A New Book on Public Theology in the Secular Age
With Evangelical and Reformed Theologians George Grant, John Frame, and Peter Lillback
In these challenging times, the need for faithful biblical warnings coupled with trusted pastoral guidance is more pressing than ever. It is with a sense of solemn gratitude that we announce the release of Lost and Found: Public Theology in the Secular Age. I wrote most of the chapters across the last three years. But I prayed for other voices to join me. I give thanks to the Lord that this work features contributions from trusted pastor-scholars George Grant, John Frame, and Peter Lillback, and a special segment on economics in the secular age by Dr. John Panagiotou. The late Rev. Dr. Harry Reeder was preparing a chapter for this book when he was translated from this life to eternal glory. The book is dedicated to Harry in memory of his indefatigable service to Christ and the Church.
Origins
Lost and Found has been a project close to my heart for several years. My aim was to offer a collection of pastoral reflections and solutions to fortify believers as they navigate the myriad intellectual and spiritual challenges to living a Christian life in the secular age. Addressing topics from race to immigration, family life to economics, and personal devotions, we endeavored to provide a resource that is both practical and enlightening for believers stepping into one of the most pivotal epochs in church history—a post-Christian era not only in America but across English-speaking countries and indeed, Western Civilization itself.
My prayer is that this book will serve generations I will never see. If I could speak to those precious souls I would say,
“Before you were born, we were already praying for you and diligently working to serve you. You are to carry the torch of Gospel truth into a new era—an era marked by profound challenges. Yet, remember, where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more. I earnestly pray that this book serves as a beacon of hope anchored in Christ and offers faithful biblical guidance to the Ark of our salvation.”
The journey of bringing this book to life has been a profound one, underscored by a growing urgency that reaffirms the necessity of our work. We are not only witnessing a bullet train to what Chesterton called a “tired democracy.”1 We are undergoing a transition of Noahic proportions—an almost inconceivable realignment of powers causing tectonic plates of normality to shift or even give way beneath us. Despite protests to the contrary, it is an undeniable religious shift. Thus, Jaques Ellul:
“It is not the state which enslaved us, not even a centralized police state. It is its sacral transfiguration . . . which makes us direct our worship to this conglomeration of offices.”2
Ellul could have been describing those in Revelation who so eagerly gave their liberties over to the despotic beasts—the diabolic system of powers which grant promises of security for the price of worship. One is a slave to the Deity or small “g” god that one worships. “Christian liberty rests on the foundation that man’s responsibility to God may not be abridged or compromised by lesser loyalties.”3
Collaberation
I wrote this book and these fine scholars collaborated with me because just such a transaction is beginning. Can a coming judgment be stayed by repentance before a holy God? Of course. The Ninevah factor is available to individuals and families if individuals (from local communities to nations) as long as one breathes. In fact, this book is a call to turn to God and confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He will hear and forgive us. But is Hemingway’s concept of “gradually then suddenly” already here? I don't know. But the restraining powers most certainly appear to be weakening. When Herbert Schlossberg wrote about the State’s intolerance of Christian resistance to the new social order he could have been writing about our time (he first it in the 1970s and had his ideas first published in 1983):
“The state is never amused at being defied, and Christians who take their responsibilities seriously are not likely to remain within the pale of what its functionaries regard as socially responsible.”4
So, whether we write to serve those who are preparing to enter a merciful revival or those following Christ in days of persecution, we do so with love for Christ’s Flock. This could be a winter followed by a new burst of freedom. Or it could be a final seasonal change in the flow of history that creates a societal “ice age.” Whether the “ice age” is a post-apocalyptic era (apocalyptic at least for suffering believers iced out by an ungodly, but doomed totalitarianism), or the “final turning” remains to be experienced. Calvinism affirms God’s sovereignty but has nothing to do with pagan determinism. We can choose God or choose evil. Lost and Found are released to help Christians think out of a biblical frame, a scripturally faithful construct that leads to choosing rightly. For we love the Lord and His Bride, the Church. This book is theology in the service of the Elect or it is nothing.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NKJV).
We trust this new work will encourage and strengthen believers as they might use it in small groups, men or women’s groups, book clubs, or as an individual. The Publisher offers special rates for churches, educational institutions (including homeschools), and proof copies for educators, and reviewers. Go to https://wipfandstock.com/9798385211364/lost-and-found/.
“Lord, please use this work for Your glory and Your people’s good. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
This book is our prayerful attempt to isolate and address the presenting issues used to deconstruct the Christian faith, diagnose their sinful roots, and apply Gospel truths for correction and practical responses. Each chapter concludes with a section designed for either individual reflection or group study.
To learn more, we invite you to read our Press Release:
Theologian Michael A. Milton with George Grant, John Frame, & Peter Lillback, offers not merely biblical responses to secularism but a method for faithful Gospel ministry in a post-Christian world.”
— The Publisher
Dr. Rob Pacienza, Senior Minister of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, lauds the book for its profound cultural analysis and commitment to Reformed public theology, offering a blueprint for Christian engagement in modern society that is both gospel-faithful and biblically solid.
— The Publisher
References
G. K. Chesterton. Everlasting Man (London: Dodd, Mead, 1926), 50.
Jacques Ellul, and C. Edward Hopkin. The New Demons (London: Mowbrays, 1975), 206f.
Herbert Schlossberg. Idols for Destruction: The Conflict of Christian Faith and American Culture (Wheaton: Crossway, 1990), 229.
Schlossberg, Idols, 331.