In God We Trust?

“In God We Trust” has appeared on American coinage since 1956, so a casual observer might think that the United States is a very pious country. However, Patrick Nachtigall observes that most Americans actually have three “gods”: Religious Freedom, Radical Individualism, and Materialism.

Even Evangelical Christians, who profess to follow Scripture faithfully, hold these three “gods” to be sacred. This often leads them into moral compromise and strikingly unbiblical behavior.

What lies ahead for Evangelicalism and American Christianity as a whole? A young Christian leader challenges us to reexamine what we believe and practice, and calls for a life of radical faith in the years ahead.

Features and Benefits

• Explores how popular American culture has shaped Christianity more than Christianity has shaped the culture.
• Proposes that declining church attendance does not mean that Americans reject the gospel, but that they reject a false message that purports to be the gospel.
• Based on the author’s unique perspective as a naturalized citizen of the United States, who has spent half of his life in Asia and Europe.
• Shares the author’s insight as an emerging Christian leader, trained at Yale University and a frequent participant in interfaith dialogues.
• Helps American Christians “see themselves as others see them.”
• Offers a message of hope when churches are shrinking and closing their doors.

About the Author

Patrick Nachtigall is regional coordinator of missions for the Church of God in Europe and the Middle East. A naturalized citizen now living in Germany, he brings a global perspective to this discussion. His previous books include Passport of Faith (2006) and Faith in the Future (2008).

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