What Others are Saying About UNCOMPROMISED FAITH:

A Must Read for Anyone Interested in Moving the Church Forward!

...The subject of religion and culture has been increasingly covered recently, edging toward a time when it seems there is little new left to say on the subject. Uncompromised Faith, however, comes closer than most to intelligently and theologically dissecting the problems and implications of concepts such as modernism, postmodernism and cultural engagement, among others, in regard to the Christian church.... (Read the full review HERE)

-Dan Roark, ThinkOnTheseThingsBlog

Meaty Resource!

S. Michael Craven has written a gem of a book that should be read by all who profess to be Christians. He realizes that all Christians today are being bombarded on all sides from those who seek to tear down Christianity and those who believe in the One True God.

In Uncompromised Faith the reader embarks on a journey as to why Christians are selling out and no longer living their faith. The fact of materialism, consumerism and modernism makes it harder and harder to live like Jesus. We want what we want and we want it now - who cares who gets hurt. This in turn creates more problems that we as a society have to deal with.

It is painful to see the Christ's church touting so much of the world's beliefs and living them. Divorce is rampant even among Christians, homosexuality is accepted and becoming the norm, abortion is legalized, other religions are slowly infiltrating into our churches and of course, there is no gender differences, co-habitation and premarital sex are okay. This is what the world wants everyone to believe. The church is buying into it because we don't know how to stand up against it or how to refute it. Of course there is also the risk of persecution, of which our Brothers and Sisters in other cultures and times have suffered because of their uncompromised faith in Christ.

Mr. Craven gets to the heart of the matter by discussing with well documented research, quotes from both the Christian side and the opposing side, he makes it understood why Christians need to stand up and say no more compromising! The plague of worldliness and new age philosophies are tearing Christ's churches down and are misleading those inside them. The end of the book gives ideas on what we do to help with fixing these problems both within the churches and also in our daily lives. It isn't just about saying we're Christian, it's about letting others see Jesus in us through our lives, our speech, our interactions - it's about doing!

This was a heavy read, which isn't a bad thing, it took time to mull over what S. Michael Craven was writing about in Uncompromised Faith. That is what is needed though, not some mealy mouth anecdote but meaty resources that will revive our churches and will have God present in them and in our lives!

-Sarah J. Bailey, Posted on Amazon.com

You Should read This Book!

If you're a Christian in America, you should read this book. It forces you to take stock of what you actually believe, as well as how willing you are to stand up and articulate, or even defend, those beliefs. Can you articulate WHY you believe what you do? This book will help…especially on cultural issues like marriage and homosexuality. And the intro to the book has one of the most heart-felt, amazing stories about LIVING CHRIST in an unbelieving world from when Craven visited UC Berkeley. Every Christian should read that story; honestly buying the book is worth it just for that, and the rest is bonus.

-Todd, Nettleton, On My Mind

A Great Book!

Here’s a great book to read if you want to discern more about the advancement of God’s Kingdom in the times in which we live. I have it and have read it. Great to have some young writers and thinkers today who are discerning in their approach to ministry. (I like this one because he refers to me as "young!")

-Robbie Garrett, Pastor, Graceview Church, Anderson, SC

Incredibly Timely!

... This book is incredibly timely, as well as well-researched and powerful. Simply put, if you are living in 21st century Western culture and want to know what and how to speak and relate intelligently during these new rounds of culture wars, read this book.

It is not for the faint of heart. In fact, I am 100% positive it will make most Christians mad. It will disturb you. It will appall you. It will convict you. The Christian church in Western society has capitulated to the philosophies and attacks of godless worldviews. More than likely, your position on many current cultural issues is more informed by junk science and false research propogated by the main stream media, politicians and Hollywood than it is by the clear teaching of God’s Word.

In hard-hitting chapter after chapter, Craven unpacks such crucial cultural issues such as sexuality, homosexuality, the definition of marriage, consumerism, feminism and new age spirituality. Pulling from research, journals and the scientific community, he cites source after source documenting not only a steady but an intentioned undermining of the ethics and teaching of Jesus Christ. That so many Christians hold opinions contrary to the clearly revealed will of the Creator in these areas is not just alarming. It reveals a church in a crisis of righteousness.... (Read the full review HERE)

-Jeff Noble, Pastor & Church Planter, www.journeyguy.com

How-We-Got-Into-This-Mess-101

The emphasis of Craven's book is the "culturalized Christianity" and he provides great insight into how our country and Christianity in the West have slid down a slippery slope into the abyss of irrelevance. Craven addresses the effects of modernity as well as postmodernism, and also touches on cultural factors such as consumerism and then nails home the impact that our sex-saturated culture has had on the church and our communities. The book ends with a brief "What are we to do?" chapter, but the meat of the book lies in the clarion call to Christians that there is, indeed, a problem at hand...the book is a wake-up call, an alarm, a cup of scalding hot coffee spilled into the lap of an unassuming Christian who thinks that singing camp-fire songs with his youth group is going to prepare him for the onslaught that he'll face on a college campus and beyond!

If you read the book and are still at a loss for what you can and should do to combat this "culturalized Christianity," go back to the quote that Craven cites at the end of his chapter on Consumerism - he writes that G.K. Chesterton once observed, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been difficult and left untried." Craven joins the chorus of those pastor warriors (Chesterton, Schaeffer, Bonhoeffer and Henry) as well as some contemporary writers (namely Piper, Guinness, Colson, White and Mohler) who believe that a Christian's responsibility is to engage the culture for Christ; not to avoid the fray, but to enter into the marketplace of ideas armed with truth and the gospel of Christ.

 -Dan Panetti, Worldview Director - Prestonwood Christian Academy

Valuable Wisdom for this Season of Commencement

Uncompromised Faith shows how to survive cultural meltdown; its chapter on homosexuality differentiates well between scientific fact and propaganda. (Read the full article and review HERE)

-Marvin Olasky, World Magazine

Thought Provoking!

Uncompromised Faith should create an epiphany within the North American church. Mr. Craven outlines ways that the culture has influenced the church to the point of diluting the power, hope and relevance of the gospel. He then takes on several controversial issues of the day and shows the way for the church to engage society in a winsome and biblically sound manner. Christians and churches that follow this lead will find lives and communities transformed.

I highly recommend this book for personal consumption as well as for small group study.

 -Kevin, Texas

You Must Read This Book!

Michael Craven's Uncompromised Faith is an absolute must-read for all who desire to biblically and thoughtfully engage today's culture. Craven is a powerful communicator; his meticulous research and respectful tone throughout give his voice the right to be heard, regardless of one's perspective. Craven contends that the biblical worldview is not only still extremely relevant, but is actually ignored at one's own deep peril. He wades into some of today's most heavily debated issues--the effects of modernism and postmodernism on the church and culture, the ongoing heritage of the sexual revolution of the `60s, the nature of marriage, and more. Craven's work is profound in that it shares the legacy of another clear voice that in a previous time dared to face the deafening din of the cheering masses and calmly utter the words, "The emperor has no clothes!"

Craven's work is unique in its content, but also in its tone. Sadly, too many books have been written on these topics which ultimately fail to contribute anything of value to anyone. These books tend to fall to either of these two extremes: complete capitulation to cultural values or angry denouncements of any and all opposing points of view. Craven intentionally avoids the insipid stupidity of bumper sticker slogans or the thoughtless wrath of vitriolic placards. Uncompromised Faith refuses to compromise on biblical truth, the merit of research, the importance of love, or the need for compassion. Its overall message is a simple one: the gospel compels Christians to engage the culture for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I am one of the leaders of ministry that is designed to disciple emerging Christian leaders. As a result, I am constantly engaged in conversations with young, eager brothers and sisters who are desperate to understand not only how to act and live, but also how to think, dialogue, and engage as a CHRISTIAN. Uncompromised Faith is absolutely one of the top five books I recommend.

-Tim Owen, LIFT Discipleship Program

A Must Read for Professing Christians

Michael's book answers the questions most people are asking today, i.e., "how did our country get in such a state"? After reading only the first three chapters, it becomes so clear how Christianity has not done it's job to stand against the current thinking of our day which has affected so many facets of our society - education, politics, the family, morals, and on and on. A must read for not only every serious Christian but for everyone who professes to be a Christian.

-Kay, Arkansas

Important Read for 'Thinking' Christians

Michael Craven's book is well argued and offers keen insights as he critiques both the Church and the broader Western Culture. I found his writing style both cogent and very readable.

The very subject nature is a thorny subject that will offend some professing Christians (as well as non-Christians), yet the offense won't be from the writing style as it is very tactful and Craven takes pains to not be offensive. But it also 'hits hard' when appropriate, and frankly there are many areas within the Church universal and the broader culture where some punches ought to land! In sum, I thought it was an outstanding book that every thinking follower of Christ ought to read. Would be an excellent book for a group discussion.

-Scott, Texas

Must Read For All Christians

If you want to understand why Christ is relevant and necessary in today's "man can do it himself" world, this is your book. Not only does Mr. Craven outline what it really means to be a Christian, he shows us with care and compassion those places in all of our lives where we have conveniently left Christ out of the discussion to our serious detriment. After reading this book, you will see the world differently. You will understand how to see Christ in the midst of this world and be prepared to bring Him into it with all His glory, power and truth intact. You will no longer want to keep Him safe in the confines of Sunday morning worship, but will understand what it means to have Uncompromised Faith in a world that desperately needs Him.

-Dianne, Texas

This Book Spoke to Me!

As one who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; my experience with His church has been overwhelmingly negative… the false religiosity and hypocrisy of the “Sunday Christian” have left me disenchanted and turned off to “organized religion.” I have not participated in years for that very reason. Michaels’ book has articulated what I and I would guess many others have been feeling. Modern Christianity is NOT where God desires it to be. This book gives me hope that real Christianity will once again prevail, and values will trump the feel good commercialism of the current Church. This book spoke to me!

-Robert

I am Inspired!

"I enjoyed reading Michael Craven's book. As disturbing as the lessening of the influence of the church in society is, there is hope. Craven explores the changes in culture and their influence on the church. While the mission of the church does not change, the changes in culture affects the efficiency of the ministry of the church. I am inspired to further study to apply the understanding of God's reign through the church. Thank you Michael Craven for your contribution to further reveal the glory of our God in His reigning power today." 

-Barry, Inmate at Dawson State Jail, Texas

Really Opened My Eyes...

Most Christians are not equipped to discuss/reason with the world outside of "Christianeze". We have all had it drummed into us that the "Word" will not return void, and therefore think and act as if we cite the "Roman Road" to the lost that everything will take care of itself - and to some degree, it will. But what I have found on a personal level is that I'm rarely in a position to even share that. The Christian community is willing to admit a lost and hurting world in need of Christ, but seems unwilling to get out of the "building" to reach them. I must confess this myself as it's uncomfortable and requires effort. A proper worldview is required. If you had asked me my worldview prior to reading your book, I would have answered much like the Barna research.

Now, I'm really chewing on what you have presented. I know the Word but I struggle with how to relate on a level that affords me the opportunity to even get into a meaningful dialog. Totally agree that relationships are a critical foundation - but the reasoned defense that you speak of is lacking on my part. Your writings have really opened my eyes...

-Michael, Memphis, Tennessee

Very Engaging

In Uncompromised Faith, S. Michael Craven demonstrates how the ideas of our day affect our culture and society, hindering belief in Christ and the witness of Christians. His book is a good introduction to those just entering the study of “Christianity and Culture,” but may be simplistic for those who have already been immersed in the “post-modernity” conversation.

Finally, the epilogue “What Are We to Do?” takes the contents of the book and uses them to promote action. Craven effectively demonstrates the impact on society and Christianity, producing a book that will ultimately help the reader understand their neighbors and love them authentically.

-Beth Daugherty, Dare to Be Creative

Toward a Cultural Apologetic

John 1:14 tells us that Jesus came "full of grace and truth." The challenge for the church today is to be like Christ as we engage the world full of grace yet uncompromising in truth. It is to that end that Craven's book provides a helpful tool. Uncompromised Faith is divided into two parts. Part 1 is a look at how we got here: an overview of the development of cultural thought and philosophy over the last couple of centuries and how they shaped the way Americans think.

While a good introduction to such broad concepts, two major flaws bothered me. First, Craven seems to over-glorify the past. In attempting to show how the moral decay in America, he paints an overly rosy picture of days gone by. The church in each generation has faced its own challenges. Second, the title of chapter 4 is "Consumerism: Idolatry is Alive and Well!" Now, the problem was that he never addressed the idolatrous nature of consumerism. He did talk about its false hopes and ability to deceive, but never returned to the problem of idolatry. The chapter title was very good and I was disappointed he never explored the depths of the theme he introduced. The real strength of the book comes in Part 2 where Craven investigates a few central themes, especially gender and sexuality issues, that provide major challenges to the church in the coming years. With a useful review of relevant literature and research, Craven reveals the misconceptions that have shaped cultural thought and calls the church back to the biblical normative. Then, most helpfully, Craven concludes each discussion with a few practical suggestions for how to live out the biblical precepts to which he calls us. Though I have a couple of reservations (listed above), Uncompromised Faith is a great resource for Christians longing to engage sensitive issues with both grace and truth

-Steven J. Jeantet

 Uncompromised Faith in a Compromising World

Far from emergent, universal, and New Age spirituality movements that disengage God from life, Craven offers a means of understanding and being effective as believers in the cultural influences of our age with the effectiveness of Paul, the compassion of Peter, and the ultimate reality-changing and life-giving impact of Jesus Christ. I would recommend picking up a copy of Craven's book and challenge you to develop an 'uncompromised faith.'

-Jim Hutson, A Modern Day Pilgrim's Journey

A Thought Provoking Book

I have prayed for a reformation of thought, word, and deed. This book is undeniably a thought provoking book. I am at a cross-roads and am tired.  Uncompromised Faith steers me away from the psychologized and deconstructionalized Truth. Average is not normal. Thank you Michael.

-Martin Van Dyk, Ontario, Canada

Stirred Up and Angry

S. Michael Craven is an author who identifies himself as a speaker who “works to challenge the spiritual apathy and cultural indifference of the church. . .”  In his book, Uncompromised Faith, He does exactly that through his intense look at our cultural decline that has lead us progressively farther away from God.

Craven doesn’t just encourage Christians to stand against sin, but to reach out in love and compassion to the sinner. This is such a refreshing view. Craven in no way bends to the culture, but he loves the people as Christ did and doesn’t shut the door to their potential salvation with a jaded hypocrisy that can turn a heart away from God quickly. Christians can learn and grow from his Godly example of balance as he hates sin and loves the sinner.  This book will challenge you to represent God intelligently, and in a way that is true and pleasing to God.

-Heather Randall, Novelized

This Hard-Hitting Book is a Must Read

This hard-hitting book is a must read for anyone who is interested in engaging today’s culture with the gospel.  Craven pulls no punches from the very beginning.  Less than 2 ½ pages in he says:

In comparison with past achievements, it is safe to say that evangelical Christianity is in a pathetic state of decadence and decline in the West.  It is, to a large degree, fragmented, watered down, and retreating from relevancy.

The evangelical opportunity created by postmodernism lies in the resultant desire for recovering a connectedness to other people and to spiritual meaning.

…retreat is not an option the Lord has given to us.  God, in His providence, has placed you and me in this very place, in this very time, and the call of Jesus Christ remains Follow me!

If you’re looking for culturally relevant and scripturally based answers to many of today’s cultural and social issues, this book is for you.

-Tom Seagraves, Random Reflections

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