Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture by Gene Edward Veith Jr.

 

 

Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture by Gene Edward Veith Jr.

2 stars DNF @42%

Post-Christian focuses on addressing different topics of post-modernism that Christianity has faced in the fold of our modern world. Apparently, he originally wrote another novel on the post-modern movement in 1994, so this is a sequel of sorts building on the fact that his original hypothesis was wrong and that we have continued to expand on the ideals of the post-modern movement, but we have not actually left it. Essentially Veith points out that we have, as a society, only expanded on post-modernism by inflating ideals to epic proportions. The concept and theory that Veith is arguing for and against is interesting, but I equated this experience to sitting at a dinner table with my opinionated uncle. Every once in a while, he says something brilliant, but then he lack of empathy and coldness makes it hard to listen and then you realize his good idea turned into ravings. This book is filled with a lot of useless information and ravings. Great for history and science buffs, but the majority of the information felt unnecessary and like it bogged down the central argument. I also am a firm believer that Christians show Christ through empathy and cold, brashness can be very off-putting for most people. If I read this book as an early Christian, I think it could've been dangerous to my rocky shore of a foundation. However, I have a firmer foundation and recognize and discern opinion, Scriptural-truth, and the Spirit. Veith's book on post-modernism is not one to ignore, but it is one I recommend only to the firm believer because a lot of the teachings here do not adhere to the love of Christ and are heaped in emotional biases and prejudices. That's just my personal takeaway. The novel's introduction had me really excited, but my overall experience of reading this novel just makes me want to stop reading and leave on a note that isn't sour. The tone was a little too cynical and lacking in optimism for me. However, I think this will be a hit with certain audiences and readers- especially those looking to learn more about history and arguments.


Whimsical Writing Scale: 2

Plotastic Scale: 2

Cover Thoughts: I like the cover and the sparseness of it.

Thank you, Netgalley and Crossway, for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Have you read Post-Christian? Do you plan on picking it up? Let me know down below in the comments!