The Unsaved Christian by Dean Inserra

Inserra draws out attention to the prevalent Cultural Christianity, people who think they are spiritually fine because they are familiar with Christian things. (9) They think they are saved but they are not moved by the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, the awesome reality of grace. (12) They've probably gone to church since childhood and it has become a social habit. They believe in “God” but they do not know their need for salvation in Jesus. It is so prevalent, Inserra says, it is “practiced by more Americans than any other faith or religion.” (13)

This is a book every pastor and church leader would do well to read. They need to make sure the gospel is being preached and that a false assurance is not be given from the pulpit. “Believing in God does not make one a Christian,” Inserra writes. (58) There must be a sense of the need for personal salvation through Jesus Christ. (48) He includes good ideas for engaging Cultural Christians with the gospel.

This book helped me understand the state of Cultural Christianity in America today. It also helped me understand the current political thinking among Cultural Christians. Many Cultural Christians think you must be a Republican. Inserra has shocking news: “God is not impressed with America.” (129)

This is a good book for Christians in general. You might be shocked to find out that, even though you go to church, it is a mission field in itself and you need the gospel and salvation through Jesus Christ. This would be a good book to read with friends as there are discussion questions included.

Food for thought: “...the Bible Belt is a mission field where the harvest is abundant and the workers just don't realize it.” (169)

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Dean Inserra is a graduate of Liberty University and holds a M.A. In Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is pursuing a D.Min. From Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the founding pastor of City church. He is passionate about reaching the city of Tallahassee with the gospel. He and his wife have two sons.

Moody Publishers, 208 pages.