Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe

by Voddie T. Baucham Jr.

As a wave of violent riots protesting the death of a black man at the hands of police shook the nation in the summer of 2020, most Americans were shocked. Christians nationwide, eager to fulfill their God-given calling to bring peace and reconciliation, took to pulpits and social media in droves to affirm that “black lives matter” and proclaim that racial justice “is a gospel issue.”

           
But what if those Christians, those ministers, and those powerful ministries don’t know the whole story behind the new movement that’s been making waves in their congregations? Even worse: what if they’ve been duped into adopting a set of ideas that not only don’t align with the Kingdom of God, but stand diametrically opposed to it?

           
In this powerful book, pastor, professor, and leading cultural apologist Voddie Baucham explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and how it has quietly spread like a fault system, not only through our culture, but throughout the evangelical church in America. He also details the devastation it is already wreaking—and what we can do to get back on solid ground before it’s too late.

           

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Politics, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion

270 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Voddie Baucham wears many hats. He is a husband, father, pastor, author, professor, conference speaker and church planter. He currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. He has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He has also lectured at Southern Seminary.

Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged.

Voddie’s area of emphasis is Cultural Apologetics. Whether teaching on classical apologetic issues like the validity and historicity of the Bible, or the resurrection of Christ; or teaching on biblical manhood/ womanhood, marriage and family, he helps ordinary people understand the significance of thinking and living biblically in every area of life.

It is impossible to understand Voddie’s approach to the Bible without first understanding the path he has walked. Raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home, Voddie did not hear the gospel until he was in college. His journey to faith was a very unusual and intellectual one. Consequently, he understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can.

Voddie Baucham holds degrees from Houston Baptist University (BA in Christianity/BA in Sociology), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.), an honorary degree from Southern California Seminary (D.D.), and additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England (Regent’s Park College).

Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have six children, Jasmine L. Holmes, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, and Micah. They are committed home educators.

Reviews

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this might be my first one-star rating on Goodreads. I don’t even give this one star because I necessarily disagree with brother Voddie's critiques of critical theory and “critical social justice.” In fact, I think some of his diagnoses are accurate and fair. Namely, his claim that the secular world and the academy are trying to systematically dismantle Christianity and Christ’s church through critical theory tactics (208) is a fair judgment. (That’s beside the point, anyway. I don’t know many evangelicals who would disagree with this statement. They would disagree, however, that there’s a whole group of evangelical leaders and churches that are falling on the wrong side of the fault line – and maybe even committing “heresy” – because they’ve supposedly given themselves over to Critical Theory. Where are these churches?) Ultimately, I give it one star because it is poorly written, lacks basic scholarship, and above all, because it’s slanderous. Let me explain by reflecting on one specific section of the book. I hope that this one example alone is enough to dissuade you from picking up this book.

After explaining the myriad of supposed ways that certain evangelicals have created a new religion out of critical race theory, he moves on to the new canon created by these evangelicals. He claims this canon is rooted in source material that has been influenced by critical theory scholarship. In a case study of how this has happened, he looks at Atlanta pastor John Onwuchekwa. Pulling a soundbite from a podcast John O was hosted on, Baucham claims that John O “impugned the sufficiency of Scripture” (118) and that he “is outside the bounds of Scripture, theology, and Church history” (119). Sheesh. That’s quite the claim. Well, if you thought that was the worst of it, you’d be wrong. Just a couple of pages later he says that unless “John’s O’s statements were the result of a momentary lapse, his understanding of the Bible is heretical” (121).

Heresy.

That’s no small accusation. Claiming someone possesses a heretical view of a primary doctrine is the same as saying they believe a different gospel. Did Baucham reach out to John to ensure he was representing him fairly and accurately? No. He did not. He simply assumes that John might be committing heresy. In the Bible’s language, that’s slander. It is misrepresenting someone to cause them harm. It’s a serious offense. This section alone discredits anything else in the book. How can one claim to be writing a resource for Christians when they objectively slander another brother in Christ for the sake of their own narrative? (For what it’s worth, the soundbite quote in which John commits “heresy,” is in actuality a fairly basic articulation of biblical hermeneutics. John says that “unless you had science, the Bible would not make sense. Archeology is a science. If we did not have archeology, much of your Bible would not make sense. You wouldn’t be able to recapture the context in some of that stuff. So, there is something about books and disciplines outside of the Bible that help us to understand the Bible better.” The line, “unless you had science, the Bible would not make sense” is the only line that Baucham quotes in his book. He fails to leave in the rest of the context. Taken out of context, it could appear that John is undermining the sufficiency of the Word. In context, however, John is articulating a basic understanding of what it means to study the Bible with other uses of aid that God has kindly given us.)

It’s difficult to believe brother Voddie’s claim to being “irenic, deferential, or gracious” (230) when he accuses a brother in Christ of heresy without consulting him to ensure he is understanding him correctly. Moreover, the Dallas statement, which he himself lauds and affirms in the book, states, “We affirm that accusations of heresy should be accompanied with clear evidence of such destructive beliefs.”

Again, I think this section alone renders the entire work problematic and untrustworthy, but I want to add a few additional observations to further express my concern for the book’s teachings. These are in no particular order.

General Critique
Overall, I think this book is a rushed-to-print (as evidenced by its obscure publisher) polemic written to appease an audience that is already in agreement with everything the book advocates. Baucham has a clearly desired narrative and he cherry-picks quotes to affirm this narrative throughout. He objectively puts people and organizations on a negative fault line without consulting them nor representing them fairly. Faultlines is a train barreling down a tunnel, blinded from everything except what it wants to see.

Poor Scholarship
This book is rife with footnotes of blogposts as sources. I remember learning in ninth grade English that any legitimate work of writing cannot use blogposts as credible sources. Moreover, it is poor scholarship 101 to make unverifiable claims or accusations based on hearsay. In one particular “off the record” instance, Baucham accuses 9Marks leaders of failing to care about their ecclesial efforts with the Dallas Statement. Yet, in the footnote, he doesn’t verify his accusation. He leaves it as hearsay. He neither quotes anyone specifically nor names any names. Everyone knows that you don’t make accusations unless you’re willing to verify them. Are we supposed to simply take his word for it?

Misrepresenting Brothers in Christ
- He quotes Shai Linne’s response to George Floyd’s death so as to insinuate that somehow his sympathy with this loss of life is illegitimate (54).
- He claims that Matthew Hall, provost of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, believes that total depravity is only shared by those with a “certain spectrum of the melanin scale” rather than through their descent from Adam (76). Accusations of this severity deserve objective evidence or at the very least they need more than mere speculation from a sound bite clip.
- He cites Hall on another occasion to claim that he has “capitulated to the theology of the cult of antiracism and the complicity of the institution he represents” (80). In the footnotes, he says that Hall has since gone on record to repudiate CRT. Just when I think he deserves credit for fairly representing Hall, he claims Hall was simply paying lip service for these comments. Voddie refuses to “believe all things, hope all things” about a brother in Christ because he is guided solely by the narrative he wants to paint.
- He accuses David Platt of defining racism in one particularly unhelpful way even though there's no legitimate proof that he made this definition (87).
- When quoting Mark Dever, he adds a footnote that additional comments have since been made. Why wouldn’t he add this content to the body of his text instead of tucked away in a footnote? Because it pokes more of a hole in his narrative. Later, in arguing that Dever is against “single-issue” voting, Baucham makes the connection that with an issue like abortion, single-issue voting is the only apparent way: “vote for the republicans.” Do you know what legalism is? Legalism is taking an issue that isn’t explicitly addressed by Scripture and making it a Scripturally binding issue. It binds the conscience of the believer to fall in line with one person’s conclusion from Scripture, though there’s no explicit biblical warrant for doing so.
- From Jarvis Williams to Matt Chandler to Jonathan Leeman to John Piper to Tim Keller, no one is safe from Baucham’s accusations.

A Note on “Experience”
On pages 19-20, Voddie says that he thrived in unfortunate circumstances, not because of government programs, but because his mother parented him well. He goes on in the next chapter to further tell the story of his life as a black Christian and of his experience in ministry. Coincidentally, he later argues that experience is not a legitimate form of understanding the world or seeking truth. Yet, here he is at the beginning of the book explaining his own circumstance as if it somehow lands him more authority on the issue at hand. I don’t know what purpose this section of the book serves since he denies the place of experience in these types of conversations.

Unnecessary Political Partisanship
He commits a whole chapter (chapter 9, “Aftershock”) to political, partisan issues. He somehow manages to fold them into the CRT conversation by implying that all who vote democrat are “on the wrong side of the present” (199). In an attempt to discern truth from error and to unify Christians under the truth, he unnecessarily binds the consciences of Christian believers to fall under a certain political banner or else fall on the wrong side of the fault line.

I truly wish the methodology and tone of this book were different. Alas, it is not, and thus I think this critique to be necessary. More could be said, but I’ve gone too long already. I trust Baucham is acting in accord with a desire to serve the church and protect the truth, but unfortunately, I think the book is misguided and will only do more harm than good to Christ's church.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not written to create division, but to identify a division that already exists in the church and to encourage believers to stay on the Lord's side of it. His primary argument is that Critical Race Theory and its application in social justice functions on an underlying assumption that the Bible is insufficient to address racism, and that this assumption is made based on unbiblical definitions of both race and justice.

While I think this topic is absolutely vital to address in the church, I think Voddie was a little ambitious in scope and drew in many threads that could warrant their own books. Even so, I highly recommend this book to all Christians because his warnings are true and his devotion to the gospel is clear.

"We are right to pursue justice, peace, and unity (Micah 6:8, Romans 12:18, John 17:20-21). That is not the fault line. The fault lies in believing that such a vision can be attained by affiliating with, using the terminology of, or doing anything other than opposing in the most forceful terms, the ideology that lies at the root of the social justice movement." p. 130

"In the end, it is forgiveness that will heal our wounds. My hope is not that white Christians can feel sorry enough for their past or that ministries and organizations can dig up and grovel over enough historical dirt. That is not the powerful, life-changing, world-confounding message of the Gospel. That is the message of the world." p.229

[Chrys Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The CRT and social justice conversations are still in full force in evangelicalism. For years, the war was waged via Youtube videos, sermon clips, discernment blogs, and social media threads. I’ve longed for long-form writing on these matters, and finally, books are being written discussing these matters from various places on the spectrum. One of those books is Voddie Baucham’s which is set to be released on April 6th. While some consider this book to be a Hiroshima-like death blow to CRT, others are likely to be skeptical.

As a Christian who has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from a liberal arts university, I have both seen and rejected much of what has come out of the secular social justice movement. I recognize racism, even in the systems of this nation. I recognize racial and class struggles. I acknowledge race-based, ethnic partiality. But I can’t align myself with the “woke” because I disagree with many of their so-called solutions to the problems of inequality in our society.

I recently read Voddie Baucham's Fault Lines and walked away with mixed feelings. I am thankful for an exhortation for Christians to consider the worldview and dangers that occur with CRT and its advancement in popular culture. While I don't think it's evangelicalism's greatest danger in the past 200 years, I do think we need to be informed about it. It was good to hear Dr. Baucham's story and understand his background. While he does highlight some of his—and others—concerns about CRT and social justice. I want to share some concerns and confusion I saw in the book.

I Tread Cautiously

I tread lightly and cautiously when critiquing a man of Voddie Baucham’s stature for three reasons:
I am a theological featherweight compared to this man who has written, preached, and served as a missionary in America and Africa for most of my lifetime.
Dr. Baucham’s ministry has greatly blessed my soul and the souls of many of my friends. I continue to reference his writings and sermons because he is biblically and theologically sound in his teaching and writing. Furthermore, he is a black Christian voice in white Christian circles, and I have made a similar choice to remain in these circles to try to be a voice of reconciliation.
I neither fully disagree with all of his arguments nor do I have my perspective of race, justice, and the gospel fully formed. I find myself both saying and “amen!” and shaking my head in frustration at times.

I don’t consider myself to be an authority on CRT and secular social justice, so reading and listening to Dr. Baucham is always insightful, even if I disagree with his trajectory or conclusions at times. Reading Fault Lines was no exception. I was fully expecting this book to point out a problem in evangelicalism—namely CRT and its impact on Christians. Dr. Baucham covered numerous errors and issues that have arisen with the popularization of critical race theory in the culture. I appreciated the depth of his knowledge on the topic and found myself resonating with a lot of his concerns, though some of his sources have a notably conservative slant to them. He has certainly done his research, but I wish he could have spent more time on some issues and given his opponents a more charitable reading—especially those in the church. Duren's review shows how some quotes were cut off without full context.
Faulty Expectations?

I was also expecting Fault Lines to give a robust biblical solution to the problems addressed by CRT and its advocates. This is where I was disappointed. There were a TON of references to secular social justice and how it is wrong. He showed how many social justice proponents were unbiblical in their understandings or diagnoses of the problems in society. However, I did not see much exegesis or interpretation of Scripture. There were Scripture citations throughout, and many of them were helpful. But in many ways, Dr. Baucham did not offer detailed explanations for addressing the social ills and injustices felt in American society.

​He mentioned forgiving people who are guilty of racism. Many of the Christians he associated with Critical Social Justice do too. He mentioned waging war against spiritual attacks on the faith. So do many of the people he categorized as Christian social justice. I understand from the book that Dr. Baucham doesn't believe racism is a major problem in America. He says that he believes there is racism in America and that there is injustice in our society (and possibly in the church), but he stops short of calling those perpetuating these sins to repent. It seems that the book is an apologetic against CRT rather than a thesis for biblical justice. Perhaps, I should go elsewhere for that.

Confusion About Labels

He lists names like Shai Linne, Trilia Newbell, John Piper, David Platt, Jarvis Williams, and others as Christians who have been duped by the “cult” of secular social justice. Cult is the term Dr. Baucham uses to describe secular social justice. If CSJ (critical social justice) is an unbiblical cult that eisegetes Scripture, departs from the gospel, and represents a fault line that will divide the church, I would've expected him to brand these people as false teachers and unbelievers. Ultimately, he says they are brothers and sisters who land on the other side of a discussion. This is confusing.

Fault Lines left me asking, "Which is it? Are they brothers and sisters, or are they false teachers?" I ask this because labeling groups like T4G, TGC, and Desiring God as CSJ (proponents of critical social justice) brands them as perpetuating a false worldview—he calls CRT a worldview in the book. How long will we call them brothers and sisters in Christ if that is the case? Shai Linne is a fellow Christian rapper and personal friend of mine. Not only does his discography prove his track record of remaining faithful to the gospel and sound doctrine, but his most recent writing and upcoming book The New Reformation will prove that Shai is far from leaving the gospel or reading secular social justice into the Bible.

I was also disappointed to see "Woke Preacher Clips" and private conversations cited in the footnotes of a scholarly resource. That simply doesn't cut it. Woke Preacher Clips is akin to discernment blogs and takes controversial snippets of sermons without the full context. Furthermore, I was disappointed that Dr. Baucham used a blog post by Tom Ascol (an anti social justice ally) to state that the new SBC Resolution 9 of the 2019 convention was a "grotesque misrepresentation of what he submitted originally.” Rather, he should have quoted Feinstein (the original author) who said, "I would have been irate had Resolution 9 actually stated what its critics accuse it of." This isn't an anti-woke Youtube channel or his friend's blog, these are Feinstein's own words. I expected more from a book as serious as Fault Lines.

The Anti-Social Justice Perspective on CRT

At the end of the day, Fault Lines represents one Christian conservative’s view on social justice. There is nothing wrong with being politically conservative or writing a book against CRT and social justice. I just don't feel that it added anything new or beneficial to the conversation for those who regularly listen to Dr. Baucham, Founders, Alpha and Omega Ministries, and others. I think there is value in their concerns for CRT and how it impacts the church, and I benefited from considering some of the implications of CRT in the church. However, I saw little to no engagement with the sins and errors of people on the anti-social justice side of the conversation.

Other authors, like Shai Linne in his upcoming book The New Reformation, humbly admit that they don't have all of the answers and that they may get some things wrong. I didn't get that sense from Fault Lines. In fact, it seems like this book is an "all or nothing" approach to the conversation. I expected that as I’ve seen anti-social justice pastors and authors calling for excommunication for members who disagree with them on these matters. I’ve seen their social media tirades. Sadly, this is a trend on both sides of the race and justice spectrum.

Fault Lines is a book I'd recommend with caution. I caution readers to be wary of slapping a label on other believers for statements that may line up (or seem to line up) with or resemble secular CRT. I believe there is common grace and lost people have the ability to see sin in the culture, even if they don't have biblical answers. Dr. Baucham uses atheists throughout his book to prove this point. Further, I would caution readers not to read only this book and walk away with a full and firm stance on race and social justice. Don’t use social media and books like these to create an echo chamber where you only listen to voices you agree with. Even in this book, Dr. Baucham advocates for reading broadly. Take his advice.

Bold Statements From a Bold Leader

Dr. Baucham makes some bold statements regarding the reality of racism in recent current events. He makes strong statements like "I believe America is one of the least racist countries in the world". I disagree, but, as Dr. Baucham stated in the book, there is not a single "black view" of these issues. Remember that as you read Fault Lines. Dr. Baucham is one (black) man who represents one side—namely, the politically conservative side—of the spectrum on these matters. This perspective bleeds through on every page, including the footnotes. Remember this.

​Dr. Baucham has similarly strong views on homeschool vs. public school, youth ministry, the integration of children into corporate worship, the cause of black crime and disparity, etc. He is not only free to have these perspectives, but he is also a sound and trustworthy voice in evangelicalism on many social issues like abortion, homosexuality, etc. He has stood boldly in the face of secular media to represent the gospel. Let us not forget this in our disagreement.

A Sociological Resource, But I Was Hoping For More

I don't agree with everything in Fault Lines, but I don't disagree with everything, either. As stated early, I just wish Dr. Baucham would have spent more time laying out a robust view of biblical justice that counters secular social justice. I wish he would have been more cautious in labeling people who disagree with him. I wish he would have been more fair in quoting others, especially believers. I fear that more division may come from this book, though Dr. Baucham states that this isn't his desire and calls those who agree not to harbor animosity, either.

I don't disagree that secular social justice lacks biblical answers. I don't expect that from the world. I'm not sure that Shai Linne, David Platt, John Piper, Tim Keller, or others do either. Saying they do would contradict their own words and preaching. I know Dr. Baucham doesn't. That's why I expected that one among the best and brightest voices in politically conservative evangelicalism would bring their biblical and theological knowledge to the table to not only refute CRT and secular social justice but to also offer a biblical alternative specifically to the issues being propagated by such groups. While Dr. Baucham pointed out some of the folly of CRT early in the book, he used other (usually conservative and sometimes atheists) sociological and political voices to answer those claims rather than Scripture. I was hoping for more.

There may be a fault line beneath us, but social justice advocates—secular or Christian—aren't the only ones in danger of falling in. As Dr. Baucham shared from Scripture, "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him." (Proverbs 18:17). Don't just take his word for it. Read broadly and read with discernment.

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every Christian must read to properly understand Critical Social Justice (CSJ) and learn how to defend the true gospel against such a false teaching. Voddie uses Scripture, logic, and just plain common sense to dismantle CSJ. Voddie names names and compares the popular social justice books to what the Bible says. He excels in digging up the facts of the high-profile shootings that are popular talking points by those in CSJ, and shows how much gets left out of the story to fit the narrative. Overall a very well-done book, which synthesizes the arguments and is written by a strong Christian pastor. I look forward to making this a future "book of the month" at our church. Very highly recommended.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble has been brewing for some while now. Social justice warriors have taken to the streets, courtroom, and universities. Most recently, social justice has penetrated the church walls. While many applaud the social justice movement, including well-known evangelical leaders, a few are standing strong and voicing deep concern. One such man is Dr. Voddie T. Baucham. In his most recent book, Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe, Dr. Baucham exposes the underbelly of the social justice movement. He sees a looming catastrophe on the horizon and scores of professing Christians begin assimilating the tenets of social justice into the fabric of their lives and worldviews.

The Goal

Fault Lines has a specific goal in mind. Dr. Baucham speaks in clear terms:

I want to unmask the ideology of Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality in hopes that those who have imbibed it can have the blinders removed from their eyes, and those who have bowed in the face of it can stand up, take courage, and ‘contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints’ (Jude 3).

The author accomplishes his goal by beginning with a personal narrative. He reveals several pertinent points about his background, including family, faith, and some of the racial tension that was a regular part of his life. Readers unfamiliar with Baucham’s background will be humbled by his candor and encouraged by a marvelous story of God’s grace.

Grace is the theme that dominates in this book. While some parts may appear combative in tone, the author’s heart is revealed throughout. This is a man who has been conquered by the sovereign grace of God. This mighty work of grace not only saved Voddie from sin, death, and hell; it has propelled him to a platform where he is quick to warn people about the dangers of the social justice movement.

The Warning

Baucham clears up any misconceptions at the beginning of the book. When critics ask, “What does Critical Race Theory have to do with the church?” “What does social justice have to do with the church?” Baucham’s answer: “Everything.”

The author explains the origins of Critical Social Justice (CSJ) with the rise of Antonio Gramsci and the Frankfurt School. He cites Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay who argue that these theories are “geared toward identifying and exposing problems to facilitate revolutionary political change.” Such an explanation puts “meat on the bones” and enables readers to see behind much of the social justice agenda.

The warning is set forth with evangelicals in mind. John MacArthur calls it “the greatest threat to the gospel in his lifetime.” Baucham’s task is to unveil the threat in a way that is understandable and compelling for people in the pews.

Baucham sounds the alarm, much like Paul warned the Colossian believers. He urged them to:

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8, ESV)

Baucham reveals how the various fault lines are impacting the church as leaders succumb to the spirit of the age. He unpacks the false narratives that are being promoted in the media and willingly consumed by Americans.

The author sets forth the unbiblical underpinnings of CRT, intersectionality, white fragility, etc. In the end, what is revealed is a strategic worldview that is being propagated. At the heart of this worldview is the radical promotion of the hegemony - the group of people who are white, heterosexual, native-born, able-bodied, and male. Anyone not a part of this group is considered a minority. But more importantly, this minority is numbered among the oppressed. In classic Marxist fashion, the oppressed must rise up and overtake the hegemony.

In this fabricated arrangement, there is no forgiveness. There is no gospel. The only thing left are the oppressors and the oppressed. In this scheme, original sin is redefined as “racism.” The agenda of social justice, which is presented as a worldview renders the gospel invalid and impotent.

According to Baucham, the antiracist goal is “equitable outcomes.” Readers who are paying attention to the worldview shifts in our culture will recognize these themes. Gone are the days when equality is emphasized. The new buzzword is equity. The author maintains this goal “is neither biblical, reasonable, nor achievable.” Instead of grace, the only thing that remains is law.

Baucham cites Albert Schweitzer who said, “A heavy guilt upon us from what the whites of all nations have done to the colored peoples. When we do good to them, it is not benevolence - it is atonement.” Such a sentiment drill deep into the heart and soul of antiracism. Tragically, this worldview is invading the church. It is anti-gospel.

The Way Forward

Baucham believes that the coming catastrophe is unavoidable: “These fault lines are so deeply entrenched, and the rules of engagement so seriously complex, that the question is not if but when the catastrophe will strike.” The way forward will require clear thinking and Christian courage. The way forward involves faithful allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ringing in my ears is a line from a sermon that John Piper preached many years ago, where he exhorted his readers to “out rejoice all their enemies.” Like Athanasius, we must rise up and live contra mundum. But living against the world does not suggest that we stop loving people in the world. As Baucham notes, “We must love each other with a tenacious, biblical, Christlike love.”

The author concludes by urging his readers to 1) take every thought captive, 2) confront the lie and hold to the truth, 3) listen with discernment, and 4) correct people who are peddling a worldview that opposes the truth of the gospel.

Fault Lines is a greatly needed book. Dr. Baucham’s work is a true labor of love, which is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Readers should read this work carefully and thoughtfully and make it their aim to move into the marketplace of ideas, armed with the truth of God’s Word, and ready to make a difference in a world that is desperately in need of Jesus’s saving work on the cross.

[Moses Flores · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book could have been written way better. Thought through more. Better citations than brittanica and blogs. I’m still unclear whether Baucham condemns White Supremacy of any sort as he gave it a free pass. Scripture citations were without exegesis. In arguing for SOLA Scriptura (the right view) he ends up with SOLO scriptura (the wrong view!). In arguing “we don’t need anything else but scripture” now we need the Dallas Statement.

What really saddens me is that he only wanted to interact with the secular versions of anti-racism but would not interact with exegesis offered by Christian brothers and sisters (who are cult members now according to Baucham). If scripture has such a high authority, there is no going to scripture to disprove anti racism. The argument of the book is basically”we are in a good place and dealing with racism will mess that up! #FaultLine.” How come he doesn’t deal with the concept of justice itself? Keller, for instance takes the time to walk through the meaning of the word mishpat from the Hebrew Scriptures and shalom and others to make his Biblical case. Voddie makes no attempt to interact with Christian scholarship. Truly disappointing for someone who brags about being all about scripture.

I’m also unclear about Voddie’s views of race relations. His opening chapter seems to serve e purpose for the “Gospel of hard work and personal responsibility.” In essence chapter 1 was the “I worked hard and made and so can you!”

While I can agree with assessments of Kendi’s “antiracist gospel” as one of continuous works and penance, Baucham has no response to the “combatting racism is a good fruit of salvation” crowd. In other words, gospel believing Christians who seek to live out Eph 2:11-22 and 4:1-6. For instance, as a Reformed and Confessional Christian, the Westminster Larger Catechism #135 and #136 detail a pretty pro-life view that would preclude things like Slavery and racism. This is how George Bourne argues to his presbytery and in his book “The Book and Slavery: Irreconcilable.” Baucham seems to posit that to be anti racist in any way is to be a member of this cult. So does that mean that the slaves who wanted their freedom and wanted racism gone are really all cult members? Baucham never hits the brakes on anti racism of any kind. I can only assume with the kind of logic and reason that Baucham does that some racism is OK and even necessary to be on the right side of the “fault line.”

I wish he would have been clearer here. If I was a white supremacist reading this, my heart would smile knowing “at least I’m not like that guy!” Not a single challenge issued to white supremacy. Being Christian means being a Republican because Republicans are the ones against abortion (on paper at least).

Disappointing

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heart of Voddie Baucham’s book “Fault Lines” can be summarized with this sentence: “there is not a book in the world that is better suited to address men on the issue of race than the Bible. That is not to say that there is no help to be found in other books. It is, however, to say that they are not essential” (page 126). Voddie rightfully and wisely understands that the Scriptures are sufficient to address the sin of racism. In a world where Critical Social Justice, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality are all being promoted by both the world and many within the church as “solutions” to the problem of racism, “Fault Lines” is Voddie’s appeal to the church to return to the Scriptures before getting “carried away by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).

Using his appeal to Scripture, Voddie offers a sound rebuttal of today’s leading promoters of CRT/I such as Robin DiAngelo, Jemar Tisby, Latasha Morrison, Ibram X Kendi, and the founders of Black Lives Matter (to name a few). Additionally, Voddie shows no partiality as he lovingly rebukes members of The Gospel Coalition, Together for the Gospel, 9Marks, and the SBC (all groups that Voddie has been connected with to one degree or another) who have allowed CRT/I to infect their preaching and teaching. He also acknowledges those who have since clarified/repented (i.e. the SBC seminaries). Voddie’s intent is not to create division, the division is already here. But “Fault Lines” is an appeal to see the Gospel as sufficient.

“Fault Lines” is not an ear tickler. It will challenge your presuppositions and the narrative that has been fed to you regarding the topic of racism in America. Read it carefully, prayerfully, and discerningly. Test it against the Scriptures. I believe you will be edified.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is genuinely shocking to me that this book made it to publication. It is poorly sourced, poorly reasoned, doesn’t define its terms, and doesn’t support any of the claims that it makes. The only people who will find it convincing are those who agree with its conclusions already.

[Joost Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baucham has done painstaking research in an area that is dividing our nation, and even more troubling, the church. Several of my friends--at one time robust, biblical Christians--have embraced CSJ and CRT, and now are immune to facts, evidence, biblical reasoning, and the law of non-contradiction. Baucham does an excellent job of exposing the roots of CRT, and how it has pervaded some of our most prominent seminaries, churches, pastors, and ministries. But he does all of this with pastoral concern and not rancor.

If I could make it required reading for every elder in every church in America, I would.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mixed bag. I resonate with much of Voddie’s analysis of CRT, BLM, and other justice-related issues. I appreciate his candid telling of his own story as a black man. And I agree with his basic understanding of the gospel.

But on the other hand, I think Voddie is too harsh in his remarks about other evangelical leaders with whom he disagrees, such as Tim Keller, Mark Dever, and even John Piper. At the beginning of his book, Voddie clearly targets his critique against TGC, T4G, 9Marks, etc. and in the course of the book uses inflammatory words like “heresy” and “cult” when talking about the infiltration of “critical social justice” into the church. But he fails to adequately distinguish the views of various leaders from one another (some are more deserving of critique than others).

More than that, at least in the case of Keller and Piper, he fails to interact with their most substantial written work on race and justice, such as Keller’s book Generous Justice, or his four part series of essays on race and justice published online last year, in which he provides an 11 point biblical critique of CRT. To be fair, his only direct critique of Piper was directed to Piper's comments on the 2020 election. But surely Piper's book on race, Bloodlines, and his yearly sermons at Bethlehem Baptist Church on both abortion and racism are worth serious engagement before impugning him so quickly?! For Voddie to go to war against these men, with their decades of fidelity to the gospel, without seriously engaging their most substantial work, is reckless and irresponsible. My concern is that it will only deepen the division in the church, and inflame further controversy.

This book says some good and important things. But it is tarnished by its unhelpful and divisive polemical tone. A better book that addresses the same ideological issues with even more thoroughness, but also with more nuance and less divisiveness, is Thaddeus Williams’ Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth.

[Jeremy]

Interview with Baucham here. Related video (pre-publication). Post-publication New York Post article. Louis Markos reviews it positively at The Federalist.

Critical review at Mere Orthodoxy. This review addresses the sufficiency of Scripture issue but still sees many positive aspects. Similarly, this First Things review acknowledges some of the shortcomings, but is overall positive.

There's been some recent chatter (July/August 2021) about plagiarism concerns. Voddie responds here (see around 30:25 for a summary).

[Madisyn Carlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really know where to begin, so this review will probably sound jumbled, since I'm just going to put my thoughts "onto paper" and try to apply some semblance of organization.

To be clear:

One thing Baucham was extremely clear on, and that I agree with, is that a lot of Christians who support CRT do so from a genuine desire to help others. While their intentions are good, their support for such a vile ideology is not, and they need to examine CRT for what it really is, then decide whether or not to pursue supporting this idea. They need to investigate for themselves and not just accept what the media and society tell them. To be clear, I am completely, one hundred percent, wholly, totally, and unwaveringly against CRT, social justice, racial inequality, and every vile idea Marxism has birthed. However, I also agree with Baucham that, when we interact with brothers and sisters who disagree, we need to do so in a direct, but kind, manner. Thus, I will compose my review, such as it is, in a direct tone.

______

What do Tim Keller, Margaret Sanger, Kermit Gosnell, "social justice", the "Black Lives Matter" movement, defunding police, and "reparations", have in common?

CRT, otherwise known as Critical Race Theory.

And what does CRT have in common with the aforementioned list?

Marxism.

In Fault Lines, Voddie Baucham addresses CRT and Critical Social Justice, their origins, proponents, and how they are infiltrating, and utterly destroying the Church. It begins with Marxism, which was founded by Carl Marx. Marxism is the very root from which CRT and CSJ and their branches, "social justice", "reparations", "racial equality", and "hegemony" sprout.

Baucham first provides the reader with an insight on his childhood, then his faith journey, his education, and other influencers in his life. Baucham then uses that to propel the reader into the purpose for this book: addressing the social justice movement. In a world full of those easily offended and people tiptoeing around to ensure they don't offend those easily offended, Baucham holds no punches. In a direct and candid, but gentle, manner, Baucham details what is wrong with CRT, CSJ, and the slew of issues which have arisen from them.

I learned a lot from this book. While I already knew certain church figures have gone off the path by accepting CRT, I didn't realize the full extent of how seriously lost and devastating this has been to churches and church groups. Baucham clearly details how CRT and its associates are incompatible with the Bible. In fact, Baucham easily backs his claim that CRT is now a cult. I also never realized how long this has been going on. Of course, I knew about Marx. I knew about the "American founders saying black people were only 3/5th a white person" lie, and I knew how CRT is deconstructing society, churches, and politics, but I never realized how deep its roots reach.

As I warned above, I'm going to be direct. Also known as blunt and frank. CRT is evil. It's vile, deadly, and a tool of Satan used to crumble the nuclear family, churches, and society's (already barely existent) remaining morals. Baucham illustrates multiple reasons why CRT and its associates are so destructive, and does it well. Someone who knows little about these topics can easily garner much information and knowledge by reading this book.

Baucham pulls no punches. Unafraid to call out prominent members of faith who support CRT, he opens the reader's eyes on who to stay away from regarding listening to their theology, and what to watch for when engaging in culture. Also provided are ways to interact with those so deeply entrenched in CRT and its associates that they can't see the utter absurdity of what they believe.

Everything about this book is powerful, but what really struck me were the abortion sections.

I've studied abortion; I've participated in prolife blog tours and have written numerous, lengthy prolife and anti-abortion essays for high school and (secular) college. I'm no newbie to the grotesqueness of researching abortion. I knew about Margaret Sanger and her Negro Project. I even knew a little about Kermit Gosnell. I knew they were vile people. Horrible beyond description. What I did not know was the extent of their evil.

Maragret Sanger, the founder of abortion, began the murder of unborn babies not to "free women", but to put eugenics to use and eradicate black people. She'd be proud, for, as Baucham notes, over fifteen million black babies alone have been murdered through abortion--and that number is ever increasing.

The following paragraph contains disturbing information.

Kermit Gosnell. There aren't words to describe how wretchedly awful this man was. A black man (who gleefully partook in the very action meant to wipe out black people) killed thousands of babies and murdered one immigrant due to anesthetic overdose. Baucham reports that when Gosnell was finally arrested, after years of society turning a blind eye to his atrocities, agents and police found his building to be littered with fetus parts just scattered about.

This book can cause worry at times. Can even cause anger at the true injustice going on (which is not social justice, etc.). But it also gives hope. Filled with Scripture, Baucham gently reminds the reader God's church will prevail, that nothing can destroy God's plan. We have been given the tools to deal with this blight upon our churches and homes, and we need to use them.

Racism exists. Racists exist. But there are not so many of them that "racial inequality" is real. There will always be evil. But, when you advocate for white people to apologize for being white and to pay repartitions for slavery, you only help perpetrate that evil. CRT is completely unbiblical for many reasons. By telling me I need to apologize for being white--the color GOD made me--you're saying God made a mistake. By telling me I need to pay for the sins of those long ago, you're accusing me of a crime I did not commit, which is bearing false testimony against your neighbor.

Fault Lines is an amazing book that tackles a difficult and divisive issue. I recommend it to everyone. Thank you, Mr. Baucham, for being unafraid to stand for truth. It bolstered my courage, helped me understand this complex evil, and provided ways to stand strong amidst this storm.

To those who embrace CRT, please, please look into its origins. It's not what you think it is. Take the heart for others that God has given you and apply it to a true Bible-based effort.

To those who are watching the effects of CRT and are wondering what comes next in this catastrophe, stand strong. Ensure your foundation is strong so it will not be replaced with a foundation of lies.

CONTENT WARNING

Some language (not from the author himself, but from quotes).

Disturbing discussion about the atrocities of abortion.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voddie Baucham's "Fault Lines" is an autobiographical reflection and critique of the Social Justice movement. He looks at the larger movement, but focuses on the way it has infiltrated the church and its educational institutions. He is obviously quite concerned, and justifiably so.

The first two chapters are autobiographical to help his readers see that it is personal accountability and generational reformation that is required, rather than wholesale changes to our nation's culture that are required. He addresses this explicitly in chapter 8 when he says, "Those attempting to blame fatherlessness, crime, and a lack of black achievement today on the legacy of slavery must account for the fact that one hundred years after slavery ended, blacks, according to many measures, were actually doing better than they have in the sixty years since the Civil Rights Act." p. 162 This is a fact that is conveniently memory-holed, in the the clamor for "social justice." For the social justice warrior is of necessity, statist, offering political solutions, rather than gospel solutions.

Baucham lays out the case that the media has created a false narrative that leads the public to believe that the police are killing blacks at a much higher rate than whites. Yes, blacks are killed by police, but so are people of other ethnicities. It is entirely disingenuous to say it is blacks alone that are victims of police violence. There is in fact no evidence that shows that blacks are disproportionately the victims of police violence. It is in fact a media and state generated narrative that is not only untrue, but unnecessarily divisive and corrosive to the social fabric.

In chapter four, Baucham argues that antiracism is a a new religion "with its own cosmology (CT/CRT/I); original sin (racism); law (antiracism); gospel (racial reconciliation); martyrs (Saints Trayvon, Mike, George, Breonna, etc.); priests (oppressed minorities); means of atonement (reparations); new birth (wokeness); liturgy (lament); canon (CSJ social science); theologians (DiAngelo, Kendi, Brown, Crenshaw, MacIntosh, etc.); and catechism ("say their names").

Baucham demonstrates throughout the book that the advocates of Critical Race Theory, teach that any rejection of their ideology is a clear demonstration of their own racism. One cannot in fact argue against CRT without being called a racist, for they reject all attempts at refutation, by turning the accusation of racist back to their critics.

The very heart of antiracism is the fact that there is no neutrality. Baucham writes, "antiracism means more than simply being "against racism." The new definition adds the dimension of activism. The antiracist, therefore, is one who "does the work" of exposing, combatting, and reversing the ubiquitous influences of racism in the past, present, and future." So one is either a racist, or an antiracist.

He returns to the autobiography later in the book, as he recounts the genesis of the "Dallas Statement" and Resolution 9 at the 2018 Southern Baptist Convention. In both instances, evangelicals witnessed a "fault line" with leading evangelicals on both sides of the fault line, with many others remaining silent--especially in the case of the Dallas Statement. The results have thus far been very concerning, to say the least, but likely the worst is yet to come.

Critical Social Justice is ensconced in most of the evangelical institutions, whether it be churches, schools, colleges, seminaries, and mission organizations. The results will be devastating for everyone, as Baucham demonstrates, ironically with the words of President Obama, in chapter 8, showing that it is the black family, or lack thereof, that is at fault--particularly the fatherlessness in black culture. If this remains unaddressed, the problems will only deepen.

In addition, opponents of Critical Social Justice will continue to be alienated, intimidated into silence, have their livelihoods threatened, and potentially much worse, as the movement gains even more influence. But Baucham encourages his readers to continue the fight, remembering we're not fighting against flesh and blood and that we have truth on our side.

All in all this is an excellent, timely book. I doubt many that have already embraced CT/CRT/Intersectionality/Social Justice will be persuaded by this book, but the book will serve two purposes. First, those that are already opposed to it, will be strengthened and encouraged in the fight. Second, some that may be moving toward it will be called back.

May God strengthen his church!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

there is not a book in the world that is better suited to address men on the issue of race than the Bible. That is not to say that there is no help to be found in other books. It is, however, to say that they are not essential

Perhaps you are like me and in your heart you know that the primary source for cultural reconciliation is the Bible. Perhaps like me you have been watching book after book being put forward as 'the answer,' a necessary book for everyone, the book our country needs, etc. This book by Voddie Baucham is not getting a great amount of fanfare from the publishing community, but it packs a punch. Included is his story as well as a refutation of CRT, a way forward and appendix documents including The Dallas Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel and SBC Resolution 9.

As image-bearers of God we have a command to glorify Him first and then to love our neighbor second. The neighbor-love flows from knowing and fearing our Creator. But we are broken and sinful from birth due to the Fall. This weekend we celebrate the reconciliation of Good Friday and the resurrection on Easter. Are we living that truth in our lives and with our neighbors? We desperately need to turn away from what popular culture is recommending and look first to what God says.

Throughout this book, Baucham compares the cultural rumblings around us to an earthquake. To his credit, the upheaval that came upon us last summer was not at all a surprise to him. He has been watching the infiltration of CRT and intersectionality principles into the thinking of many in the faith community for years. The time is coming when we will all have to make a choice. As the chasm widens under our feet, which side will you jump to for safety?

Thank you to Salem Books and Edelwiess+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a timely and important book, written on a popular level, and every evangelical Christian ought to read it to get an idea of the unbiblical, anti-Christian ideas that are infiltrating Christian churches in the name of social justice.

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Grateful for Mr. Baucham’s ministry. His commitment to Biblical truth is worth imitating.

[Marcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of vital importance for the church. God bless Voddie Baucham Jr.

Fault Lines provides clear definitions and focuses on the central issue of the Christian worldview versus the imposter of Critical Theory. He often goes beyond this and calls it Critical Social Justice, but I will use the initials CT below.

Early on, we receive a clear history of CT in its various forms and the contrast with the Gospel begins to become clear. Voddie then tells moving stories with good humour and goes into detail about his early life and the influence of his inspirational mother. This speaks to the importance of family and having a culture that goes beyond the victim mindset and beyond a now common desire to principally force ‘progress’ through the government.
He wrestles with the myths of the Christian faith being the ‘white man’s religion’, reveals why that is mistaken, and refocuses us on our central identity in Christ. True God and true Man for all people. We must all follow this and live it. Even if it is hard and alienates others who would rather slouch back into tribalism. Here, Voddie is serious and not sentimental.
By God’s grace and the good sense of his mother, he escaped a similar fate to his unfortunate cousin killed in LA. He had been held at gunpoint before and saw first hand the struggle just to survive, but his loving mother got him out and they ended up in Texas. Which was a better environment to become a man and, by God's providence, a mature Christian.
Voddie understands the major 'fault lines' that Christians must attend to and communicates the importance of alternatives to government schools. With the best intentions in the world, they destroy young minds. Voddie has sought out alternatives and put skin in the game, home-schooling his own children. He knows that those who work for and prop up the machinery of the leviathan state are often wolves in sheep’s clothing or, at least, are unintentionally misleading young souls.

It should be noted that Voddie resists bitterness against ideological opponents and refuses to take cheap shots throughout. He states that he found SBC to always be fair to him, for example, and declares that they treated him as an equal. Even when, and partly because, they fired him for having different theological views.

Voddie looks at the context of history and message of the Bible constantly and sees that we should not always assume racism and not in all places. That desire to see racism everywhere, like a parody of total depravity but for one ethnic group, comes directly from CT. Life is much messier and more interesting.
Dr Baucham does speak about the challenges of being an ethnic minority in a nuanced way and wrestles with genuine racism.
Later, Voddie writes beautifully about his experiences in Africa and how humble that makes him. He also uses this as a frame to offer a history lesson about the complexities of slavery. Which is not black and white (Pun intended).

Voddie speaks to his experience teaching social issues, as a sociologist, for decades and how vital it is to see them through the prism of the Gospel. This should inspire all of us, regardless of our field. The scriptures lay out the path to real justice and truth by means of love. Convicted by the scriptures, he calls out lies, those who bear false witness, and highlights many clear cultural examples which are antithetical to the Gospel. These lies are exemplified by univariate analyses and the misleading ‘activism’ of the likes of Colin Kaepernick, for example. Real justice, Voddie reaffirms, requires truth and they are selling us all short.

Baucham uses careful statistics to back up his arguments and to deconstruct some of the simplistic myths that dominate our social imaginary, framing thorny issues and misleading most people. Voddie shows that there are layers to this deception which are rooted in the new ideology. Ultimately, the Bible is the only way to true justice in love. In fact, he describes the new religion of CT, or Critical Social Justice as he calls it, how it acts as a parasite on the Gospel, and unveils its central dogmas. These secularist tenants sit underneath any discussions people have about facts and statistics.
Voddie’s goal is to open up space for better and God-honouring conversations. Precisely because he sees through the cultic beliefs of the new secularist faith:

“The antiracist movement has many of the hallmarks of a cult, including staying close enough to the Bible to avoid immediate detection and hiding the fact that it has a new theology and a new glossary of terms that diverge ever-so-slightly from Christian orthodoxy. At least at first. In classic cult fashion, they borrow from the familiar and accepted, then infuse it with new meaning. This allows the cult to appeal to the faithful within the dominant, orthodox religions from which it draws its converts. This new cult has created a new lexicon that has served as scaffolding to support what has become an entire body of divinity. In the same manner, this new body of divinity comes complete with its own cosmology (CT/CRT/I); original sin (racism); law (antiracism); gospel (racial reconciliation); martyrs (Saints Trayvon, Mike, George, Breonna, etc.); priests (oppressed minorities); means of atonement (reparations); new birth (wokeness); liturgy (lament); canon (CSJ social science); theologians (DiAngelo, Kendi, Brown, Crenshaw, MacIntosh, etc.); and catechism (“say their names”). We’ll examine some of those topics in this chapter and a few later on. In case you’re wondering about its soteriology, there isn’t one. Antiracism offers no salvation—only perpetual penance in an effort to battle an incurable disease. And all of it begins with pouring new meaning into well-known words.”

I remember when I was in high school and many of my peers starting losing their damn minds for the new atheism, rushing to devote themselves to Dawkins, Harris, and their cadre of mediocre scientists and poor philosophers.
They wanted to hear how terrible those awful Christians and their God were. Not like us, the 'bright', 'moral' beings who could rise above the muddiness of history by the light of 'reason'.
That was weak.
We see something similar with the new racism. People rush out to buy terrible books by race hustlers such as Ibram X. Kendi or Robin Di Angelo.
They want to hear how terrible 'white' people are and their supposedly terrible use of 'logic', 'good timekeeping' and being 'nice'. (I kid you not).
Not like us, the woke elite who have seen the true light of 'antiracism' and prostrate ourselves before the altar of good 'allyship'.
The spirit of the age is strong. Both are intensely religious movements and highlight our desire to create new gods in our fallen image. We are creatures created to worship God and our hearts will remain restless until we rest in Him.
So, it is a most welcome relief to read this book from a good Christian man, which tears down the new idols and redirects our attention to the true and living God.
One of a list of great and genuine African-American Christian leaders and actual anti-racists. He follows Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr before him.
That is the importance of Fault Lines by Dr Voddie Baucham Jr.

Elsewhere he notes just how corrosive this ideology has been within the church:

"In a September 2020 article for Commentary, Executive Editor Abe
Greenwald wrote, “The revolutionaries have deemed American customs, culture, habits, and ideas racist. And instead of Mao’s Little Red Book to guide them in the ways of the proletariat, they have Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility, which shows them all the hidden places where racism is to be found and rooted out.”

In the wake of George Floyd’s death and the riots that followed, there were more than protests going on: there was also a frenzy of research.
“Everyday Americans swapped Black Lives Matter reading lists and strove, however misguidedly, to broaden their conception of racial inequity,..”

Voddie on the new canon of religious texts:

"John O.’s point—shared by many, if not most of the authors on Christianity Today’s reading list, and evinced by the list’s very existence, is that you really don’t get what the Bible is trying to say about social justice until you read social science and history.
I would add that by “read social science and history,” those in the CSJ camp inevitably mean Tisby and not Sowell, DiAngelo and not McWhorter, Kendi and not Lindsey, Alexander and not Steele.
In other words, when he and others say “social science and history,” they mean books written from, informed by, or in service to the perspective of CT, CRT, and Intersectionality.

My point here is not that John O. and I are on different sides of the
social justice discussion; we certainly are. It is that he is outside the bounds of Scripture, theology, and Church history. The social sciences may be useful tools, but they are far from necessary.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

In no area does God require me to walk in a level of righteousness for which the Scriptures do not equip me—including any and all aspects of justice.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life
and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire” (2 Peter 1:3–4).

What could possibly be beyond the scope of “all things that pertain to life and godliness”? Moreover, what could a social science text give me that would be better or more sufficient than partaking in “the divine nature” or “having escaped the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire”?

Although he does not phrase it this way, Dr Baucham Jr shows that Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, and all this racist, sexist, secularist ideology is no more compatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ than the eightfold path of Buddhism or Islamic Metaphysics and the claim that Muhammad's Quran is the final and fullest revelation to mankind. We need to understand this.

"...The million-dollar question is whether CRT is a worldview or merely an analytical tool. In other words, are there worldview assumptions that must be accepted in order to apply the tool? If there are, then the authors of the final resolution are either naïve or downright subversive.

According to the founders of CRT, the “movement is a collection of activists and scholars engaged in studying and transforming the relationship among race, racism, and power.” Based on those assumptions, CRT “questions the very foundations of the liberal order, including equality theory, legal reasoning, Enlightenment rationalism, and neutral principles of constitutional law.”

Moreover, the movement itself asserts that, “Unlike some academic disciplines, critical race theory contains an activist dimension. It tries not only to understand our social situation but to change it, setting out not only to ascertain how society organizes itself along racial lines and hierarchies but to transform it for the better.”

How, then, can CRT be viewed or used as “a set of analytical tools that explain how race has and continues to function in society”? Tools don’t explain; worldviews do. And CRT is a worldview based on clear, unambiguous assumptions."

The CSJ view is considered, Voddie demonstrates, is both 'unfalsifiable' and 'unassailable'. He offers several real world examples, statistics and this imaginary discussion based on his experiences:

"Take an imaginary discussion about a young man in trouble with
the law who was eventually expelled from school:
Could his history of drug use be a contributing factor?
Not his fault … Racist policies flooded the inner city with drugs.
How about his record of poor academic performance and absence
from school?
Inequities created inferior schools that minorities are unmotivated to attend.
Could the lack of a father in his home have anything to do with it?
That is a by-product of slavery and an excuse used to blame the victim.
In the end, the answer to everything is racism. Not only is this kind
of reasoning logically flawed, but it also flies in the face of a substantial
body of sociological research and the historic preaching and understanding of the black church."

"...Both Loury and Sowell chart a course that is not only sensible, but
is also aligned with the historic view of the black church in America.
Neither argue that America is free of racism, but both argue that there
are other issues that must be addressed regardless of racism...

There are certainly black churches that are rife with Marxist liberation theology, CRT, Intersectionality, and the social gospel. With all
the churches that exist in a country the size of the United States, this
should come as no surprise. However, if you assume that this means
the pulpits in black churches don’t address personal responsibility, you
are wrong. White liberals like Robin DiAngelo, Jim Wallis, and Daniel
Hill may chafe at the idea of black responsibility, but black pastors do
not. The internet is filled with clips of black pastors getting standing
ovations as they passionately admonish their young members to “pull
up your pants, get an education, stop dropping babies all over the place,
learn to speak proper English, get all that gold out of your mouth....”
They and their members know that, regardless of what is going on
outside the black community, culture matters. The black family matters. Education matters. Decisions and choices matter. And above all,
God’s Word matters."

God's Word informs Dr Baucham's whole perspective and he wrestles with many of the most important issues of our time, including those that many others are afraid to touch: fatherlessness, education, crime, and abortion. This is
“speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:13).

It is important that Voddie is redirecting us to logic, the art of history, and reclaiming the 'black church', all together. He is continuing in a great and multifaceted tradition of African-American Christians who are fighting for true justice in Christ. Following: Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Dr Martin Luther King Jr and other luminaries.

Moreover, Voddie finishes the book with a call to return to love and forgiveness in Christ. He has already brought justice to the world and shown us the way. We must participate in the life of the church by recentering on forgiveness. This frees us, as individuals and as communities, for a life of gratitude, joy, and true diverse Pentecostal communion.

[Brandon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is quite simply a bad book on this topic. Though I have extensive notes on the book, I'm not going to write a review that covers all my notes. I'll just flag five things and try to provide examples.

1. It's poorly researched. Judging by footnotes, an awful lot of his research was done via internet searches and websites. This includes using sketchy sites like AZ quotes, instead of the actual sources from which quotes come. That should raise red flags. But also, he attributes quotes to people that are not direct quotations, and quotes people critically without providing any footnote of where the person said it. He also cites information as coming from sources that it did not come from.
Ex: In "Thoughtline" he cites something as coming from the "UCLA Luskin School of Business" that is actually from an unofficial student wordpress page.
Ex: He cites something from J Gresham Machen (Cool!) and footnotes it as coming from AZ quotes, rather than putting in the two more minutes of research that would have shown him it's from Hart's, J Gresham Machen: Selected Shorter Writings

2. It's ill-conceived. At several points in the book, Baucham says something and then later seemingly flips his position on it. It's suggestive that even he hasn't really thought through these issues clearly enough to warrant writing a book on it. In fact, there are numerous problematic assertions laced from page 1 to the end.
Ex: In Chapter 1, he calls the Social Justice movement and its impact on the church, a "looming catastrophe" (in fact he uses some form of the word "catastrophe" 17 times in the book). But then he also says, "I don’t think anyone would say that what we are dealing with here rises to the level of the Spanish Inquisition or the Protestant Reformation in terms of threatening our unity." But his pervasive earthquake analogy pretty clearly suggests social justice is a threat to the unity and integrity of the church. So which is it?
Ex: In Chapter 6, he raises objections about a list of 'anti-racist' books from Christianity Today. And after circuitously saying that he's not criticizing reading these books per se, nor denying that some of them may make good points, he says his real concern is, "what this list represents: what it means. I am taking issue with the presuppositions behind it." Apparently Baucham thinks sometimes the significance of things is not right on the surface, but in underlying issues. But then later on, in Chapter 7, he is critical of Tim Keller for not signing the Dallas statement, and quotes him as saying about it-- and by the way he falsely cites it as a direct quote--, "[T]he statement can’t be judged based upon whether or not the words are right,” he said, “but by the consequences those words might eventually bring about." Baucham seems to find that reasoning objectionable. But it's literally the same reasoning he used to reject the Christianity Today 'anti-racist' list! And this kind of inconsistency of thought abounds throughout the book.
Ex: He condemns CRT for storytelling, then spends more than 2 chapters telling his own story as a way of establishing his authority to speak to matters of race and social justice.

3. It's ill-informed. He treats Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, Critical Social Justice, Intersectionality, and Social Justice interchangeably when they are not the same thing. It truly raises the question about whether he understands the topic he is writing on.
Ex: In "Thoughtline", he commends the work of Helen Pluckrose because she has written against Critical Social Justice. While that is true, Pluckrose has also written in support of a more general liberal form of social justice. Since Baucham is exclusively negative on the topic of SJ, it's odd that he would recommend the work of someone who does advocate for social justice.
Ex: His chapter on the sufficiency of Scripture raises questions about whether he understands this doctrine that well. The sufficiency of Scripture does not teach that the Bible can tell you all that you ever wanted to know about any topic. It’s that it tells us all things necessary for salvation and living the Christian life. So reading books that talk about racism in America or books that might highlight biblical teachings about racism is not in any conflict with the sufficiency of Scripture; at least no more than telling people to read Neil Shenvi, Helen Pluckrose or atheist writers as a way of understanding what’s wrong with different beliefs of the world.

4. It's slanderous. At several places in this book Baucham's commentary slanders good names, misrepresents positions, and doesn’t rise above the level of gossip. Baucham handles backroom conversations and people's names with a recklessness that shows he really doesn't understand the impact his injudicious words may have on other people's lives.
Ex: "Why are people and groups like Thabiti Anyabwile, Tim Keller, Russell Moore, the Southern Baptist Convention, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, 9Marks, the Gospel Coalition, and Together for the Gospel (T4G) being identified with Critical Social Justice on one side of the fault, and people like John MacArthur, Tom Ascol, Owen Strachan, Douglas Wilson, and the late R.C. Sproul being identified on the other?" For one thing, invoking RC Sproul's name is pretty cheeky, given that he died before this controversy spilled out into churches. But also, several of the people in the first group of names in no way shape or form could be justly tied to Critical Social Justice. Social justice yes, but not Critical Social Justice. In fact later on in the book, Baucham acknowledges that all of these people have spoken out against Critical Social Justice. If that is so, then why has Baucham criticized them for holding a position that they don't hold? Of course, the weasel word in the quote is "identified with", which enables him to both criticize them publicly without being guilty of accusing them of holding a position that they explicitly do not hold. But is that sort of insinuation the quality of communication Christians should be using? Why isn't he engaging with their actual positions?
Ex: In Chapter 6, he refers to a booklist created by Christianity Today, which he calls a canon of anti-racist literature. He says he is "warning" people about this "curriculum." Then he says he's "not taking issues with particular books on the list," but also says, "[The point shared]... by many, if not most of the authors on Christianity Today’s reading list... is that you really don’t get what the Bible is trying to say about social justice until you read social science and history." That's quite an accusation to make against so many disparate authors! And it breaks my heart to see Trillia Newbell's sweet and entirely Biblical children's book, God's Great Idea getting caught in the crossfire of such a reckless comment (because it was on CT's list). Baucham's vague criticisms 'some people say this,' 'many of the authors think' make her a target, simply for writing a children's book about a Biblical view of ethnicity.
Ex: After pulling a quote from 9Marks, he then says, "Although 9Marks went on to address this issue more thoroughly (see “What Makes a Vote Moral or Immoral: The Ethics of Voting,” https://www.9marks.org/article/what-m...), the statement is worth analyzing—especially since most people have seen the video, but haven’t read the journal article." One would think that an author who is trying to accurately engage other viewpoints would have opted for the more 'thorough' article and not the quote that apparently had more context. There are a few places where Baucham opts for the juicy tidbit, and leaves out context or further explanation from the speaker/author. This isn't an honorable research practice, and it inevitably ends up misrepresenting opponents.

5. It's bloated. Baucham wanders into topics that go well beyond CRT, etc. This includes criticizing John Piper for writing a blog that was critical of President Trump as a presidential candidate, and castigating anybody who isn't a single-issue voter. This has nothing to do with the topic of social justice.

There are so many more errors that could be pointed out in this book. Including his attempt to make Critical Social Justice the over-arching framework of CRT, when CSJ only came into being in the last 10 years! If you want a more thorough review, I would point you to Marty Duren's review.

One final thought, any book that seeks to talk about the history of social justice and does not mention anything about how the term was coined by professing Christians about 200 years ago and has been used by evangelicals (like Carl Henry) for the last century, is simply not dealing honestly with the complexity of this topic.

If Baucham had written a book distinguishing Critical Social Justice from a more traditional evangelical notion of it, pointing out examples of well-meaning teachers and leaders going too far in their expressions, he really would've been the hero of the day for evangelical Church. He would’ve brought clarity to the topic, and also showed a path forward. Instead he wrote this, which is already being weaponized to attack teachers and writers in good standing who have long track records of fidelity to the Gospel (and who have also said so much more on the topic of race and justice than Baucham's cherry-picked quotes would suggest).

Where I agree with Baucham is that we need good books addressing the progressive social justice movement of our day. It's not the greatest threat, but it is the latest threat, and will be here for awhile. We also need books urging conservative Christians who identify with social justice to be more careful in some of the things they are saying. But we have to do better than this book.

[Ian Clary · Rating 3 out of 5]

In many respects a helpful book, in other respects it is quite flawed. I appreciate his perspective very much, especially his dogged commitment to the authority of scripture, the power of the gospel, and the glory of God. I have a lot of respect for this man. He also has an important perspective on the question of Christianity and race as a black man who grew up in the south side of LA, who was once very strongly into black power movements, and now lives with his family in Zambia. He is highly critical of Critical Theory and Critical Race Theory and does so from a distinctly black perspective. He also provides helpful statistics on major issues pertaining to race in America today.
What I didn't find helpful was the way he characterised certain white evangelicals who were wanting to listen to and learn from their black brothers and sisters in Christ. While I think he was basically charitable, at the same time, he really didn't paint people like Tim Keller and Russ Moore in a good light. I think that at times he didn't not read them well, nor did he give them the benefit of the doubt, and that came across in the imbalanced way that he portrayed them.
I also don't think that he did a great job in the beginning outlining the Frankfurt School, cultural Marxism, etc. When conservatives use these terms as bugbears so much, we really need careful definitions, distinctions, and qualifications. Baucham's treatment was shallow at best.
One other thing really bothers me, and that is that while Rev. Baucham has a very high view of God, he would have someone like Owen Strachan endorse his book and he would cite Dr. Strachan as an ally when Dr. Strachan is a trinitarian subordinationist. If we are to be so deeply concerned about theology as to make very bold statements about race, those statements are hard to take when the author is willing to accept the views of someone who is dreadfully wrong on the Trinity. The incongruence is quite glaring.

[Matt Francisco · Rating 2 out of 5]

I truly believe that Voddie is capable of writing a generous, thoughtful critique of Critical Race Theory and the inherent dangers for the church. He’s a fiercely intelligent man. This, however, is not that book. Page after page is marked by poor scholarship and often outright slander against a number of faithful preachers of God’s Word.

In the name of “protecting the flock,” Baucham steamrolls all nuance, neatly dividing the entire world into a game of “Us vs. Them,” where he is the judge. In this world, there is no longer a distinction between Tim Keller and Robin DiAngelo or David Platt and Ibram Kendi.

“Those evangelical voices you used to trust? Can’t trust them anymore. Piper, Thabiti, JD Greear, John O. They’ve sold out to the leftist woke agenda. Don’t bother digging through the footnotes, just take mine and John’s word for it.”

So, why not one star? Because he DOES make some helpful, valid points… which may, in fact, be what makes the overall book so unhelpful.

Lastly, Baucham says that he encouraged and even required his kids to read a number of alternative sources. I can only hope readers take his advice. Eat the meat; spit out the bones. Be for truth, no matter who tells it. Do justice; love mercy; walk humbly with the Lord your God.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish he would have spent more time discussing why CRT/SJW ideology is incompatible with Christianity from a theological and philosophical standpoint. And I don't think his earthquake metaphor works quite as well as it could. But overall it contains useful commentary. I appreciate seeing a leader calling out his concerns from inside the church.

For a summary, see John's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

For resources/links, see Jeremy's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Apparently there are plagiarism concerns. Can't speak to that. I read the audiobook.

[Addy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was first introduced to the Black Lives Matter movement, I didn’t know or understand much about it. Neither did I understand anything about Critical Race Theory or Critical Social Justice. Voddie Baucham’s book has been extremely helpful in teaching me about them and shaping my beliefs surrounding these issues.

I am so thankful Voddie is not afraid to speak up. Thank you for writing this book. I think everyone needs to read it. While it may be offensive to many, I pray that it will open the eyes of more to see the severe threat that CRT and CSJ have brought to our nation.

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book on the topic of racism. If you think there’s racism in this country: you’re right. It’s in the form of abortion and CRT. The fact that people want to talk about one isolated incidence of a police shooting and yet ignore the fact that proportionally black babies are more often aborted, is telling of our society.
This book is just straight up facts and personal experience and I recommend that everyone read it.

[Jake Litwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lines are drawn. There’s no such thing as neutrality. Voddie is bold in exposing the pagan ideology of CRT and social justice especially where and who it has influenced in evangelical circles. Since there are no more gatekeepers in evangelicalism, this book brings the social justice discussion back to the heart of the issue, which is a worldview crisis. A must read.

[Evan Steele · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fault lines examines American church politics (masked in theology.) The book presents his view that there are two choices for the faithful church either reject social justice in all its forms or become a Marxist (whether willingly or unconsciously.)

I love Voddie Baucham. Full stop. While I often disagree with his conclusions, his book Family Driven Faith outlined principles that have made me a better father and a better man. I would highly recommend that work to every Christian father.

Voddie Baucham is a weirdo. We need weirdos. They help us see the world differently. They can challenge us on things that the whole world has long since conceded. However in this book, Baucham presents very little of himself and instead presents false dichotomies and straw men straight from the talking points of conservative evangelical republicans. That is not to say that he does not believe these things, but most of the chapters lack the creativity and unique insights I expect from him.

I bookmarked many logical fallacies and frustrating quotes but as I began to type them out I just felt more like I did while I was reading the book, like I was at the dentist getting my perfectly healthy teeth drilled into for no reason.

YES, there is an obvious danger in embracing wholesale everything that Black Lives Matter and social justice promoters have to offer. We need to be careful consumers of news media and political spin, everything is not as bad or as good as people want you to believe. But when I last checked almost everyone has come around that Robin DiAngelo's White Fragility was one of the least helpful books that was being recommended during this season.

But this book is a nearly entirely false narrative. He quotes several authors in the Christian justice space and says nothing good about them. Seriously dude? It's ok that you dont agree with everything that Latasha Morrison and Jemar Tisby say but can you give a sentence or two about the good work they have done. I know that you are sickened that Tim Keller and Thabiti Anyabwile dare to question the churches response to discrimination but can you share something good that you learned from their insights. Bachuam's all or nothing approach even makes its way to John Piper who he condemns for daring to not vote for Donald Trump. Sprinkling in the word "brother" and "love" does not make you charitable.

There are too many things to complain about to list. Things like: Criticizing a Christianity Today recommended reading list while never enumerating which books you should and shouldn't check out or presenting a list of you own to recommend. Listing out the logical fallacies of your opponents in the middle of using those same logical fallacies to make your own points. And most mind numbingly frustrating was his refusal to admit the flaws, mistakes, and foibles on his own side.

This is a political book, and a bad one. Instead of presenting a path forward, he attempts to point out everyone else's flaws.

My take away - this entire premise is a false dichotomy. Rather than a fault line forming underneath well meaning Christian ministries; there is, as there almost always is, a path of righteousness with ditches and pitfalls on both sides. Yes, it is possible to fall into a trap of liberalism, modernism, and Marxism where there is no ultimate truth. But there are other traps where arrogance, greed, and lust for power blind us to the grace and love that God has called us to offer to every man.

I'm sure this review has been erratic. I hated writing it. I took way longer than it should have. Don't read this book, unless you want to know what all the fuss is about from the politically conservative corner of the SBC, there is not enough here to merit your time.

(But if you do happen to be stuck on a dessert island with only this book, I thought chapters 1, 2, and 8 were pretty good)

[Chris Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book on the issue of the false religion that is Social Justice.

[Hope Eifert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially loved hearing his own story—very inspiring! I also loved his commitment to seeing everything through the primary lens of Christ and Scripture, and I felt like I really got a handle on CRT, especially the religious nature of it.

[Jonathan Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 4th century a tremendous threat to the unity of the church arrived on the world stage. A teaching known as Arianism took one concept from Scripture, the oneness and unbegotten nature of God, and sought to “elevate” it above and to the exclusion of other teachings of Scripture. The result of this was rejection of the co-eternality and co-equality of God the Son (i.e. Jesus Christ). This led to a division that rocked the church. God, by his grace, brought teachers who critically examined the claims of Arianism in light of the full counsel of Scripture and who demonstrated clearly to the church why it was false, though the effort took over 50 years before the false teachings of Arius were finally rejected by the church at large.

I believe the global church faces a challenge of the same scale today. The teachings of Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, and Social Justice have appealed to many well-meaning people in the church. I believe that some Christians have found these teachings appealing out of a legitimate and good desire to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15; see also Job 30:25 and Hebrews 13:3). However, I fear that these ideologies, similar to Arianism, demand that the Christian “elevate” one teaching from Scripture above and to the exclusion of other teachings of Scripture. The result, as with Arianism, has been the creation of a great divide in the church which is still spreading.

However, just as God, in his grace, gave teachers like Athanasius in the 4th century to critically examine Arianism in light of the entirety of Scripture in order to warn the church, I believe he has given some who are particularly equipped to critically examine these new teachings in light of the entirety of Scripture, this is what I believe we have in Dr. Voddie Baucham’s book Fault Lines.
Despite my training and education (a JD, an MA in poli sci, and mid-way through an MTS) I have found it very difficult on my own to fully track down the history and origins of these ideologies, summarize them so as to not misrepresent their originators (i.e. Bell, Delgado, Crenshaw, etc.), catalogue them in appropriate relation to one another, and most important of all, critically examine them in light of the entirety of Scripture. So, I am exceedingly grateful to Dr. Baucham for doing all of that and doing so with clarity and wisdom born from years of his study in the field.

His goal in finally reducing his work to a text was: (1) “to see that no one takes [the church] captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col 2:8), and (2) to “better equip [each Christian] to be a ‘worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth’ (2 Timothy 2:15). I also hope to embolden you to pull back the curtain and expose the wizard, call out the boy who cried wolf, proclaim that the emperor has no clothes, and any other metaphor you can think of for shedding light on these fault lines. Not so you can defeat your brethren in an argument, but so that you can engage them with the hopes of winning them. Love your brothers and sisters enough to contend with them and for them.” (page 250)

Let me speak frankly, I think this is the most important book written in the last 20 years (perhaps more) not just on this subject matter but on any subject matter. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

If you are a Christian and have read Derrick Bell, Richard Delgado, Ibram Kendi, Petty McIntosh, Robin DiAngelo, Kimberlé Crenshaw, or Jemar Tisby and believe their writings to be compatible with Scripture or the gospel, I do not doubt your good intentions, but I believe you err by only hearing one side of the story and I would beg you read this book before recommending such authors to others.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Baucham pack's a lot into Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe. For those not familiar with the lingo and the underpinning ideology of the Critical Social Justice (CSJ) movement this book is a good starting point. Richly notated with additional references Fault Lines is a starting point for personal study and understanding.

Fault Lines addresses CSJ's use of language, the intentional redefinition of common words for the purpose of the CSJ ideology and manipulation of the unknowing individual is discussed in depth. There are numerous examples of how CSJ ideological tools are used to subtly bend an objective truth to a subjective truth to match a CSJ desired outcome. Dr. Baucham discusses how this same thinking has been used to alter the Gospel to infiltrate the Church. Finally Dr. Baucham differentiates the CSJ movement from the Gospel of orthodox Christianity, demonstrating how the CSJ movement is heretical to the beliefs of the Church and ultimately leads to an outcome that imposes a societal structure identical to the one CSJ claims to be opposing.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the parts of this book that were more autobiographical, and they were quite illuminating for helping me understand where Baucham is coming from in his views and beliefs. So that section of the book wins two stars from me.

The rest of the book, however, was quite poor. Half of his argumentation begs the question (assuming that describing his opponents' view will automatically lead his audience to disagree with it) and largely preached to the choir. And the other half, while occasionally making helpful points, often painted with far too broad of a brush and lumped too many theologians as being more extremist than they actually are. Not to mention the plagiarism and false quotations he included in the book.

Lindsay & Pluckrose did a far better job representing the intellectual position Baucham holds in Critical Theories . While I didn't always agree with the authors, they presented thoughtful, nuanced arguments and I felt like I grew through reading that book. They persuaded me of some points as well! And they didn't make up quotes or vilify their intellectual opponents. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about this book.

Would not recommend.

Rating: 1.5 Stars (Poor).