Romuald Dzemo: reviewer from Book Commentary

Narrow: Preserving Fundamental Beliefs from Progressivism by Brandon Foster is a book with a very simple and straightforward message: ”If we desire to follow His (God’s) ways, which lead to life, we have to follow His desires and decrees.” In this book, he illustrates how progressive Christianity has departed from the concept of the straight and narrow path, embracing biblical interpretations in a way that does not reflect the mind and character of God. Just like most traditional Christians, the author has felt annoyed at the popular group who claim to follow God while ”simultaneously casting aside almost every aspect of His character and teaching.” The book answers the question: Is progressive Christianity following God’s path or the world’s wide and easy?

This book is a limpidly rendered discussion of why progressive Christianity is incorrect ”both in action and belief.” The author offers compelling examples of how this form of Christianity deviates from God’s Theology. In this intensively researched and skillfully articulated work, the author shows readers how the progressive Christian follows the current liberal, post-modern sway in thinking, examines the cultural and religious influences of contemporary religious beliefs, and refocuses the discussion on fundamental, traditional Christian theology. The book is sprinkled with powerful social commentaries and the author makes strong observations on cultural trends and human behavior. Readers will understand that ”Too many pastors grow arrogant in their “leadership” of the church. Too many have caused pain leading more away from God than to Him.” Narrow: Preserving Fundamental Beliefs from Progressivism offers an antidote to the vermin that is liberal thought and progressive Christianity. You’ll learn to distinguish truth from falsehood. This is a timely, resonant book that any serious Christian or anyone who wants to embrace the true path of Christianity needs to read.

Fiona M. Campbell: Reviewer for Reedsy

‘To be saved, there is only one requirement, and that is to believe in Christ.’

Christianity is not a ‘works-based’ faith. We don’t have to earn our ticket to heaven. Many Christians use the Nicene Creed as a summary of what they believe in and endeavour to live a life that will please God and bring others to Him. ‘We must believe these primary theologies in our minds, hearts and mouths to be professing disciples of Christ.’

In today’s society, it seems to be the case that anything goes and consequently, Churches have succumbed to the need to move with the times. While one can understand the desire to fill the seats, does that mean we should abandon the fundamental truths of Christianity? Are we really witnessing by condoning what the Bible clearly denotes as sin? Romans 6:23. ‘ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’

Undoubtedly, this book will prove controversial and I commend the author for tackling a difficult subject. However, perhaps it will instigate important discussions and debates.

The author structures the book as a journey, with many paths leading to nothing or damnation but only one leading to God. The imagery was helpful in painting a picture for the reader- trails lined with pretty trees but have nothing else to them, suggesting the lure of false idols and progressive contemporary Churches. Old and worn paths which have seen many travellers but have lost meaning over time. Is this how progressive Christians view traditional churches?

Foster chooses to refer to progressive Christianity as Neo-Gnosticism believing that like the Gnostics who rebelled against the early church, they favour cultural ideals above the Bible and Christ. By the end of the second century, many Gnostics broke away or were expelled from the church. They formed alternative churches with belief systems deemed heretical by the Christian church. Does this sound familiar?

‘Instead of coming to terms with their sinfulness and accepting our need for a saviour, they believe that what they are doing is acceptable and that is actually God or scripture that is mistaken.’

The author details that Neo-Gnosticism features a rejection of many traditional Christian beliefs notably on’ sexuality, marriage, the supremacy of Scripture and on God himself.’ They take the culture and the world as their base, as opposed to Christ, God and the Bible. They justify this by stating that Scripture is not complete but needs to evolve to reflect cultural issues and the popular argument that the meaning has been altered in translation. With regards to homosexuality, ‘Neo-Gnostics either try to explain away any Bible verses condemning this or alter them entirely.’

An example of altering the context of a Bible verse is Romans 8.28, where people focus on the first part ‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good’, omitting the end of the verse ‘who have been called according to God’s purpose’. The full verse means that it is not enough just to love God, we must also live and work for God’s purpose.

Another section in the book which will prove controversial is where Foster discusses murder and abortion. I believe this also pertains to Euthanasia, although this is not stated. ‘Why would God allow an individual to destroy a gift that He has given? Life is precious and He has crafted every individual personally.’

Foster concludes the book by acknowledging that Christians cannot just justify the Bible by citing verses, instead, we need to do as Jesus did, love and befriend people and show love and kindness.

This book is interesting and informative and a reminder of how important it is to stay true to our Christian faith and Biblical truths.

‘Every time the heavens break open and rain pours from the sky, we can look up and see the glorious bow stretching across the sky. We can take heart that God is still there. His promises still hold.’