Christianity's Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution—A History from the Sixteenth
Century to the Twenty-First. By Alister McGrath. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2008, 552pp.,
In Christianity's Dangerous Idea, Alister McGrath explores Protestantism's vast and
complex nature, tracing its historical development, theological evolution, and societal impact
from the Reformation to modern times. McGrath’s central thesis revolves around the “dangerous
idea” that lies at the heart of Protestantism: the belief in the right of every believer to translate
Scripture independently. According to McGrath, this revolutionary concept sparked the
Reformation and continues to shape Protestant identity and its various expressions today.
McGrath separates the book into three sections: Origination, Manifestation, and
Transformation. In the first section, Origination, he outlines the historical and theological origins
of the Protestant Reformation, paying particular attention to key figures such as Martin Luther,
John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli. McGrath stresses that the Reformation was not a
monumental movement but a diverse and often controversial revolution that gave birth to various
Protestant traditions. His treatment of the theological advances introduced by the Reformers,
particularly the authority of Scripture and the priesthood of all believers, is thorough and
engaging. McGrath’s scholarship shines in this section, offering readers a unique understanding
of how the Reformation upset sixteenth-century Europe's religious, political, and cultural
landscape.
The second section, Manifestation, investigates how Protestantism spread and changed
across different geographical and cultural contexts. McGrath is especially interested in the ways
Protestantism interacted with and affected the development of Western culture, especially in the
areas of education, politics, and economics. For example, he follows the rise of Protestant work
ethics, showing how theological principles about work and stewardship translated into societal
shifts in labor and economic structures. However, McGrath does not hesitate to emphasize the
internal divisions within Protestantism, especially as new denominations and theological
movements emerged. His study of Puritanism, Methodism, and Pentecostalism shows the
diversity within Protestant thought and practice, even as each tradition sought to maintain fidelity
to the initial principles of the Reformation.
In the third and final section, Transformation, McGrath focuses on the ongoing evolution
of Protestantism, paying particular attention to the worldwide development of Protestantism in
the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. He contends that Protestantism has become a truly
global movement, with its center of gravity shifting from Europe and North America to the
Global South. McGrath’s assessment of the vibrant and growing Protestant communities in
Africa, Asia, and Latin America is one of the focal points of the book. He stresses how these
non-Western expressions of Protestantism are redesigning the faith in ways that reflect their
unique cultural and social contexts while still engaging with the core beliefs of the Reformation.
McGrath’s critique of the adaptability of Protestantism, particularly in terms of its
religious flexibility, raises important questions about the future of the movement. He recognizes
that the “dangerous idea” of scriptural interpretation has led to both creative religious
developments and challenging division. While McGrath celebrates the Protestant focus on the
freedom of individual ethics, he also warns of the dangers of relativism and the loss of religious
consistency within the broader movement. This tension is one that McGrath returns to
frequently, making it a key theme of the book.
In terms of strengths, McGrath’s work is both thorough and straightforward. His ability
to combine complex historical and religious developments into a rational narrative is impressive.
The extensiveness of his research allows him to cover a wide range of topics, from the religious
debates of the sixteenth century to the rise of megachurches and the influence of Protestantism
on global politics. His writing style is clear and engaging, making this book suitable for both
scholarly audiences and general readers interested in the history of Christianity.
However, there are a few areas where the book shows some analytical weakness. While
McGrath offers a detailed historical overview, some readers may find that his investigation lacks
depth in certain religious discussions. One key example is his treatment of Calvin’s doctrine of
predestination. While his analysis is helpful, it does not explore the more complex philosophical
effects of Calvin’s thought. Additionally, McGrath’s discussion of modern Protestantism
sometimes feels hasty, especially when addressing the varied and swiftly changing nature of
global Protestantism. Given the range of the book, these weaknesses are bound to happen, but
they do take away from the overall depth of the work.
Christianity's Dangerous Idea is a valuable contribution to the study of Protestantism.
McGrath successfully proves how the Reformation's central principle, individual scriptural
interpretation, has shaped the course of Christian history and continues to influence Protestant
thought and practice today. While the book may not satisfy those searching for a more in-depth
religious assessment, it offers a firm historical and cultural overview of Protestantism’s
development. McGrath’s work is presented as both a reminder of the progressive power of the
Reformation and a reflection on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Protestantism
in the modern world.
Jeffery D. Smith
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
