In "How Western Christianity Got It Wrong," Randy Woodley examines how Christianity has been exploited by oppressive regimes throughout history to advance colonial aspirations, justify racial hierarchies, and legitimize land dispossession. Woodley dismantles flaws in how modern Christians understand the gospel by addressing commonly misunderstood concepts, such as biblical authorship and doctrines of war. He guides readers through the development of Western theology, historicizing how present-day beliefs about sin and salvation evolved. Woodley argues that “Platonic dualism” created dogma that justified societal inequalities and environmental degradation.
Drawing from his decades-long ministry in Native American Christian churches, Woodley reclaims Christianity’s Indigenous roots. He draws parallels between the teachings of Christ and Indigenous knowledge to illuminate a spiritual movement originally anchored in right relationship, hospitality, generosity, and kindness toward others. In contrast to the materialism and compartmentalization pervasive in Western Christian belief systems, Indigenous worldviews integrate the seen and unseen worlds, emphasizing holistic care for spirit, soul, and body.
As both scholar and teacher, Woodley writes in a straightforward, approachable style that engages readers from diverse backgrounds. His work powerfully connects Western value systems and Christianity’s co-option by empire to contemporary rhetoric about immigrants, poverty, racism, and patriarchy. This book offers essential reading for anyone seeking to realign their faith with the radical hospitality and justice at the heart of the gospel.
Editor's Note: This book review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.
