Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, & Other Confused Presbyterians

Very good book used for a summer class at church. Provides some interesting opportunities for group discussion.

I love this book. My church is starting a new bible study based on it. Wish I'd had it 30 years ago, when I lived deep in the "Bible Belt!"

A clear, easy to understand resource of the diverse theological thought and ministry practices found in the Bible Belt. Useful for pastors, elders, and church members in general. Understanding one another is a key to loving one another. The authors enable Presbyterians to articulate their theology, worship, and ministry while immersed in the Bible Belt. As a Presbyterian pastor, I recommend this book.

Since Jesus began his letters to the churches in Revelation with praise, and then critiqued, I will do the same. The positives in this book are their emphasis on grace, that God alone saves, that understanding grace should cause us to be humble and accepting of those made in God's image. I affirm that these things are true and from the Bible.However, as for the problems. I had great hopes for this book, but they were quickly dashed. The authors assume (wrongly I believe) that true Presbyterianism is of the form that has only existed for the last 80 years- a watered down, man-centered imitation of the tradition that began over 300 years ago. They take the phrase 'God alone is Lord of the conscience' to mean that any interpretation of Scripture is valid and no one can say any one view is right! Calvin and Knox would not recognize or agree with the views stated here. Among the problems, the authors have a very wooden view of "literal". They say, if you believe the Bible is literal - the world is flat, etc. They do not take into account the idea of genre, or literary devices that the writers of Scripture used. They do not use the historic principle of letting Scripture interpret Scripture. They also don't seem to understand the difference between a "real" contradiction and an "apparent" contradiction, and thus fall on the old liberal view that "the Bible is full of contradictions". Instead of having a Word of God that we can seek truth in, the authors claim we have a book that gives us God-encountering experiences. While the authors quote the Westminster Confession at many points, they have hollowed out and weakened the very faith those Divines sought to preserve. If you are looking for a book that really defends Presbyterian and Reformed views, avoid this book. It does a disservice to all who have borne that label through history.

We are using this book in our PCUSA Sunday School class down here in Bible Belt Tennessee. We have interesting discussions and all have stories about being asked about our beliefs. I recommend this book for anyone looking for reminders and/or reassurances about their beliefs.

Oh, yes, I have bought quite a few copies of this book over the years. I give them away to others and get a new one for myself. It is a great resource for new Presbyterians, and a good refresher for life-long Presbyterians. I love it.

The authors hit the key issues involved in affirming a mainline Presbyterian faith in a cultural setting dominated by fundamentalism.Scripture, salvation, baptism, personal and cosmic eschatology, atonement and other topics are addressed in an accessible way for the layperson - youth or adult.I've used this in confirmation and elder training and it is always well received.

Great overview for youth questioning the Presbyterian doctrine and reviewing their faith as they mature into young men and women.