Onward Christian Soldiers? One Pastor’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Discipleship
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
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.
This is a Logos Reader Edition. Learn more.
“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
Product Details
- Title : Onward Christian Soldiers?: One Pastor’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Discipleship
- Author: Cheek, Derek J.
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2018
- ISBN: 9781532649677
Derek J. Cheek has been the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church
in Olean, New York, since 2004. Prior to that he served
congregations in Missouri and Ohio. He holds a BA in theology/Greek
from Cedarville University, an MA in literature from Wright State
University, an MDiv from Concordia Theological Seminary, and a DMin
from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. Derek served as a
mainframe applications analyst for the US Department of Defense
from 1991–94. He is married to Patty, has three adult daughters,
and a grown step-daughter. Derek enjoys Irish and Scottish culture,
and can often be found wearing a kilt at Celtic festivals . . . and
occasionally at church.