Life in the Negative World

Learning how to live in today's new social and cultural environment will require examination, trial and error, and adaptation over time. But there are ways to live with integrity and follow Christ today, even in a negative world.From a peak in church attendance in the mid-20th century, Christianity has been on a trajectory of decline in the United States. Once positive toward Christianity and Christian moral teachings, cultural shifts toward the mid-90s led many to adopt a more neutral tone toward the Christian faith, seeing it as one option among many in a pluralistic public square. Today, however, Christianity is viewed negatively, and being known as a Christian often means a lower social status in elite society. Christian morality is openly repudiated and viewed as a threat to the new moral order.In Life in the Negative World, author Aaron M. Renn looks at the lessons from Christian cultural engagement over the past 70 years and suggests specific strategies for churches, institutions, and individuals to live faithfully in the "negative" world—a culture opposed to Christian values and teachings. And since there is no one-size-fits-all solution, living as a follower of Christ in the new, negative world and being missionally engaged will require a diversity of strategies.

'American Christians aren't used to living in a society hostile to our core beliefs. This book is a much-needed wake up call. Renn lays out the challenges and gives sage advice about how to bear fruitful witness. A must read for every Christian leader.', 'Rarely does one encounter a writer and analyst who can cut through the noise on Christianity and culture the way Aaron Renn does. His content is rich, analytical, insightful and comes from a place of authentic faith.', 'Renn's insights guide me in my own thinking about fidelity under fire. Life in The Negative World is both a work of practical hope, and a serious book for serious believers learning how to be strangers in a strange land.'

Aaron M. Renn is consultant and writer in Indianapolis. He is a Senior Fellow at American Reformer, a former Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Public Research and former partner at Accenture. He has written extensively on cities, culture, the future of the evangelical church, and men's issues.