"Christians in a Cancel Culture" (Joe Dallas)

TITLE: Christians in a Cancel Culture: Speaking with Truth and Grace in a Hostile World
AUTHOR: Joe Dallas
PUBLISHER: Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2021, (208 pages).

Opposition to the gospel is nothing new. It could be direct persecution, like in the Early Church. It could also be indirect insinuation in the form of cynical comments or sarcasm. Both forms of hostility are alive and well today. While physical persecution happens mostly in closed countries like North Korea, open criticism and condemnation occur daily whenever Christians attempt to speak against worldly values. In the 60s, when Christians speak about a Christian perspective of a particular issue, it was generally accepted in a "business as usual" manner. Then comes the 90s culture of cynicism, where the same issues in the past need to be defended. Apologists grew in number as more people attempted to engage a generation of cynicism. Today, the tide has been turned completely around that Christians no longer can speak about such issues freely. Their rights to expressing the same views of the past are increasingly being "canceled." Author Joe Dallas has been observing such a "cancel culture" trend. He sees how Big Tech is playing the role of censorship to "streamline" views they deem unsuitable. At the same time, they are lenient toward those who mirror their views and "cancel" those who don't. While the natural instinct is to fight back forcefully, Dallas gently guides us toward a loving rational response. Convicted that the Bible today is alive, relevant, and potent, the primary purpose of this book is to equip Christians with skills to respond with grace in a hostile climate. The first five chapters provide some background on the formidable challenges of today that tend to blackmail Christians into silence. The second part of the book focuses on the knowledge of biblical truths and wisdom about rules of engagement. For thirty years, the author had encountered countless opposition and he shares from his wealth of real-world experience. 

He cuts a lonely figure at one televised interview against a host of openly gay advocates. He receives "Tantrum-Style" heckles from adult figures. Even pastors interviewed on secular TV could easily sense the negativity from frontline hosts to backroom staff. In one of his talks given at the University of Utah, he experiences non-stop heckling from an intimidating audience. In one situation, he lost his cool and reacted with a sharp retort. Then he realized the price of silencing the heckling. He might have lost the opportunity to overcome evil with good. Learning from that experience, he shares with us the need to be gentle but firm in the midst of an increasingly hostile environment. Calling the Cambridge Dictionary's definition of "cancel culture" (CC) as "incomplete," Dallas adds that the effects of CC don't just stop at rejection. It continues toward termination of one's speaking opportunities and severing of relationships. CC is also relentless in aggressively pushing its agenda. Not only do they caricature Christian viewpoints indiscriminately, but they also present lopsided views that tilt their own views as superior to the rest. Sometimes, they misrepresent opposing views mischievously. Dallas shows us how when CC becomes mainstream, devilish deceptions skyrockets. He then dedicates a chapter each to abortion, racism, homosexuality, transgenderism, sin, and judgment. He shows us not just on handling objections but learning to affirm biblical truth without being emotional. 

My Thoughts

The author is a brave man. Just writing a book on CC itself is challenging. Attaching his name to the topic is tantamount to opening himself for widespread attacks. If he is concerned about protecting his own name, he would have chosen to stay anonymous. Instead, he believes in letting the Word shine as they are, and not fearing human opinions and rejections. The calling of God is more important than the risk of callous accusations. Let me offer three thoughts about this book.

First, CC is a rising phenomenon, especially in the West. Dallas has been working as a biblical counselor since 1987 and he has seen the evolution of cultural reactions over the past few decades. Concerned about the importance to be faithful to the teachings of the Bible, he hopes to equip Christians to learn how to engage this new culture that is threatening the very voice of Biblical Truth. The world often accuses Christians of "homophobia, sexism, racism, transphobia, and judgmentalism." This book is a response to help us deal with these challenges. Newton's law teaches us that every action would lead to an equal and opposite reaction. In "cancel culture," each view offered in the name of Biblical Truth would evoke an overwhelming opposite reaction that snuffs out even the right to speak out. It is the hope that this book would enable Christians to learn how to respond with Truth and Grace in an increasingly hostile climate. Dallas is a wonderful guide to encourage us along in this response.

Second, it is important to know how to respond to CC. Dallas is concerned about Christians who fear the consequences of speaking up for the Truth. In such an environment, it is tempting for believers to just shut up and mind their own business. This would be yielding to the world. Dallas shows us how to maintain our testimony without being discouraged by the increasingly vocal and sometimes violent opposition. His specific responses should provide a lot of examples for us to disarm any tensions or tricky situations. We should not aim to win at all costs. If possible, remember that we are all sinners in need of grace. Even those who speak harshly at us need Jesus. A gentle spirit and a wise word could accomplish much more than eloquent words that sting opponents. Love comes not only in nice-sounding phrases but also through thoughtful engagement that builds up rather than cuts down.

Finally, the person is more important than the point. We need to differentiate between making a point and making a difference. The former is about winning arguments while the latter about winning people over. There are many hot-potato issues today. Adding to the complex ethical issues of abortion and human rights, are the increasingly militant stands on homosexuality, transgenderism, racism, and all manner of judgmentalism. Some have turned from defensiveness to vicious attacks, especially on anyone not sharing their point of view. Jesus has said that even when people revile us and say all sorts of evil against us because of Jesus, we are blessed. This book opens us to a whole new way of seeing and responding with wisdom and love.

Joe Dallas is an author, conference speaker, and ordained pastoral counselor. He directs a Biblical counseling ministry for those dealing with sexual and relational problems, and with their families as well. He received his Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling from Vision University, San Diego, CA, and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is also the author of the daily blog Joe Dallas Online.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.