Christianity and Wokeness

A Review of Owen Strachan's Book

Dr. Strachan has written a clear and direct analysis of how ‘wokeness’ has crept into the church. And why the Bible rejects it. A dictionary definition of wokeness claims it is a “state of being aware, especially of social problems such as racism and inequality and culture.” The author looks beyond this innocent characterization to explain how wokeness, partnering with Critical Race Theory, is pervading all common social structures. To challenge this movement he writes, “My primary focus in this book is on the intellectual consequences of embracing wokeness.” 

As stated, the primary object in his focus is the church and the Christian’s understanding of truth. Strachan corroborates from both the Old and New Testaments that ‘wokeness’ is an ungodly system because it rejects specific teachings of Scripture. The following quotes reinforce the critical nature of truth. “Wokeness advocates typically embrace what is called “standpoint epistemology,” meaning that our social location and possession of privilege will shape our handling of truth.” “This commitment relativizes interpretation, whether of the Bible or other books. It makes exegesis a culture-driven practice. Minority exegetes can see things that “white” exegetes cannot.” “To personalize and relativize truth according to social location is to take truth out of God and ground it in us and our world. Truth is personal, but it is grounded in our personal God, not in our fallen stories and experiences.” 

Christianity and Wokeness will greatly benefit Bible study groups, especially with the discussion questions that close each chapter. Pastors and church leaders will be educated on the nuances of wokeness and encouraged with the amount of theology taught in these pages. The book should be of particular interest to young people in college or at work. They may be the most affected by this expanding issue and will have in their hands a reference that clearly explains the differences between ‘woke’ socially and ‘awake’ spiritually.