Abandonment Theology, a review

reviewed by   T. C. Pinckney                                                                                                                Vol. XXII, No. 6, June/July 2009

John W. Chalfant’s book is subtitled “The Clergy and the Decline of American Christianity, An Action Guide to Save America”. Paper-backed and only 186 pages, it is clearly and directly written with no multi-syllabic obfuscations (like the last two words I just typed!). It is a fast and easy read. Written from a biblical perspective and based upon a thorough study of (1) the Bible’s application to government, (2) America’s history, especially our founding period, and (3) the current critical challenges facing us.

But the preceding paragraph is merely introduction to give you a feel for the general nature of the book. In the Introduction Chalfant presents eight questions he addresses. There is no better summary than to give you these questions:

1. “Abandonment” theology? What has been abandoned?

2. What has been the source of America’s great strength since her birth?

3. Why does America, which has long been heralded as a great nation, need to be called to greatness? What is greatness? And why now?

4. What does the contemporary clergy have to do with the decline of American Christianity and the increasing loss of our freedoms?

5. For years we have been told by our government that America is “the most militarily powerful nation on earth.” Is that still true? If not, why not?

6. Is America actually under attack? If so, who are her enemies and what are their objectives? What are their strategies? Why are their attacks being waged on so many fronts? Why are we so vulnerable on these fronts?

7. In the absence of a Spiritual renewal, what fate awaits us? How soon?

8. What can we – you and I – do to save our country?

This is the most important book I have read dealing with America’s challenges, enemies, causes, and what we need to do if America is to survive as we have been blessed by God through our country.

Recommendation: Buy a copy and read it immediately. Then buy several more and give them to others, especially to your pastor.

[John W. Chalfant, Abandonment Theology (America - A Call to Greatness, Winter Park, FL, 1999) 186 pages. Available on Amazon, new copies $2.10, used from $0.01.]