The Violence of Evangelism
Andy Crouch
April 1, 2001
Let the record show that, like right-thinking people everywhere, we at re:generation quarterly have been alarmed by recent rumors of people being "beaten over the head with the Bible." We do not endorse, condone, or tolerate the use of the Bible as a blunt instrument. We are shocked at the thought of unwilling converts cowering in Christian churches all over the land, in fear of further beatings-about-the-head by their proselytizing Christian neighbors. These assaults must stop at once. Furthermore, given the unmistakable overtones of violence that accompany the loud thumping of the Bible, whether with one's hand or upon a nearby table or pulpit, we urge all Christians to immediately cease being Bible thumpers. Become Bible wavers, or, better still, simply leave your Bibles at home, preferably secured with child-protective locks. Now it's true that no one I know has actually seen someone being literally beaten over the head with the Bible. But bring up the topic of evangelism, among Christians or non-Christians, and it will not be long before this dire scenario is invoked and heads solemnly nod in dismay. When I joined an ecumenical coalition of university chaplains a few years ago, the one substantive commitment I was required to make was to avoid "proselytizing," the only sin upon which our religiously diverse group could agree. I'm sure that adultery would have raised a few eyebrows, but proselytizing would get you thrown off the campus in a jiffy. I only witnessed one act of aggressive proselytizing in my nine years on that campus, and it took place in the genteel confines of the chaplains' office, no less. Only moments after we were first introduced—and long before he learned anything about my convictions—the secular humanist ...
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