Review of:  Christians in the Age of Outrage: How to Bring Our Best When the World Is At Its Worst

Ed Stetzer.  Tyndale Momentum, $16.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-4964-3362-6

Stetzer, Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center and the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair for Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, has written the manual for how Christians can effectively engage with the current American culture and live out their faith as representatives of the gospel message.  Stetzer outlines the factors that have led to the current climate of outrage, including the increasing polarization of American society [pp. xii, 5-30] and the unprecedented advancement of technology [pp. xii, 31-54].  He unpacks four commonly-held, although false, beliefs that deepen anger and contribute to further division:  Christians are the worst-behaved and most offensive [pp. 61-80]; My outrage is righteous [pp. 81-96]; A political candidate or social cause will be the answer [pp. 97-118]; and mission is optional [pp. 119-138].  Stetzer’s proposal of methods by which evangelicals can counteract the outrage in their lives and the world would be an excellent foundation for sermon and study series as well as educational curricula.  His well-reasoned and practical approach consists of components including worldview formation [pp. 143-180], identity as kingdom ambassadors [pp.181-214], the concept of “winsome” love [pp. 215-252], and disciplines for both online and face-to-face engagement [pp. 253-314].  This book is also chock-full of additional resources for further edification on Stetzer’s touchpoints.  Pastors and family ministry leaders will want to get their hands on this book immediately, though it may prove too theologically dense for most lay readers despite being worth the effort. 5 stars.