After Evangelicalism

“For some, Gushee will have gone too far, and for others, not far enough; regardless, he demonstrates to post-evangelicals that there is the possibility for faith beyond the conservative evangelicalism to which they can no longer be bound. What is more, he proffers theological foundations that prioritize the life and ministry of Jesus for thoughtful reflection and action in society today. His constructive post-evangelical theology will likely enliven those who have been gatekept from the richness of the Christian tradition and the varieties of scriptural interpretations that empower a life lived to love God and neighbor.” – Reading Religion

“What distinguishes After Evangelicalism from other critiques and gives the book great value is how Gushee comes to his criticisms…. He begins, in the mode of classical political theology, with Scripture and critically, its exegesis. The through-line of the book is methodology: how does one explore sacred texts for political and personal ethics today? …Gushee’s book is precisely, inspiringly political theology.” —Political Theology

“Who should read [After Evangelicalism]? Certainly for those whom it is intended: the wounded and weary of church. In addition, I would urge my evangelical ministry colleagues to engage this important work. Let it serve as a goad to love and good deeds, especially toward those whom we once baptized and with whom we have broken bread and walked in holy fellowship, yet have walked away.” – The Presbyterian Outlook

“After Evangelicalismcould very likely attract significant attention. There are many well-educated, fair-minded, and service-oriented white evangelicals who lack the shortsightedness, insensitivity, and intellectual shallowness Gushee decries. So his critique of their more flawed faith-compatriots rings sadly true. Perhaps his book will be a wake-up call for both.” –The New York Journal of Books

“I generally like [Gushee’s] books, but this is my new favorite.” – Tripp Fuller, Homebrewed Christianity podcast

“If you’re part of the growing number of post-evangelicals
whose conscience resulted in living out your faith in exile, this is
the book for you—especially if your spirit longs to move beyond the
painful place we’ve come from and reengage your spiritual imagination to
explore beyond the evangelical horizon.” —Benjamin L. Corey, author of Unafraid: Moving beyond Fear-Based Faith

“Since
the evangelical revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, evangelicalism has
given the impression that it is immune to the decline plaguing mainline
Protestantism. That is, until now. As David Gushee’s insightful analysis
of the current post-evangelical moment suggests, US evangelicalism
squandered its opportunity, and now people—especially young people—are
leaving evangelical Christianity. As Gushee demonstrates,
evangelicalism’s wounds are mostly self-inflicted, originating in the
move by straight white men to perpetuate structures that reinforce their
power and dominance over the life of the church. Gushee is driven by a
profound need to address the pastoral concerns of this growing
post-evangelical movement and herein offers a combination manifesto,
love letter, and game plan for fellow #exvangelicals. The rest of the
church would do well to heed his words too. Gushee’s spiritual inventory
of this movement and his articulation of a post-evangelical theological
framework serve as a road map for renewal for a fragmented and moribund
first-world Christianity.” —Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Professor of
Theological Studies, Saint Louis University

“This is the kind of book that church people need to read together: in Sunday School classes, Zoom book clubs, and discipleship groups. It is personal, powerful, and pointed in all the right directions.” – Dwight A. Moody, The Meeting House