Book Review
Christ And Culture Revisited
by Don Carson

“Ever since Pentecost Christians have had to think through the nature of their relationships with others” (p. viii).

In 1951, theologian H. Richard Niebuhr wrote what would prove to be a seminal work on the issue of Christian interaction in his book Christ and Culture. More than fifty years later, Niebuhr’s work continues to inform and influence the varied responses. Enter Christ and Culture Revisited by D. A. Carson. Revisited represents Carson’s contribution to the discussion which proves to be a helpful guide for pastors and church leaders as they evaluate how to minister in the ever-changing culture around them.

One of the initial benefits of Revisited is Carson’s basic summary of Niebuhr’s five typological categories. Carson attempts to evenhandedly explain each of these categories in a manner that helps the reader feel conversant with the various models, even though the reader may not be acquainted with Niebuhr’s work. Moreover, Carson’s engagement with Niebuhr includes page numbers to assist the reader in further direct examination of Niebuhr’s work.

Most helpful is Carson’s penetrating analysis and theological insight grounded in a robust biblical theology. For those who are new to thinking of the grand narrative of Scripture, Carson provides a survey of his perspective on the significant turning points of redemptive history and how, in his opinion, these turning points function as vital elements in constructing faithful Christian responses to, and interactions with, culture. Carson proceeds to critique the various strengths and weaknesses of Niebuhr’s approach from the perspective of his fidelity to the themes of biblical theology. In doing so, Carson flatly rejects some of Niebuhr’s conclusions and calls for nuance and integration in other areas. After reviewing and analyzing each of Niebuhr’s types, Carson concludes:

We will be wiser if we refrain from distinguishing discrete patterns or paradigms or models of the relations between Christ and culture, and think instead of wise integration with different aspects of the whole clamoring for more attention from time to time (p. 62).

This leads Carson to delve into definition and analysis of post-modernism, secularism, democracy (especially the American variety), freedom, and power as they each intersect with the a Christian understanding of and response to culture. In tackling the tension between church and state, Carson issues the reminder that there is also a distinction between the mission of the church and the duties of individual Christians (p. 152). The average reader might easily become bogged down in Carson’s interaction with the postmodern language debate. Although it is informative, chapter 3 could be skipped without serious consequence.

Another great strength of Revisited is Carson’s refusal to construct a defining model or matrix to govern all Christian interaction. Carson insightfully recognizes,

Although there are better and worse examples of how these tensions might play out, there is no ideal stable paradigm that can be transported to other times and places: every culture is perpetually in flux, ensuring that no political structure is a permanent “solution” to the tension (p. 207).

More than once, Carson reflects on the disparity of cultural situations in which Christians find themselves. It is precisely this dynamic that demands careful reflection and resists a singular position. Despite the fact that Carson eschews a definitive model, he does aim to stimulate thought and application on a variety of fronts. For instance, he makes the poignant observation that Christians can focus on the salvation of individuals so exclusively that they lose sight of the potential for transformation of entire structures. He reminds the reader that slavery was not abolished simply by helping individual slaves (p. 218).

Throughout Revisited, Carson repeatedly challenges Christians to avoid reductionism. This is not a philosophical argument for Carson but is repeatedly grounded in the biblical reality that God’s character and actions in history cannot be reduced to singular aspects. He is both Creator and Redeemer; his work in the world will always have the tension of “already, but not yet.” Carson interacts with numerous voices and perspectives besides that of Niebuhr. In this sense, the book serves as a useful primer on the issue at hand. Serious bibliophiles will appreciate the extensive footnotes at the bottom of each page as well as the separate indices for subjects, names and Scripture references. Although Carson does not append his work with a “suggested reading” list, he provides a plethora of recommended resources in the footnotes as he works through the various facets of his presentation.

The potential reader should be aware that despite the introductory nature of Revisited, Carson doesn’t hesitate to engage in rigorous philosophical categories. If phrases such as “egregious reductionism” will cause the eyes of the average member in your church to glaze over, you may want to look for a more accessible resource. However, I strongly recommend this book to every pastor or church leader who is serious about faithfully applying the story of Scripture in their present context. Carson will strengthen both your faith and your practice.

Scott Gassoway , M.Div, is a graduate of Western Seminary and serves as Middle School Pastor at Beaverton Christian Church in Beaverton, Oregon.