Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward

“Richard Cox and Blake Barbera have produced a timely and helpful work dealing with an extremely important topic. Based on the wisdom of experience and a close mentoring relationship, they address the important topic of secularism in the church in a way that is accessible without being superficial. As an Old Testament scholar, I especially appreciate their consideration of the Old Testament in addressing issues related to the church, thus ensuring that the ‘whole counsel of God’ is brought to bear on the issue. I recommend this book for anyone who is concerned about the increasing secularism in the church.”


—Peter T. Vogt, Dean, Bethel Seminary





“This uniquely written book is a must-read for all persons sincerely interested in the life of the church and who have an interest in a spiritual awakening in America. Dr. Cox’s long, varied life in multiple professions, combined with the curiosity and wisdom of his mentee, Blake Barbara, provides stimulating, provocative questions with multiple models for finding potential answers. Ministers and lay leaders alike will profit from the discussion in this book.”


—Harold G. Koenig, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Director, Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health, Duke University





“This is a stimulating dialogue between a veteran pastor with wide and varied experiences and a young pastor with many questions about the church today . . . and the church tomorrow. The topics are wide-ranging. The book is filled with honest wisdom about the church’s challenges and its work and mission in the current contexts of our lives. Those who love the church, in whatever capacities they serve, will be enriched by considering the perspectives in these unique conversations. We will all benefit from listening in on this thought-provoking talk about the church and communicating the message of Jesus Christ.”


—Donald K. McKim, author of Presbyterian Faith That Lives Today





“Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward addresses complex questions about the future church through the comforting life of an ancient guide in the Old Testament. The book is theologically rich, pastorally sensitive, culturally engaging, and wonderfully encouraging. This is much-needed!”


—Shawn Kennedy, author of Kingdom Come: A Gospel-Centered Guide to Discipleship





“Richard Cox is a creative communicator with a heart for the church and her people. His previous, generous work in Preaching and the Brain underscored the church’s need to be wisely loving in her proclamation, which should be the defining mark for every preacher. I appreciate Richard’s passion for strengthening the bonds between our heads, hearts, and hands. I look forward to what he offers us next.”


—Jay Richard Akkerman, Dean, Graduate and Professional Studies, Northwest Nazarene University





“Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward should prove to be very challenging and enlightening to all who will read it and take it seriously.”


—James M. Efird, Professor emeritus, Duke Divinity School





“As one who was mentored by Dr. Cox five decades ago, I am again so grateful for the wisdom, perspective, and specific substance in these conversations with another young mentee. As always, there is no ‘tiptoeing’ around the challenging issues facing today’s church in America. As if in a lovers’ quarrel, he plunges into the impact of the dynamics of secularism with both tender and tough insights. I believe this is an essential read for pastors of all ages and experience.”


—Gordon C. Hess, retired Marriage and Family Therapist





“Dr. Cox and Pastor Blake have given us a stimulating refresher course in the basic tenets of our faith. This practical yet comprehensive information is useful for rebuilding our personal faith and our church communities and strengthening our country. If you want to make a difference in today’s world, this is the book for you.”


—Shirley G. Burnside, Marriage and Family Counselor





“Today’s church has a problem! While recognizing a problem is easy, admitting a problem takes gumption. Analyzing the problem takes time and thought. Dr. Cox and his young friend Blake have shared with knowledge and perception. Significantly, they have named the slippage in the church’s essential elements of human relationships and eternal truth. Without these two, the church is indeed irrelevant. This book is for all those who love the church and want to be a part of the solution.”


—Vee Chandler, author of The Biblical Boundaries of Forgiveness





“The soul sickness that currently affects humanity worldwide can only be healed by God. Alas, this poses a problem, because religion and the church have been the home and guardian of God and they have succumbed to the many-layered allures of secularism, leaving humanity a godless orphan. In this remarkable book, the authors have guided us through the marvelous gifts of God and life and its fullness by seeking after the questions and answers in Scripture and texts of religion and the church. I read it myself and discovered the wealth of wisdom for life with God between its covers.”





—Ursula Anderson, author of The Psalms of Children





“In Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward, conversational banter across two different generations permits the reader to dive deep into fresh insights and analysis about the future of the Western Christian church. The illustrative thread of a simple tin cup perfectly bridges that which lies behind with that which lies ahead. Every individual reading this book will find points for pause and reflection—moments of resounding agreement as well as moments for significant contemplation. The reader will find much food for thought and further conversation.”


—Amanda Anderson, Clergyperson





“Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward tackles the subject of growth head on. The reality is that most people who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus will never set foot in a church—many of those same people do go to work. The workplace/marketplace is where the greatest mission field exists today. Richard Cox does a splendid job of provoking the reader, most of whom will go into the marketplace Monday through Friday, to leverage time-tested Christian activities while staying fresh and growing with our methods in a world that is ready and hungry for hope and peace.”


—Alan Smith, Director of Field Staff, Western Region, CBMC USA





“I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Richard Cox on a number of wide-ranging initiatives and topics over nearly four decades. Many of the conversations frequently centered upon the opportunity to live out a Great Commandment/Great Commission distinctive. The topics covered by Dr. Richard Cox and Pastor Blake Barbera in a mentoring relationship could not be timelier and more urgent—especially in times like these. The issues, concerns, and observations from their perspectives provide helpful and essential insights to those seeking to be Christ followers in our world of today—whether in the church, the business community, academia, or whatever setting is applicable. Very grateful and thankful to God for this wonderful, insightful, and timely writing.”


—Richard W. Olson, Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Lessons Learned Solutions, LLC





“The Christian church exists to glorify God and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ—or at least, that should be its mission. In Secularism, the Church, and the Way Forward, Cox and Barbera show how the church is at a serious fork in the road. One direction leads to a time when, looking back, people will see the church ‘as an adaptive rather than transforming institution . . . remembered for the wrong reasons and spoken of only in the past tense.’ The other direction leads to renewal and reformation, built on the foundations God established in the Old Testament that remain true today. This book provokes thought and produces conviction in the heart of the reader. Gleaned from Richard Cox’s lifelong walk with God, it draws the reader to examine his or her own heart and the Word of God in the unique way it is written and the power of its thought and depth of meaning.”


—Dave Racer, President, DGR Communications