BOOK REVIEW
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed." Francis Bacon (d. 1626)
Reviewed by Darold Morgan, Richardson, TX
Speaking My Mind
Tony Campolo, W Publishing Group, Nashville, 2004, $14.
If ever a book lived up to its title, this one does. Tony Campolo, a committed evangelical Christian, has written a hard-hitting, fascinating, blunt, eye-popping, rousing volume that is guaranteed to make many comfortable evangelical Christians quite uncomfortable and defensive. There will be charges and counter-charges about some questionable doctrinal stances, but the inevitable bottom-line is that Campolo, one of America`s most widely-known Christian writers and speakers, ends as he began, a committed evangelical Christian.
Here is a book that carries with it a guarantee that you will have to think about some of the most controversial issues facing Christians today. Campolo speaks his mind on women in ministry, abortion, the gay and lesbian enigmas, Islam, creationism, dispensational millennialism, environmental responsibility, and Christianity in the political arena. Also add some pointed comments about the current evangelical image and the dilemmas of the main-line denominations, and one quickly can conclude that these are issues of exceptionally deep impact-issues that are timely, ethically-oriented and urgently important.
From the beginning of this fast-paced book to its ending, there is no doubt that its author is a solid Bible-believing, aggressively evangelistic, dynamically prophetic Christian whose final word here and everywhere he ministers is Hope! There are some who will throw the book away in anger about one-third of the way through because inherited prejudices predominate. But hopefully most of the readers will continue with some very serious thinking and action about these major challenges which have divided Christendom now for decades.
Over the years Campolo has written many books which have been quite popular, but perhaps this one may be considered one of his most important. As he deals with these areas of conflict in American `Christianity, it is obvious that his deeply held convictions, firmly grounded in a healthy Christology, come through on every page. The tone of this book makes it apparent that Campolo welcomes debate and discussion, and this sadly is one of the missing components among Christians today.
The author gives us some very insightful comments on why main-line denominations sadly continue to lose membership year after year, contrasted to "Evangelical" churches who are gaining membership constantly, particularly the Pentecostals and Independent groups. His conclusions are important and he identifies four major reasons: (1) they have an abundance of charismatic entrepreneurial leaders; (2) they are effective in marketing religion; (3) they have learned how to exercise political power; and (4) they have addressed the individualistic needs of America, avoiding taking positions on social issues that would alienate its constituencies (p 13).
One of the strongest parts of the books, and one of the most realistically personal, is the section where Campolo states powerfully his stance as an Evangelical, based on his belief in the authority of Scripture and a transforming relationship with Jesus. You may disagree with his interpretations, but the sincerity of his deep religious faith is undeniable.
There are other chapters in this book which alone merit its purchase: "Is there a Second Chance for Those who Die?"; "Is Islam really an Evil Religion?"; "Do we Understand why so many People throughout the World Hate America?"
In clear, readable strong language, referring to multiple sources for insight and often confirmation, Campolo makes every serious minded Christian think about these questions. The book ends on a solid note of Christian optimism as the Bible does. Here is a book well worth reading, debating and digesting!
