cover image An 8-Track Church in a CD World: The Modern Church in the Postmodern World

An 8-Track Church in a CD World: The Modern Church in the Postmodern World

Robert N. Nash. Smyth & Helwys Publishing, $17 (144pp) ISBN 978-1-57312-095-1

In this provocative book, Nash sets forth a strong argument that American Christian churches must rethink their place and purpose in postmodern culture. Nash cites the by now well-recognized fact that Christianity is no longer the main religious course offered in American culture but rather just one option on a grand religious smorgasbord. He urges the church to become savvy about other religions, to become a united front focused on the centrality of Jesus and to help members grow into a deep spiritual relationship with Christ. At the same time, he urges churches not to focus on divisive arguments and not to be afraid to rethink outdated modes of worship that don't appeal to a larger culture. On the one hand, Nash's book is one more tired and simplistic diatribe about the spiritual perils of postmodern culture. On the other hand, Nash is adept at zeroing in on the problems that Christian churches must face honestly as they compete with many religious traditions for allegiance and membership. (July)