Revitalizing Christianity: A Profound Resource for Exploring the Evolving Christian Faith Reviewed by Paul Inglis

Revitalizing Christianity, authored by Dr. Peter Lewis and edited by Shane St. Reynolds, offers an insightful exploration of the complexities and ongoing evolution of Christian faith in contemporary society. In his thoughtful review on the UC FORUM platform, Paul Inglis, former Community Minister at Uniting Church Queensland and a committed educator, emphasises the book's significance as a valuable resource for both individual reflection and group discussions on spirituality.

In the foreword, The Honourable Michael Kirby sets the tone by reflecting on his own journey with Christianity: “For a long time, I simply accepted what I was taught about religion, without too much doubt or questioning….when immaterial features of traditional Christian beliefs are cut away, the core elements of a Christian faith narrow themselves down to a relatively small number of essential beliefs…”. This sentiment is foundational to Dr. Lewis’ work. The book seeks to pare down the extraneous and rediscover the essence of Christian faith, all while embracing the ever-evolving nature of belief.

Dr. Lewis’ book is a journey of discovery and rediscovery. Through a series of thirteen articles, he invites readers to grapple with significant theological and philosophical questions. Each article is followed by a critique from editor Shane St. Reynolds, whose insights elevate the conversation and provide fresh perspectives on these age-old questions.

Paul Inglis praises the unique structure of the book, noting that this format "gives great integrity to the material and opens it up as a resource for personal consideration or group discussion." The reflections provided by both Dr. Lewis and Shane allow for a dialogue between the text and the reader, making it an ideal resource for individuals and communities looking to deepen their understanding of Christianity.

In his review, Paul Inglis shines a spotlight on two of the book’s articles:

1. Who or What is God?

 
Dr. Lewis approaches this profound question by framing God as "something good" and acknowledging the mystery that surrounds the divine. He encourages readers to engage with the mystery of God, drawing on scripture and the life of Jesus to illustrate that the Kingdom of God is already here among us. Shane’s critique complements this by emphasizing how this conversation leads to "solace and understanding," setting the stage for meaningful discourse.

2. No Second Coming

Dr. Lewis challenges the traditional Christian belief in a second coming of Christ. He argues that to wait for a future return of Jesus denies the reality of the Kingdom that Jesus established through his life, death, and resurrection. Shane’s critique reinforces this, reminding readers that Jesus never intended for us to sit idly by, waiting for a second coming, but instead to actively live out the Kingdom here and now.

Inglis concludes his review by recommending Revitalising Christianity as a highly valuable resource for individuals and groups, particularly those who identify as “Explorers”—people on a journey of faith who are unafraid to ask difficult questions and seek deeper truths.

About the Author and Editor

Dr. Peter Lewis, a scholar and former surgeon, brings a unique perspective to his theological work. With postgraduate qualifications in biblical studies and extensive experience working in developing countries, Dr. Lewis approaches theology with both intellectual rigor and compassion. His dedication to service is evident in his long-standing commitment to hospice care on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Shane St. Reynolds, the editor of this book, is a theologian, author, and entrepreneur based in Australia. With over 20 years of experience in financial advisory, he blends his professional expertise with a deep commitment to faith-based guidance. Shane’s involvement in progressive Christian organisations and his dedication to inclusivity and social justice are reflected in his contributions to Revitalizing Christianity.

Purchase Information

Dr. Lewis has made his book accessible by choosing to self-publish, ensuring that it is available at a reasonable price. It can be purchased directly through Amazon Australia.

This book stands out as a vital resource for anyone looking to engage with contemporary Christian thought. Whether used for personal reflection or group study, Revitalizing Christianity offers readers an opportunity to explore faith in a way that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.