Evangelicalism grew popular in the 1980s-1990s, yet many, like myself and Jon Ward, were wounded by a movement that seemed more self-interested and self-absorbed than interested in bettering the real world. Ward’s memoir/”testimony” (a common term in evangelical religion) conveys this culture clearly. A pastor’s son, he describes how some of his one-time evangelical heroes fell in notable ways in the lead-up to and during the Trump administration. Ward himself has built a notable career in political journalism over this time and laments that his evangelical faith has not moved with him. Instead, he writes about how his faith has moved in other directions, more deeply rooted in the Christian traditions.
Ward’s central prism on Christianity today is built around love of God, love of neighbor, and caring for those less fortunate. When one reads the Biblical narrative in its totality, that squares up very closely with emphases across the Torah, the Prophets, the Gospels, and Paul’s letters. Ward sees these as central to evangelicalism’s center, yet he criticized evangelical leaders for being drawn away by the lure of power. Further, he criticizes the movement itself for having a hostile take on intellectualism. Personally, all of this squares very closely with my experiences in the evangelical world.
For those not connected with evangelical religion, this book might not be as interesting. It alludes to many people and nuances that might not be familiar with those on the outside. Normally, readers might dismiss these as details of another religion that do not deserve public notice. Nonetheless, I contend these deserve to be exposed and explained precisely because evangelicals eye national and international dominance so ambitiously. For these very reasons, Ward’s factual account deserves consideration by those outside the movement.
Ward does not deeply enter into the realm of Christian theology and thought. Most of his accounts read like newspaper articles, not the writings of Christian clergy. Thus, he does not explain evangelical theology to the masses, though he does cite many who have made it their task to do so. Most of his citations come from Internet articles of journalism, not from published books. This is unfortunate because evangelical ideas also need a proper analysis. He does, however, analyze evangelical culture, particularly through the lens of the charismatic movement. Still, this movement is not explained in depth through its modern history.
Even evangelicals outside the charismatic movement will resonate with Ward’s experiences of emotional highs with ineluctable returns to reality. As documented in this book, he has turned to a more liturgical worship with a simpler – yet intense – appreciation of so-called Christian basics. Those who are recovering from an evangelical upbringing (like myself) will appreciate this memoir by a fellow journeyman. Because of evangelicals’ intense focus on political power, this book has political and national resonances as well. Ward’s writings should not be dismissed as mere religious ramblings; indeed, the rise of Trump has taught us all of evangelical dangers. Ward shows us where this movement received its foundation and shows its inherent weaknesses, which led to a national bifurcation along political lines. Thus, his “testimony” should be heard by all Americans as a way to reestablish a healthy social fabric.
Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Failed a Generation
By Jon Ward
Copyright (c) 2023
Brazos Press
ISBN13 9781587435775
Page Count: 242
Genre: Memoir, Religion
www.amazon.com