Rescuing Jesus

September 14, 2015
In this braided work of reporting, storytelling, and personal reflection, journalist Lee, herself a former evangelical, explores progressive movements—for racial reconciliation, women’s rights, and LGBTQ equality—within American evangelicalism. Unlike mainline Protestants, whose social engagement is integrated into denominational structures, evangelicals’ efforts for justice seem to come in response to pressure from within, as leaders such as Lisa Sharon Harper, Soong Chan-Rah, Jennifer Crumpton, and Matthew Vines are emerging from conservative grassroots movements, working to connect their faith with their minority identities, and moving toward a more expansive understanding of evangelical faith. The road is not always easy for these self-declared “prophetic Christians”; for example, in order to earn and retain influence within evangelicalism, they tend to shy away from questions surrounding reproductive rights, despite promoting equality for women in the church. Additionally, in spite of larger church organizations’ professed support for women in leadership, female leadership in evangelical nonprofits continues to lag well behind their male counterparts. The book’s structure feels meandering at times, perhaps because it’s tricky to define evangelicalism and to trace its progressive strains. This makes it difficult to accept the author’s assertion that there are signs of a broadly accommodating evangelical future. Agents: Larry Weissman and Sascha Alper, Larry Weissman Literary LLC.

Starred review from October 15, 2015

With passion and humanity, journalist Jian Lee (Forbes, Slate) tackles one of the most controversial issues facing American society and politics at the moment. Jian Lee not only chronicles her own story of growing up a Chinese American Christian but includes narratives of people from all walks of life who have felt conflicted about their religion and who they are. This examination of humanity and culture shows how individuals are affected by the strictures of Evangelical Christianity--and how they are reclaiming it for their own. While it's clear what the author's political and religious opinions are, Jian Lee avoids pontification. The journalistic writing will appeal to readers of nonfiction; the personal nature of the content will offer solidarity to those who are struggling with their faith, and the examination of religion and politics will challenge readers searching for a different perspective. This volume offers insight into an often overlooked sect of American Christianity; here, Jian Lee has given women, racial minorities, and the LGBTQ community a voice. VERDICT This is a succinct, intelligent, personable accounting of an often misunderstood demographic.--Kathleen Dupre, Edmond, OK

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