The Lost Message of Steve Chalke
Steve Chalke
Movements move into Decline when they drift from their Identity in Christ — Word, Spirit and Mission. Declining institutions move into Decay when they repudiate their Identity.
Steve Chalke’s latest book is a case study on Decay. Here’s a review from David Robertson:
In 2004, Steve Chalke discovered 'The Lost Message of Jesus' and published his book with that name. Fifteen years later he has discovered 'The Lost Message of Paul', and this month publishes a book with that title.
This is an easy to read, and well-written book – much better stylistically than the earlier work. As always with Chalke the book will be described as 'controversial' and will delight some (like Rob Bell and Brian McLaren) and appall others. From a personal perspective I found that The Lost Message of Paul contained some interesting information, provocative arguments, challenging questions and old heresies.
Steve argues that 'all the old narratives are dead' and that we need a 'new story'. He blames Augustine, Luther and Calvin for getting Paul's message wrong. But his new story suffers from some major defects.
UPDATE: In an interview with the Anglican Church Times. Steve Chalke denies that we are saved by faith in Christ—Luther got it wrong. Instead, all are saved by the faithfulness of Christ. His book is promoted by the Church Times and sold in the Anglican Church Bookshop. He’s an ordained Baptist minister. The book is published by the once evangelical SPCK.
