The Diversity Culture
Matthew Raley
Kregel Publications, 2009, 176 pp., $12.99, Kregel.com
At the beginning of his well-crafted exploration of the social tension between evangelicals and today’s diverse culture, Matthew Raley introduces readers to a nameless character at Café Siddhartha. This woman represents a growing demographic Christians don’t know exactly how to deal with—people so different from themselves and hostile toward Christianity that starting a faith conversation can be terrifying. Unless believers dispel this fear, Raley says, they’ll continue to react against a diverse culture rather than engage it. Offering specific guidelines for creating intentional dialogue, he educates evangelicals about the power of community, testimony and asking the right questions.
Whether rubbing shoulders with an agnostic, Buddhist, or someone who lives by his or her own brand of “street postmodernism,” pastors and laity can reference this book for a confident and meaningful interaction.
