Turn Neither Right Nor Left

Evangelical Christianity has traditionally been defined by its belief in the authority of Scripture and its mission to make from all nations disciples of Christ, but it is increasingly being defined by its role in culture wars--we're those who fight evolutionists, fight feminists, fight homosexuals, fight liberals. As the political world polarizes further into right and left, the church is tempted to polarize with it. But as we focus on repelling those influences that threaten to change the church, have we forgotten what it is that gave the church the power to change the world?

Turn Neither Right Nor Left is an urgent call for evangelicals to be defined once again by what we fight for, not what we fight against. It looks at what it means to be evangelical as opposed to liberal or fundamentalist, what it means to have a Bible that is inspired by God and yet written by humans, and what it means to be people of the gospel of faith, hope, and love. It discusses the role of doubt, social justice, and unity, and encourages us to fight with the weapons of war that God has given us: peace, love, and reconciliation with God.


""Turn Neither Right Nor Left is a timely reminder that for Christians, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. Pickering warns us against the danger of labels, echo chambers, and quick judgments; and invites us into a clearer focus on the gospel, as well as calling us to deeper listening as Christian brothers and sisters. In a world of sound bites and quick proof texting, his chapters on the limits and license with which we approach, study, and teach the Bible are invaluable.""
--Bronwyn Lea, author and Bible teacher

""Tragically, American evangelicalism is no less polarized than the wider culture, and this makes Jordan Pickering's courageous book essential reading. With theological deftness, Pickering calls us back to our rightful center, Jesus Christ, to a proper understanding of Scripture, and a witness of humility and love. Turn Neither Right Nor Left does what good books should do. It doesn't simply offer answers. It enlivens curiosities.""
--Jen Pollock Michel, author of Surprised by Paradox


Jordan Pickering is a South African with a decade's worth of lecturing experience, primarily in Old Testament subjects. He now works as a student pastor at a Christian study center serving the campus of the University of Cape Town. He is the author of Troubled Waters: A Fresh Look at Baptism and Why We Argue.