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It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian Reviewed by John Folmar My primary thesis is that the change we most yearn for is available to us only through the Triune God who transforms his people within the divine community, the churchThe People of the Table. I believe and want to convince you that it takes a church to raise a Christian (22). Bolsinger, a Presbyterian (USA) pastor in San Clemente, CA, admits that the books title is based on an African proverb made famous by Hillary Clinton. He likes to quote theologians like Moltmann, Pannenberg, Volf and modern writers like Dallas Willard. His mother is an elder in a Presbyterian church. Regarding his young daughter, Bolsinger says I must admit sheepishly that I sometimes envision her someday becoming our churchs senior pastor (27). Thus, Bolsinger is a typical 1990s product of Fuller Seminary.[1] I must say that a lot of Bolsingers analysis is on target. He strongly defends Christianity as a corporate movement. Excessive individualism has plagued the church in America. Bolsinger decries salad-bar spirituality where one picks and chooses from, say, Bible study at the Baptist church, worship at the Presbyterian church, and support groups at the Calvary Chapel. The church is not just here to help you in your individual journey of faith (24). Bolsinger believes that an overemphasis on small groups has reinforced a do-it-yourself religion (15). The corporate body is essential to believers transformation into the likeness of the Son of God. Simply drawing large numbers of people is not the answer, however. While crowds come and go, true and enduring Christian community is a foretaste of heaven, the essence of discipleship, the enduring witness to an unbelieving world, and an absolute necessity for human transformation (15). Bolsinger seeks to address what he calls a prevailing weak ecclesiology (166) in America. Indeed, these critiques of broader evangelicalism remind one of 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. Another of Bolsingers sound observations is that the broader evangelical church in America, although it may hold to the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, actually does not commend Christianity to the world. People arent doing what the Word says. Those who profess Christian faith have almost exactly the same lifestyle patterns as unbelievers (30). This is one of Dallas Willards most potent critiques. Where Bolsinger and Willard err, however, is in their solution to the problem (discussed later). Bolsinger should be commended in four other areas:
Unfortunately, the benefit of the foregoing is overshadowed by the following two concerns (and more could be mentioned).
In summary, Bolsinger has identified nominal, hypocritical Christianity as the biggest challenge to the Christian witness in America today. His solution for reform correctly involves local assemblies of Christians. But where he stumbles is in pitting the community, and particularly the observance of the Lords Supper, against sound doctrine. We must have both, beginning with the right preaching of the Word. [2] As if he needed to reemphasize the point, the identical Willard block quote is found again on p. 111. Repeatedly, Bolsinger takes a swipe at preaching and doctrine (e.g., pp. 31, 99, 102, 111, 113, 140, etc.) The Trinitarian Word, emphasizes Bolsinger, is bigger than the Bible (113). [3] Bolsinger criticizes a resurgent neo-Anabaptist ecclesiology. A small church of pure souls is at best a short-term solution. It will either become an exclusive club or wont be pure for long once it starts mass evangelization (146). |
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