The Thumbnail Book Reviews

by John Q McDonald --- 30 June 2007

Credo

by William Sloane Coffin

There has recently been a surge in books written by vocal skeptics and atheists who are arguing that religion is responsible for the greatest social errors and cruelties of our (or any) time. Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens are notable advocates of this view. They can be bombastic but compelling, entertaining and even convincing. So, where can a well-meaning skeptic turn for an opposing view? One could do far worse than this gentle little book by William Sloane Coffin, a Yale-based theologian who was the model for the Rev character in Doonesbury, so he comes with expectedly liberal credentials. What this book contains is a large collection of short excerpts from Coffin's sermons and writings. Each piece reads like an aphorism that, taken out of its context, is a little bit thin on meaning. However, the cumulative affect of the book is powerful and convincing. Coffin has a deeply humanitarian view of Christian thought and tradition. He takes literalists to task and powerfully emphasizes the compassionate demands and requirements of Christianity. People like Harris and Hitchens might scoff at liberal appeasement of fundamentalism, but they couldn't argue with Coffin's ethical Christianity (though they might argue you can have the ethics without the Christianity). The book is highly political, steeped in a plea for justice. Its call for compassionate politics and religion might make some people uncomfortable, but that's what Coffin wants. After all, he says, Jesus tells us to love our enemies, not to have none. Highly recommended for both believers and unbelievers.

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