Holy Mavericks - Book Report/Review Example

Book Review Holy Mavericks. The main idea in this interesting book is the way that the Christian religion in America has managed to change and adapt to the fast pace of historical developments throughout the last few centuries. This is contrasted with other faiths, like Judaism, for example, which are more tied to their ancient traditions and find it harder to combine their faith with modern trends. Evangelical Christians especially, have flourished in the consumerist and entrepreneurial culture of modern America and the authors have many names for leaders of this branch, including “Nimble jazz impresarios” “innovators” “pastorpreneurs” and “mavericks.

” American religion is characterized as a market place like any other, and the book explores how and why evangelical leaders have achieved such success. After a historical introduction, starting with the Puritan fathers and the first great itinerant preacher George Whitefield the book homes in on the feature which most characterizes evangelical preachers: the ability to detect cultural trends as they are emerging and then adapt the Christian message to fit in with these emerging trends . Revivalist styles of delivery inject an element of entertainment into the practise of religion, using suspense and drama to capture the imagination of his listeners.

In short “holy mavericks possess social, cultural and spiritual dexterity.” (p. 24) The important contribution of the New Black Church is highlighted (pp. 53-77) and the role it has played both in reversing all the evils of slavery and in aiding black people in adjusting to the “commercialization, technology, flash, style and celebrity that characterize out post industrialist world.” (p. 55). The competitiveness of hypercapitalist society is a challenge to the Christian faith, and the mavericks, or innovators, in the church are essential if the faith is to remain relevant, retaining the core beliefs but flexing to match ever new demands on people.

The cult of celebrity is matched, for example by superstar preachers and megachurches, and business acumen is an essential requirement for a church leader. Books, websites and different kinds of meetings are created to reflect the style of the times but the eternal spirit of Christianity. The book argues that holy mavericks can instigate huge social change for the good, and cites as an example recent moves to create a new Protestant Reformation, but this time with a focus on poverty, disease and spiritual emptiness in the world, rather than on doctrinal purity (page 146).

The book concludes with an epilogue that focuses on technology and the need for innovation: “religious practitioners and spiritual professionals must reimagine religion for every generation” (p. 149) The book is fluently written in a very modern idiom, but some readers will no doubt worry how much of real Christianity is lost in all of the hype. In talking up the need for cool, sexy and innovative evangelism there is a danger of losing the distinctiveness of true faith, and this is a weakness in the book.

Overall, however, the book is a readable account of evangelical Christianity in America with a particular emphasis on themes of media, culture and business. Reference. Lee, Shayne and Sinitiere, Philip Luke. Holy Mavericks: Evangelical Innovators and the Spiritual Marketplace. New York and London: New York University Press, 2009.