A few weeks ago, I wrote a post (Time to Drop "Presbyterian" from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation) that included a review of David Ray Griffin's book Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11 published by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC). I was so inspired by the book that I proposed the next PPC publication: Christian Faith and the Truth Behind Britney Spears.
Today, Kansas City Star columnist Bill Tammeus (and PCUSA elder) wrote a piece about the book called Christian Publishers, Beware. (HT Kairos) The good brother and I are not on the same page about all things PCUSA but I am glad we are on the same page here.
One of religion’s important tasks is to be a critic when the world seems headed in the wrong direction. One way it does that is by publishing thoughtful books.
When, months ago, I first heard about Day Ray Griffin’s new book, Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11, I hoped to find it fit this category. My hope was based partly on its being published by Westminster John Knox Press, a reputable Presbyterian company — affiliated with, but not directed by, the Presbyterian Church (USA), my own denomination.
But the book, which I’ve now read, does not measure up. In fact it’s just a mess. It’s a volume of spurious scholarship by an emeritus philosophy professor who says the Bush administration planned and orchestrated the 9/11 terrorist attacks to further its goal of world domination by America.
The book’s many failings call into question the decision to publish it. …
……
The Bush administration deserves much criticism of its post-9/11 actions and policies. But it was a baffling error of judgment for the publishing arm of my denomination to release a volume caught up in unsubstantiated, wild-eyed accusations. It now will be more difficult for books containing legitimate critical religious scholarship to be seen as serious.
Amen!
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