A detailed intellectual history of the neo-evangelical movement, focusing on leaders like Harold Ockenga, Carl F. H. Henry, and Billy Graham. Spanning the 1940s onward, the book traces the movement’s origins in Boston, its efforts to engage the academy, and its lasting institutional impact. Using unexploited archives, Owen offers fresh perspectives on successes, such as the formation of influential communities, and setbacks, including the failed Crusade University. The narrative balances historical analysis with a call for contemporary evangelicals to revive intellectual ambition. Endorsed by scholars like Tim Keller and George Marsden, this work is a compelling, page-turning study that corrects misconceptions about evangelicalism and challenges modern Christians to pursue faith and reason together.

Church History isn't just about all that took place a thousand years ago, or even five hundred, there have significant events that have taken place much more recently. Strachan does a good job of bringing some of those events (and people) to life. It isn't always what I would consider an entirely balanced perspective. Strachan definitely thinks very highly of some of those involved. If you want to consider both perspectives I would recommend reading "Apostles of Reason" by Molly Worthen alongside Strachan. Worthen has her own agenda to be sure, but they are both better together and both highly recommended in order to understand the Evanglical Movement better.

This book is so concerned to counter the prevailing historiography of Evangelicalism in the middle of the 20th century that the actual story the author seeks to tell is compromised. Ultimately, the broader question about the lack of an Evangelical mind is a reflection of American culture at large. The relationship between this tension would have produced a greater contribution.