Description
Dysvangelical is a theology that is dysfunctional and dystopian, turning the good news into the opposite of what it means to be evangelical.
Twenty-five years ago, two Presbyterian pastors in middle America penned Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt to help their parishioners navigate questions posed by a rising neo-evangelical theology. With warmth and clarity, they tackled queries such as, "Are you saved?" and "Is the Bible the literal word of God?" Their goal was to affirm the rich insights of Presbyterian theology rather than merely refuting another perspective. The book resonated deeply, becoming wildly successful.
To be Presbyterian is to be truly evangelical, bearers of the good news of God in Jesus Christ. Today, the landscape has shifted again. A forceful form of Christian theology—what the authors call dysvangelicalism—has emerged, blending neo-evangelicalism with reactionary and authoritarian ideologies. Often branded as Christian Nationalism, this movement takes so much of the gospel that is positively evangelical by God’s grace and distorts both the gospel and grace into something dysfunctional, dystopian, and far from its intended evangelical character. It promotes a framework that fuels divisive public policies and a rigid moral worldview, claiming these as the Christian perspective.
In their new book, Ted V. Foote Jr. and P. Alex Thornburg explore this troubling trend in depth. Across eight chapters, they unpack the core characteristics of dysvangelicalism while equipping Presbyterians and others to reclaim their faith. They address these pressing questions:
- Is God vindictive or gracious?
- Does faith demand choosing sides in an us-versus-them battle?
- What do Presbyterians believe about democracy, authority, and discipleship?
Grounded in the Presbyterian tradition, this book reminds readers of the believers who are rooted in grace, inclusion, and a commitment to God’s wholeness for the world. While the Presbyterian Church has seen a decline—going from mainline to sideline and, perhaps, to the metaphorical locker room—its witness remains vital.