The Air We Breathe
Does historical Christianity have anything to say in our modern world? In The Air We Breathe, Glen Scrivener shows how we all came to believe in freedom, kindness, progress, and equality.
Understandable and Fascinating
In a little less than 250 pages, Scrivener shows us how the Christian faith are the roots of the values we prize in western society. In many ways, this is a book on Christian worldview. But it is specific in that it shows how the western world was revolutionized by Jesus.
Chapter 1 takes us to the cross as a sacred symbol. In the Roman world, the cross was a symbol of shame. Scrivener later goes on to explain how the power of narrative gives our lives meaning and perspective through the sharing of stories. The book is understandable and fascinating.
Exciting and Inspirational
While the book delves into history, it is not dull or dry. Instead, it is exciting and inspirational. I learned that while the Greeks and Romans had medicine and physicians, charity for the poor and sick was headed up by church leaders. The suppression of the Gladiatorial games was ascribed to the Christian Church. Sacrificial love was the calling card of Christians.
I was most moved to see how even our notions of abuse are rooted in our Christian beliefs. Scrivener remarkably says that “the goodness of Jesus defines the evil of abuse.” With our current cultural climate in the world as well as the church, this chapter is indicting and emboldening.
Challenging and Hopeful
Scrivener does not cut any corners when it comes to Christianity’s darker days. He challenges the Crusades, saying that it is Christian outrage we experience. In regards to The Spanish Inquisition, he agrees that it was wicked to use harsh means to bring about coercion. But it is Christianity itself that will give the best support for gentle outreach and mission.
The chapters on modern science, freedom, and progress are tied together by the notion of “humanity.” While we are often splintered with increasing conflict, we find that hope can only be found in Christ.
Resurrection and Revolution
The book ends with a look at online culture and our search for a king. By claiming fulfilled predictions and defying expectations, we see that Christ and Christianity are what our hearts long for. The one who resurrected is the one who revolutionizes the world. He helps us make sense of it all, and he holds it all together.
I received a media copy of The Air We Breathe and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.