Too Christian, Too Pagan: How to Love the World without Falling for It by Dick Staub
Book Review
by Mary Branch

Too Christian, Too Pagan: How to Love the World without Falling for It by Dick Staub. Zondervan, 2000; 206 pages

This is a book to read once for its motivation and then re-read for application. Dick Staub challenges Christians to look more like Jesus by going into the world with compassion for those who are made in God's image.

The problem is we are "too Christian…very comfortable within the Christian subculture but…ill at ease when in the world." He encourages believers to get to know the culture--the movies, the music, the books--and use that knowledge to reach a hurting culture more effectively. Concerning movies he says, "Film gives us a picture of the questions people are asking and the contemporary theological responses to those questions" (p. 150).

Of course, as Christians begin to involve themselves with today's "pop-culture", they risk being called "too pagan." Staub also offers safe-guards for Christians who venture into an environment which is an "alternatingly inhospitable and enticing place."

Most impressive is Staub's compassion, love, and even respect for the unbeliever. Without compromising the Gospel, he identifies ways that Christians can benefit from even the most antagonistic sources. A quote from Marilyn Manson is used in the book, not for its shock value as is the norm in most Christians writings, but as an aid for Christians to understand an opposing worldview.

Too Christian, Too Pagan is practical and effective for new Christians and older Christians, even young ones. My fifteen year old daughter has been reading it and volunteered, "This is a great book!" Read this book, then follow Jesus into the world that He came to seek and save.

Reviewed by Mary Branch

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