Book Reviews
“Some books are to be tasted, others swallowed.” Francis Bacon (d. 1626)
The Great Awakening
Jim Wallis, New York, Harper, 2008, $26.
Reviewed by Darold Morgan, Richardson, TX
Borrowing a major theme of American church history, Jim Wallis uses powerfully the concepts of “The Great Awakenings” in the 1700s and 1800s, comparing them intriguingly to some vitally important current religious and political developments. Whether this comparison is overstated or not is a conclusion that the reader will have to make. Wallis has written another major and searching book about these relationships of faith and politics in a time when the Religious Right has seemingly lost its way in the political world. For a quarter of a century American religious and political life has been impacted by a collage of extremes designated as “The Religious Right.”
Wallis believes, and he is not alone, that there is a genuine grass roots movement nation-wide which almost desperately wants a new approach of religion and politics to these formative unanswered issues of the day. It is indeed a post-Religious-Right time!
The book is a timely, powerful, persuasive book which richly deserves a wide hearing because Wallis is dealing in urgently important challenges which face not only this nation but the entire world. The earlier “Great Awakenings” resulted in theological and ethical revivals of great importance in America ’s religious evolvement . . . i.e. hyper-Calvinism vs. Arminianism vs. Unitarianism, as well as the emergence of the abolition/slavery conflicts leading to the Civil War.
The Religious Right has centered its attention primarily on two major ethical issues—abortion and homosexuality! It has left untouched the surging concerns around poverty, racial justice, war, and environmental problems, as well as balanced approaches to abortion and homosexuality. Wallis’ book details both these last two issues and gives new directions for solutions. Wallis himself is an interesting blend of old fashioned conservatism and a nuanced liberalism, which is rarely found in American religious circles today. He writes of a new paradigm regarding faith and politics, one that is distinctly needed in the 2008 political campaign which is shaping up as a contest unlike any other in American political history. His approach includes the traditional moral values for the family, the sanctity of life, and personal behavior. Wallis writes probingly from an anti-war stance, and his words about environmental stewardship are exceptionally timely and direct.
Wallis’ new book focuses on his deeply held conviction that there is a meaningful revival of religious faith in America , partly growing out of a profound reaction to the misuse of religion by the extreme right. The peculiar non-interest of this influential group regarding important ethical issues is a contributing factor in the new “Great Awakening.” He cites numerous references which verify this current development and give a genuine optimistic tone to the entire book.
Throughout his book are delightful excerpts from his family, his early life, and his ministry of preaching and writing. These insights help us understand better this major player in the field of religion and ethics.
He honestly believes we are on the threshold of new times in an ethical sensitivity to the massive challenges facing not only our nation but the entire world. A balanced religious approach to these constitutes some radiant light at the end of what has been an exceptionally long tunnel! Whether or not one agrees with Wallis’ perceptions, his book is one that is well worth reading and debating.
