Inalienable How marginalized kingdom voices can help save the American church

In this urgent treatise, pastor Costanzo joins with Yang, director of the Send Institute, and Soerens, director of church mobilization for World Relief, to examine the ailments of contemporary American evangelicalism. Contending that "the evangelical commitment to the authority of the Bible... has momentarily become... secondary to the pursuit of political power and control," the authors chart a path back to principles by sharing their experiences in U.S. and international congregations and calling on Christians to abandon the "material-wealth mindset" and adopt an inclusive vision of Christianity that welcomes refugees and immigrants. The authors also urge readers to spread "Christlike love" and embrace the example set by Jesus in the gospel of Luke when he appeals to the "poor, oppressed, and vulnerable" at the beginning of his ministry. Costanzo, Yang, and Soerens are refreshingly frank in their critique ("If left to itself, the American church is totally and utterly lost"), castigating the evangelical church for favoring nationalism over solidarity with Christian "neighbors" abroad. This scathing indictment hits home. Agent: Elisabeth Weed, The Book Group. (May)