In his new book, nuChristian, Russell Rathbun contributes to the emerging conversation of what church looks like in a postmodern age when Christianity seems to be under heavy critique. He writes this book as an answer to the best-seller, unChristian, compiled by David Kinnamon and Gabe Lyons, where they explored the “image problem” of Christianity and its lack-of appeal to younger generations. Rathbun frames his work as a response to the critiques of that book, first explaining some of the important cultural changes, and then offering a pastoral and postmodern perspective on the charges filed against the church. Building off of his experience as pastor of an emergent church, he offers an alternative vision for the church – one that appeals to postmodern generations but also remains faithful to our calling as followers of Christ.

The primary theme Rathbun presents throughout his discussion is a call to authentic community. Exploring the critiques of the younger generations, Rathbun suggests that the solution lies in practicing authentic relationships, authentic speech, authentic worship, and authentic engagement. In nuChristian, Rathbun points us to the Kingdom of God, calling us to live in the way Jesus did – loving people, relinquishing power, and valuing community. He calls us to an alternative lifestyle that is faithful in a new and unique context.

The importance of this book lies in its appeal to all people interested in these questions. While many books of postmodernism or church and culture are written for academics or clergy, Rathburn writes in a way that engages everyone and invites everyone into the conversation – certainly at points of disagreement, but also at points of great insight. I have read many books on the subject, and Rathburn offers one of the most insightful and easy-to-understand introductions and explanation of postmodernism that I have read. Throughout the book he maintains a level of honesty and simplicity that helps the reader remain a vital part of this important conversation.

Rathbun offers himself through the pages of the book with an extreme candor that is not often found in many Christian writers or pastors. He models the authenticity he preaches through the very words and transparency of the book in honest, self-disclosing discussions of budgets, church finances, and motivations. This comes through most evidently in his discussion of Christian hypocrisy. Rathbun writes, “The emphasis is not on the strength of my faith in God, but on the strength of God’s love and faith in me. Acknowledging my own hypocrisy as an inevitable and even essential part of my humanity liberates me to experience God’s strength more fully” (32). His agenda is authenticity, and he fully embodies his message. His humility is a refreshing perspective and a testament to the need for greater authenticity in the postmodern church.

I would anticipate that most readers’ qualms with the book would not be with his approach or his uncanny ability to invite the reader into the discussion. Most qualms will be with his theological perspective. And while I consider myself progressive theologically, I paused in certain portions of the book, one being his discussion of evangelism. He helpfully articulates evangelism in the context of making disciples – an important distinction often lost on many churches. I agree that our calling is to make disciples, which is far more comprehensive and difficult than what we typically mean by evangelism. I believe, however, that Rathbun falls a bit short-sighted in his assertion that “lifestyle evangelism” – that is, attempting to live as closely like the Kingdom of God as we can so that others might ask us “why” – can be destructive to one’s witness. While his point is true that we can never live up to Kingdom standards, I do not think a commitment to live authentically precludes us from also trying to live as a witness to God’s coming Kingdom through our communal life together. This task still has an important place in the church. Witnessing through our lives is an essential part of making disciples, and I hope Rathbun will better articulate the importance of this practice in further writings.

Anticipating push-back on his view of scripture, but seeing it as a vital part of his postmodern Christian perspective, Rathbun provides a thorough explanation of his – and many other postmoderns’ – approach to scriptural authority. While he walks a fine line between inerrancy and biblical irrelevancy, I appreciate his concern for scriptural authority. He never relinquishes the Bible to theological and moral relativism, but instead understands himself to have a relationship with a living word that witnesses to the life of Jesus. That is an understanding of scripture that I can jump on board with!

One prophetic point that Rathbun offers churches is a warning about the danger of making cultural relevancy a priority. Many churches today seem obsessed with being relevant – whether it is through music, preaching style, or appearances – but Rathbun rightly warns us that the “edge keeps moving” and now becomes then as soon as we reach it. He helps us to understand that “our faith is timeless” and a church “focused on the Good News has something timeless to offer” (69).

In the end, Rathbrn concludes with a conversation he had with his father, a Baptist minister for 40-plus years who is just learning about postmodernism. This conversation is key to the book and an important starting place for further dialogue for readers. It demonstrates the long road ahead for those of different generations and different philosophical inclinations to come together in these times of cultural transition. Once again, letting us into his intimate world, Rathbun sets the stage for the dialogue he wishes each of us to continue as we think about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, to be the church, and to be a nuChristian in this new millennium.

This book offers many helpful insights into this emerging conversation. It serves as a model for honest dialogue and fruitful discussion in tenuous times. I recommend Russell Rathbun’s insightful and intriguing work, not only for clergy or academics, but for anyone worried about the future of the church, experiencing the changes in culture, and wondering what it might mean to live faithfully – and authentically – as a Christian in today’s world.