This book by Justin Peters is very similar to Orthodoxy

This book by Justin Peters is very similar to Orthodoxy, but not in an intellectual or devotional sense. He simply teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, without any relationship with God. What's wrong with that, you might ask? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of redemption?

Yes, it does. People can't be saved by grace through faith without understanding and believing that Jesus is Lord and that he is coming back someday. That is the only way to salvation. In Orthodoxy we believe that God saves all people because he is love and he wants us to be one with him and become his people. Justin's work does not provide that understanding or that comfort.

The author takes a lot of potshots at traditional theology. He makes fun of Aikido and samurai movies. Gods do not come from the bible. Sex is bad and should be avoided. Homosexuals should live in filth and ignorance. The most potent forces of evil are false beliefs and greed.

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He claims that traditional scholarship is biased and one-sided because it has “a proclivity toward liberalization, pluralism, and relativism.” He quotes Frans de Waal as saying that theosis is simply acting on “the fallen nature of man.” So, he says, our life here on earth is very much like a life in the world beyond. This is very much a pessimistic outlook and a very defensive one at that.

Justin also attacks Ayn Rand's philosophy of individualism and capitalism as un-enlightened and hypocritical. He calls her a selfish, materialistic, shallow individual who has never had to struggle for anything. Perkins's book is filled with many examples of how people who have gone through the suffering and pain of extreme poverty and abuse have turned into the strong and silent type of person. This is a much stronger conservative stance than Ayn Rand's anti-left socialist stance. While both authors attack liberalism, their views are very different. Perkins is much more in line with traditional conservative thought.

Perkins has a PhD from Harvard and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Many on the far right appreciate this background. However, much of what he writes is highly theoretical and would be considered un-levant to anyone working in business. Much of his thoughts are a rehash of much older right-wing philosophies. His basic arguments are not new to anyone, however his delivery is.

Perkins has no formal teaching credential and uses several well known writers to support his conservative views on social issues. Writers such as Robert Kiyosaki and Sebastian Kehl offer up similar arguments. Perkins does not offer any new insights or take any revolutionary ideas to a new level. Rather, he just recites right-wing propaganda as if it is something new. Much of what he writes sounds a lot like he has been saying it for decades.

One of the things I most appreciated about Perkins' book is that he includes some excellent case studies. The case studies are refreshing and provide an insider look at some of the more desperate situations of those in poverty. Unfortunately, much of what he says is just recycled old right wing propaganda. Still, it is a valuable read providing a window into the minds of those on the peripher of society.

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In other areas, much of what Perkins writes reads like rhetoric. He identifies the problems faced by people in the United States with little explanation. Much of what he says is simply wrong. For example, he claims that the United States is at war with Islam and Europe without providing any evidence to back up these claims.

Further, much of what Perkins say is simply untrue. Islam is not an enemy of the United States of America. Furthermore, there is no problem with Islam being a bigger problem in the United States than white supremacy. Also, Islam's demographics have nothing to do with America's. Finally, Perkins often uses extremely bigoted statements when trying to paint an Islamaphobic picture of the left.

Despite having very little in common with traditional Christianity, Justin Peters has managed to create a huge stir amongst his Christian readers. Much of this has to do with his provocative author photo. Regardless, he has created a massive stir and created a huge argument. I will be looking more into this controversial author very soon.