Book Review: 'Dying to Religion and Empire'

Recently I reviewed Jeremy Myers’ ‘Dying to Religion and Empire’ on Amazon.com and the following is my review that appears on Amazon.

“Provocative, that is Jeremy Myers M.O. I'm not sure he means to be provocative, but he accomplishes it once again with 'Dying to Religion and Empire'. This book deals with two main issues rites (those practiced by the church) and rights (those practiced by the citizens of the US). His challenge of these practices, both the rites and rights, are compelling, well thought out, and thought provoking. He challenges our notion of what baptism and communion is and how we practice it. Though, I admit disagreement with some conclusions, I can't argue the reasoning behind his. The bulk of the book deals with our rights, those guaranteed or granted by law and those perceived to be rights. His challenge to Christians to forgo these rights (freedom of speech, religion, etc.) is a challenge to many of our preconceived notions. This is a book you want to read, to better understand your rites and rights. “

Jeremy is a terrific and prolific writer. His ‘Skelton Church’ is the best critique of the church I’ve ever read. “Dying to Religion and Empire” may be his most controversial (we will see) yet. The premise of the book is our rites: the practices of the church or its sacraments and our rights; the granted (implied or specified) privileges that citizens of the United States have. Jeremy proceeds to tear down both accepted notions, both the rites and rights.

The first part of the book is about the Christian rites of baptism and communion. These are generally considered the two sacraments of the church (my BLOG on foot washing argues for foot washing as a third). Jeremy doesn’t argue to quit doing them but to quit doing them the way we do. Being a Baptist, meaning believing in ‘Believer’s Baptism’ immersing a confessing individual, this notion of baptism without water was disturbing. Once I got past the notion, it enlightened my understanding of its purpose. I can’t say I can go all the way with Jeremy, eliminating the two practices-as done today (and for centuries), but I can say he brings new light to their need and purpose.

The second part of the book is equally challenging to our preconceived civic-minded-born-in-America-someone-died-for-my-rights kind of attitude. He challenges our right to invoke our rights. In other words, is it like Jesus to say anything you want? Would Jesus defend our ‘right’ to bear arms? Is it our privilege to be ‘guaranteed’ certain freedoms? Jeremy’s point, and here is where we would agree, would be that we as followers of Christ must lay aside our rights for others. This is ultimately what Christ did in going to the cross, giving up his right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ so that you and I could have the right to redemption.

Check out this fabulous book and be challenged by its well thought out and argued points.

#rites #rights #sacrament