A New Evangelical Manifesto

“The word prophetic is tossed around rather promiscuously these days, but A New Evangelical Manifesto truly deserves to be seen in light of that long tradition of calling religious people to reflection, responsibility and action. It gathers together an extraordinarily thoughtful group of men and women who consider the central political questions with both eloquence and clarity.”
-E. J. Dionne, syndicated columnist and author of Our Divided Political Heart

“An urgent, important manifesto. You need not agree with everything here to recognize this volume as a ringing summons to more faithfully follow Jesus’ call to radical discipleship. Precisely those who confess that Jesus is true God and true man must always be eager to repent of ways that fallen culture has seduced Christians into abandoning Jesus' radical teaching. This book helps us do that.”
-Ronald J. Sider, Eastern University and Evangelicals for Social Action

“Not only a sweeping view of the profound changes among America’s evangelicals but also a vision of how social change should proceed that is nothing less than an inspiration for all America... It should once and for all dash stereotypes of evangelicals. Indeed, those interested in policies leading to a less fractious and violent future must seriously consider the ideas in this book.”
-Marcia Pally, New York University, author of The New Evangelicals: Expanding the Vision of the Common Good

“A New Evangelical Manifesto is a timely and important book that refuses to shrink back from the pressing moral issues of our time. As rising generations shake off the scales of the religious right, many Christians are looking for fresh approaches to modern problems. While readers may not agree with every word contained herein, they'll find much to learn from and even more to rejoice over.”
-Jonathan Merritt, author of A Faith of Our Own: Following Jesus Beyond the Culture Wars

“Evangelical Christianity has long had outside critics. The criticism in this book is much more powerful because it comes from within. But this book is far more than simply an indictment of certain practices and patterns within evangelical Christianity. It also sets forth a hopeful vision for what evangelical Christianity can and should be. Everyone who cares about the Christian witness in the world will want to read this book and join this important conversation.”
-Melissa Rogers, Center for Religion and Public Affairs, Wake Forest University Divinity School

“As I read A New Evangelical Manifesto, I kept thinking of Martin Luther King’s description of the freedom movement, from his ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail’ in 1963—the movement was standing up ‘for the best in the American Dream’ and ‘the most sacred values in our Judeo- Christian Heritage,’ bringing ‘the whole nation back to the great wells of democracy’ from the nation’s beginnings. So too, this Manifesto and the movement it represents. This is a bold, compelling, passionate statement for Christians—and all Americans—to move beyond the blame games, hatreds, and demonizations which so warp our capacities to act across differences to build a sustainable, just, and participatory democratic society. The authors embody the Holy Spirit at work in the world, in a tempestuous and crucial moment in time.”
-Harry C. Boyte, Center for Democracy and Citizenship, author of CommonWealth: A Return to Citizen Politics

“This collection of important, provocative, and challenging essays has the potential to be a ‘game changer’ in the life of the Church and its public persona... If change is to truly occur, the church universal must take a sober look at itself and courageously seek to bring the Kingdom Ethic to all the world regardless of race, creed, gender or nationality. The authors in this collection are to be commended for the courage and faith in announcing to us all that we need to examine ourselves and our motives. A New Evangelical Manifesto challenges us to reconsider long held assumptions and bravely seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our journeying toward the ‘beloved community.’”
-Sean Smith, pastor, New Horizon Baptist Church, Atlanta

“A New Evangelical Manifesto is a historic declaration by Christians determined to get Jesus back into Christianity. It challenges the older white men who lead the church, who yearn to take back the power they had before Americans of color so multiplied. Men who are the face of loss, fear, anger and destructive partisanship. Almost half the authors are under 35; many are women. They want to give Christianity one more chance. To reject patriarchal power over women, to care about the poor, the marginalized, the sick and the dying. To see God in the face of all his creatures regardless of faith, color or economic status. They miss Jesus of Nazareth, the original bleeding heart liberal.”
-Joseph V. Montville, George Mason University