Reviews
" Onward Christian Soldiers? is a book for all people who wonder about God, Jesus, and the Christian faith. One by one Dr. Cheek lays out the major tenets of fundamentalist theology and offers an alternative--the teachings and actions of a God of love. Whether you have just begun to ask questions about conservative Christian beliefs, or have been asking them for decades, this book will help you explore them and, hopefully, grow deeper in relationship with Jesus and answer his invitation to 'follow me.'" --Norma Malfatti, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "At a time when Christianity is being claimed as the possession of the right wing and its political agenda, this book is a breath of fresh air. It reveals the power of Christian faith when it is set free from political and ideological slavery. Cheek presents both Scripture and science as the bedrock of a living faith. It is designed for those whose faith is continuing to grow and mature beyond the death traps of fundamentalism and anti-intellectualism. In a time of hatred and divisiveness Cheek boldly affirms the dignity of all people as created in the image of a loving God. Take and read!" --Bruce Levine, pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church, Olean, New York "Cheek's readable and engaging style guides you on his 'journey from fundamentalism to discipleship.' You will find theology and doctrine is not only understandable, but downright enjoyable. 'Fundamentalists' to 'liberals' will appreciate Onward Christian Soldiers? . . . Only an insider to fundamentalism and more liberal theology could treat these theological subjects so sensitively and respectfully, and Cheek's humor makes it enjoyable." --Phil Esala, Missouri Synod pastor and former member of the LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters "Cheek sees a problem, and he wants his audience to see the problem. . . . Evangelicals believe they have sole possession of the true Christian faith. . . . If you want to know what evangelicalism has done to attempt the hijacking of Christianity and what we can do to bring it back to a more even keel . . . this is the book for you." --Paul G. Rebelo, Wesley United Methodist Church, Kingwood, West Virginia "This is a well-written, scholarly work that doesn't require a scholarly mind to read, enjoy, and become enlightened by! It's clear in its direction and purpose to 'present Christ in a different light' than our more fundamental Christian brothers and sisters currently are. . . . This is a book for these current times in our Christian churches and is well worth the read. I highly recommend it!" --Kim Rossi, St. Stephan's Episcopal Church, Olean, New York " Onward Christian Soldiers? is a book for . . . faithful, well-meaning believers [who] don't realize how completely American civil religion and fundamentalism have twisted and misrepresented biblical truth in many of our churches and in the public square. In a scholarly, yet entertaining manner, Cheek exposes these distortions. . . . Be prepared to be amused, offended, and challenged. But most of all, be prepared to see the world in a new way; a better way; a more God-pleasing way; and to have your fear replaced with joy and . . . love." --Daniel Buringrud, St. Paul's Family Church (ELCA), Ellicottville, New York
Synopsis
You've probably heard someone say, "I go to a Bible believing church." The implication is pretty clear: if you go somewhere else you're attending a "Bible doubting" church. Some fundamentalist and evangelical pastors actually say just that from their pulpits. It's branding genius! It's also dismissive of most of Christianity. In this book I hope to reclaim words like "moderate" and "progressive" as a style of spirituality that actually reflects Jesus' teaching. My goal is to present a scriptural basis for the beliefs of the other half of American Protestantism. I hope that those who read this book see that our differences from fundamentalist and evangelical congregations are grounded on an abiding trust in God's goodness, especially as we see it in Jesus. It's my desire to establish how discipleship in our communities is driven by the belief that the sacrificial love we see expressed by Jesus for us, should also be expressed by us in our everyday lives. Jesus calls us to follow his way of life, which is reflected in the Beatitudes. That kind of Christianity looks a lot different from what is being taught in most big-box churches across the country., You've probably heard someone say, ""I go to a Bible believing church."" The implication is pretty clear: if you go somewhere else you're attending a ""Bible doubting"" church. Some fundamentalist and evangelical pastors actually say just that from their pulpits. It's branding genius! It's also dismissive of most of Christianity. In this book I hope to reclaim words like ""moderate"" and ""progressive"" as a style of spirituality that actually reflects Jesus' teaching. My goal is to present a scriptural basis for the beliefs of the other half of American Protestantism. I hope that those who read this book see that our differences from fundamentalist and evangelical congregations are grounded on an abiding trust in God's goodness, especially as we see it in Jesus. It's my desire to establish how discipleship in our communities is driven by the belief that the sacrificial love we see expressed by Jesus for us, should also be expressed by us in our everyday lives. Jesus calls us to follow his way of life, which is reflected in the Beatitudes. That kind of Christianity looks a lot different from what is being taught in most big-box churches across the country.
