The Tragedy of Compromise

This book is a treatise of the current situation among evangelical Christians. Pickering sounds a very clear and forceful warning of the many dangers of compromise that is happening among Christendom today. He shows in a very systematic manner, how a little compromise has led to a downward spiral in many evangelicals across America. He traces the beginnings of New Evangelicalism, from its inception in 1948 under Dr. Herald Ockenga. He shows how a beginning where the all the major cardinal doctrines were held to except Biblical Separation, would lead to a powerful force which has swept across the entire evangelical scene of Christendom, leading many churches and Seminaries to compromise. From its original orthodox and conservative position, it has been going down the slippery slope of compromise, such that evangelicalism and new evangelicalism today has become thoroughly liberal and ecumenical, having given up on almost every major fundamental doctrine of the Bible, and also freely cooperation with the Modernists and even Catholics. One main proponent of this downward spiral was Billy Graham, whose life and contribution to New Evangelicalism is detailed in the third chapter. He also surveys the current New Evangelical scene, of how the early seeds of compromise have now reaped a consequence of vast shifts in theological and moral positions. Citing numerous examples and quotes, both from within and outside the camp, the author shows the gross results of having such a mindset of compromise. He also proves from the Bible the error of such positions. At the end of the book, Pickering also gives solutions to remedy the ill-effects of New Evangelicalism, helping those who are involved in it, and also as a preventive measure to fundamentalists who are in danger of falling into the sin of compromise. He therefore urges all his readers to take a firm stand against compromise, to never go down the same slippery slope which so many leaders as described in his book have. The stance which the author takes in the book is firm and unyielding. His principles stem from the clear teachings of the Bible, and base all his arguments upon his high view of scriptures. He warns, exhorts, and pleads with the reader to view the situation objectively, and come to the same conclusion as him, that indeed compromise is a great tragedy, and that it is a mindset that is unscriptural and not pleasing to God. This book is therefore important and highly recommended to leaders of any church or Christian organisation, as it is vital that they heed to the warnings given in this book. They must be able to discern the dangers of compromise, and never to fall prey to such a mindset. Leaders of churches and organizations who brand themselves fundamental and evangelical must ensure that they continue to hold true to the teachings of the Bible, and never compromise and fall into the trap of New Evangelicalism.

This book is an informative read of what exactly is wrong with the current state of evangelical Christianity. Not only does Dr. Pickering offer the reader the cause and symptoms of the disease of new evangelical thought, but he also proposes the solutions such as: more expository preaching, a steady diet of theology and sound doctrine, and the courage to immediately stand up against false teachers before damage is done the souls of others. Every pastor ought to sit back and digest the contents of this book, and then personally address the problems described within.

This book is about the New Evangelical movement that has infiltrated the fundamental churches today. Pickering points out the dangers of working with organizations that do not have the same basic beliefs about the Bible as you do. The essentials of the faith are the areas that require the most care, for example, the doctrine of the inerrency of scripture, the virgin birth of Jesus, his substitutiary death and the literal resurrection. Churches that work with apostate groups on evangelistic ventures are condoning the follow-up that occurs by the apostate group. For example, if one comes to Christ at an ecumenical rally and then is sent to a church that believes that you must be baptized to be saved, or you must work for your salvation, spiritual growth in that person is hampered or stomped out. Pickering does a good job of showing these dangers and many more. He uses many quotes to show the slide from mainstream fundamental beliefs to compromise. Pickering warns that the Bible teaches the necessity to stand, even though unpopular, against beliefs that are contrary to its teachings.