, but the thoughts and opinions of this review are my own.

The most profound critique of a system often comes from within. Russell Moore is a product of conservative SBC evangelicalism and a committed dogmatic follower of Jesus. He is also fed up with the hypocrisy and power obsessed politics of evangelicalism. In this alter call of a book Moore unveils the ways in which tribalism and identity politics masquerades as "christianity" when the soul of what's being upheld in no way resembles the Jesus one claims to follow.

"Be careful to note that there is more than one way for you to secularize and in one of those ways your atheism can make you feel even more Christian than you did before, all it takes is substituting adrenaline for the Holy Spirit, political "awakening" for the rebirth, quarrelsomeness for sanctification, and a visible tribal identity for the kingdom of God."

Russel Moore has provided a thoughtful look at the state of the State.
He makes a call for America to return to true biblical roots without getting caught up in America worship.
Early in the book feels a bit like a sob story regarding his personal criticisms etc.
The book would have been fine without those elements.

I have had the opportunity to see Russell Moore speak on many occasions throughout the last decade, and I initially picked this up not knowing his recent story of leaving the South Baptist Convention entirely. I appreciated his experience and reflection, and his writing is both challenging and honest. I do see Moore's writing of this story as brave, given he holds nothing back and definitely does not dance around topics but addresses them head-on. I am looking forward to what Russell Moore has to say in the future.

Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore is a raw and needed revelatory call to the American evangelical church. Delving from his own personal story and experiences within the Southern Baptist vein of evangelicalism, Moore provides an account of the state of the American church, focusing on the recent history and current situation that has in many cases tarnished the church’s credibility.

Even so, Moore speaks with a hopeful voice, recognizing the dichotomy between truth and hope in various evangelical spheres, while charting a path forward with conviction, drawing readers away from the tribalism and culture wars. Moore extends a call of repentance and renewal, resounding the history of the past, the complexities of the present, and the hope of the future. The purpose is not simply to “Make America Great Again” or restore “American Evangelicalism” for that matter, but to remind that the Spirit still moves and while the church stands communities of faith will continue to share and live the “good news.”

Losing Our Religion is written for those in faith communities at a crossroads with the church’s current situation, offering grace and wisdom from one that has experienced the present turbulence. The words of Russell Moore are a balm for those questioning if they are alone, wisdom for leaders in faith communities, and hope for those rediscovering how to live the Christian journey.

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley, but the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It took me way too long to read this one, but it was just so impactful. Russell Moore shows such grace and humility, while focusing on the gospel throughout this book. It doesn’t seem like it would, ht this book gave me so much hope and encouragement. By far, my favorite quote is in the conclusion:

“Evangelical Christianity as we know it might not survive. American evangelicalism might not be there for the future. But someone will be. As long as there’s a church, there will be people within reminding everyone else that the Spirit blows where he wills, and that there’s hope, no matter how far gone a person goes, to be born again.”

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Sentinel for this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review of the book.

I write all of this as a Latter-day Saint (LDS) (Mormon), which many in the Evangelical community consider a cult, or at the very least, a non-Christian religion. And this might surprise many here: why would a Mormon want to read a book such as this, given this opinion.

There are many reasons but chief amongst them is that not one leader/influencer of my Church that I’m aware of are discussing the primary topic of this book: that the Christianity of today (and a majority of her membership including the 60 plus % of LDS who identify as Republicans/Trumpism supporters, has abandoned its primary mission of declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, His gospel and saving ordinances. That many Christians today many are beholden as documented and discussed in today’s media to white Christian Nationalism, Southern honor culture, American Exceptionalism, support white racial backlash, etc.

So what is one such as I to do when I observe society and religion around me degenerating into behaviour that Christ would not recognise and support if he were to return? I seek out the sources of wise council such as this author. It did not disappoint me. I took extensive notes. But it is disappointing that no leader of my Church has given a sermon/talk about this very subject. In essence this saddens me, as so many are allowed to depart from the essential iron rod and straight and narrow path to adhere to.

This book hit the nail on the head and summed up perfectly the feelings I have had about Church and religion since COVID. It perfectly analyzes how modern evangelicals have morphed religion into a political identity. A recommended read for anyone who feels that the Church lost them somewhere along the way.

I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book an seeing how the author has been wrestling with holding onto his faith while coming face to face with the issues that are facing the American evangelical church. As a Canadian, a country where faith and politics don't seem to be as closely connected as in the USA, I have been watching the political situation down there with a great deal of incredulity as the evangelical church seems to blind themselves to the issues surrounding their support of Donald Trump. I therefore enjoyed reading about someone who is considered an evangelical leader, lay out the various reasons, supporting someone like Trump can be an unchristian thing to do, and hurt the witness of the church.

I am however taking a star off because several of the chapters were really long and started to lose me a little bit.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

(4.75/5 stars) Honestly this book was so needed for me at this point in my life; the past few years (especially 2020-2022 but really starting in 2016) have left me so disillusioned with the church. I have long followed Moore on various forms of social media (primarily Twitter) and have always respected him as a straight-shooter and an honest and brave voice in the SBC.

I can certainly identify with those whom Moore describes as "...young evangelicals walking away from evangelicalism not because they do not believe what the church teaches, but because they believe the church itself does not believe what the church teaches." After years in a church that left me disillusioned, heartbroken, exhausted, and grieving because it felt like the subtext to every Sunday sermon was speaking out "against culture" (aka "Discipleship by Fox News/Gab/Truth Social/whatever new-social-media is accepted by the far right") and where, as Moore puts it, "“truth” is seen as a means to tribal belonging, rather than as a reality that exists outside of us," this book felt like a balm and a reminder that even when people fail us, Jesus never does. Moore calls readers to "conversion over culture wars, to truth over tribalism, to the gospel over politics, to integrity over influence, and to renewal over nostalgia". This book left me feeling hopeful and leaning on the sovereignty of God. Kingdoms (and denominations) will rise and fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

In "Losing Our Religion," Russell Moore delivers a clarion call to American evangelical Christianity, charging it to return to its roots and rekindle the flame of faith in the midst of bewildering times. With the eloquence of a pastor and the courage of a prophet, Moore paints a stark and hopeful picture of a faith community at a crossroads.

American evangelicalism, once a beacon of hope and belonging, has veered off course, leaving millions of believers in disarray. Congregations are torn apart by divisive issues, from the influence of politics and nationalism to racial injustice and sexual predation. As disillusionment spreads, the most devoted evangelicals are asking the pressing question: "Can American Christianity endure?"

Moore charts a path forward with unwavering conviction, away from the culture wars and tribalism that have sown discord within the faith. He calls for a return to the core values of truth, gospel, and integrity, shedding the shackles of influence and political entanglement. Through his words, Moore provides hope for a new generation of believers who have weathered the storms of recent years, showing them the way toward a faith marked by authenticity and renewal.

Moore extends an altar call for repentance and rebirth in the tradition of old evangelical revivals. His message resounds with the urgency of the past while addressing the complexities of the present. He invites those who have felt adrift and disheartened to embark on a journey towards a faith that transcends the status quo and cultural entanglements. Only by relinquishing the faith that has grown stagnant can believers breathe new life into their spiritual journey. Only by shedding the trappings of religion can they discover the boundless grace that lies at the heart of their faith.

"Losing Our Religion" is a rallying cry, a prophetic voice that speaks to the heart of a faith community at a crossroads. The enduring power of faith offers hope and a vision for a future where grace and authenticity lead the way. This book illustrates the resilience and the enduring spirit of American evangelicalism, a guidepost for those who seek a renewed faith that transcends the turbulence of the times. Russell Moore's words are a source of wisdom, soothing for the soul, and an altar call to rediscover the profound and unshakable grace at the heart of the Christian journey.

"Russell Moore's 'Losing Our Religion' -- A prophetic call to rediscover the heart of faith."

"An urgent plea for renewal and authenticity in American evangelicalism."

"A spiritual guidepost for believers navigating a faith at a crossroads."

"Moore's message: Return to the Gospel, seek truth, and rekindle the flame of faith."

"Hope in a time of disillusionment."

"Discover the path to renewed faith and a deeper connection with grace."

"A message of courage and conviction -- A call to faith beyond politics."

"Russell Moore's book is the altar call for a new generation of believers."

"A prophetic voice for troubled times."

"A guiding light in the storm -- 'Losing Our Religion' offers a vision of hope."

This book is important for anyone who considers themselves evangelical Christians. I can really relate to wanting to hold fast to my beliefs but not buying into what has become of evangelical Christianity.

Very interesting book and well written. I resonated with a lot of the statements and feelings by this author. I didn’t always agree with every single argument or the authors prominent dislike of certain individuals, but I was willing to give this book and author a fair chance. Most of what he stated was reasonable, biblical, and insightful. I felt this book was written for the moment and strategically released as we head into the darkest political season of our nation’s history.. I would encourage this author to write another book or two on the aftermath of those elections. Thank you to NetGalley and Sentinel for this advanced review copy.. All opinions are my own.

Wow! This is a must read for Christians today. I was shocked, saddened, and encouraged by Russell Moore’s story. It shines a light onto what America is holding dear…and it isn’t pretty. Not only is it not pretty, it’s dangerous. I’m thankful to have read this book and pray more people’s eyes are opened to what is happening in our churches today. Many are claiming the name of Christ and acting far from His ways. May we all take a hard look at our hearts, minds, and beliefs and ask God to shine a light and change us from anything that does not look like Him.

I have appreciated Russell Moore's writings for many years, and this one, going in to another election cycle, does not disappoint. It gives hope for those not to associate with American evangelicalism.

I have to say, I am relieved to find someone else who is a Christian, but like me, doesn’t support Donald Trump and is more than a bit unhappy with the current issues of racism and covering-up of sexual abuse going on in the Church. That being said…

Losing Our Religion is a book that tells it like it is. The Church is rife with problems that stem from the fact that we view our faith as a religion rather than what it is – faith. At least that’s how I view it and how I perceived the book to be viewing it as well.

This book tackles the tough issues such as the Church becoming embroiled in politics. It talks about how in many cases, Christian thought leaders will support a candidate who at least claims to support the same causes they do, while completely ignoring the causes they don’t support. It also talks about the way in which Christian thought leaders and churches excuse or ignore un-Christian behaviors exhibited by these political candidates.

There are a ton of examples of how the church is more or less contradicting itself, but Russell Moore doesn’t just tell us the problems, he gives practicable solutions to the issues. He doesn’t just tell us “hey, there’s a problem here”, he actually provides solutions that we can work on.

I gave this book 4 stars because it tells it like it is, provides solutions, and makes you think about how you and your church leaders are viewing faith, patriotism, nationalism, and more. I highly recommend this to anyone who is frustrated at the current state of the Church.

In an era of rampant deconstruction, it was a relief to read that Russell Moore had successfully untangled his Baptist roots from his identity as a child of God. He affirms, as the title implies, “I was not losing my faith, but I was losing my religion.” Sadly, the word “religion” for Moore had become larded through and through with an abundance of politics and weighed down with cultural baggage that has nothing to do with the biblical mission of the Church.

I found all of this to be jarring, and, while I can’t say that I enjoyed reading the book, I can report that I profited from it. Evangelicals, those who “believe in the God who justifies the ungodly,” will find in Moore’s story a cautionary tale, for we are distractible creatures, praying for stones and serpents and then wondering why we’re bruised and bitten. However, in keeping with the gospel narrative, what began with loss and disruption traveled all the way to hope.

Even more valuable than Moore’s experience is his response to his experience. Worshiping alongside sinners (there’s no one else to fill the pews), requires a faithful winnowing of our outrage and a careful stewarding of our terminology.

Moore calls evangelicals to the priority of recovering the spiritual authority necessary to carry out the mission of the church. If we are going to stanch the hemorrhage of young adults from the church, we need to be very clear that we ourselves believe what we have taught them all their lives. Maybe if we also “lose our religion” we will become more effective at pointing to Christ and more committed to living the mystery that for 2,000 years has been pointing seekers to an empty tomb.

Many thanks to Sentinel (part of the Penguin Group) for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.

In Losing Our Religion, Russell Moore does an outstanding job of assessing our society as a whole, as related to evangelicalism in America, and encouraging us to stay steadfast in our pursuit of integrity and transparency, as Christ Followers should walk. Jesus is constant. He guides us steadfastly and with the ultimate purpose of not only walking alongside Him as our Lord, but in sharing with others, the hope we have in Jesus. Moore presents a message of hope to the readers, one filled with the truth that in and through all things, the gospel will prevail. I applaud Moore for “not holding back” in his communication style, literally speaking truths about the current status of the American church today, and the hypocrisy that abounds. He states comments in a direct manner, with integrity, and shows the reader that even in what may seem like a hopeless situation in our churches today, with so much upheaval, deceit, and hypocrisy, Christ will lead us into the future. We only must cling to Him and stay committed to our walk with Him.
Thank you to Netgalley and Sentinel, an imprint of Random House, for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

When I was 12, my uncle recommended a massive book on "Understanding the Times." I had the hardcover in my room for years and never read it. When I got to college, it was required reading for another course I wasn't enrolled in. I've always been a little curious about what was in that volume.

I share that anecdote to say, Moore in this book reflects on the times we live in now, and there is a lot to digest. The church today is not the church of 1995. I think he has a lot of good insight. Where do we go from here? Moore doesn't outline a battle plan forward, but does offer some principles that I thought were pastoral and 'neutral' for the most part.

He does not hide his distaste for Donald Trump or the SBC's handling of sexual abuse - and this narrative he expounds on as the reader comes to understand what molded and shaped him into who he is today.

Whether or not you share his conclusions on those two hot topic items, I still think this is a book that is worth reading, and worth discussion afterwards. I read a lot of books throughout the year, but I don't always recommend the books I read. This one I do.

Thoughts:
- Coming into this as an external observer (the word 'evangelical' is much more value-neutral in my comfy little bubble in Sydney), this impassioned and sobering reflection on the state of American evangelical culture was helpful in unpacking just what on earth I've been seeing on the news and on social media for the past couple of years.
- Before reading this, I was only familiar with Russell Moore through his segment on Mike Cosper's/CT's podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. Here he touches on his experiences in Southern Baptist circles and the fallout that ensured after his criticism of how some churches responded to the Trump campaign and all the associated cultural chaos. I think he did well in being gracious when recounting his experiences, and in calling for repentance and renewal.
- I found the discussion on 'deconstruction' super helpful. It's a big scary buzzword, but the question isn't about whether someone will deconstruct, but what they will deconstruct. When the scales fall from your eyes and you realise that your idols have failed you, will this lead to cynicism or renewal? The same goes for 'revival'. What are you trying to revive? Some national myth about an idealised cultural past, or a return to gospel-centeredness?
- Russell Moore doesn't shy away from addressing some truly awful stuff. But the book ends on a hopeful note. Although American cultural Christianity has developed a skewed understanding of religion, credibility, authority, identity, integrity, and stability, the stripping-away of illusion is an opportunity to pause and look to the One who heals, restores, and saves.
- Note: There were so many hard hitting lines I would have loved to quote here, but I read an uncorrected proof text from NetGalley (there were some minor grammar/punctuation errors). Rest assured that the book is extensively highlighted on my Kindle. Shout-out to my friends who graciously put up with my live reactions and many, many photos of interesting quotes.