" This last of David Wells's penetrating four - volume investigation of the Zeitgeist envisions a duel between the plague of postmodernism ( by which he means hyper consumerism , functional nihilism , and meandering egotism ) and the power of the Christian gospel understood in the classic formulations of the Reformation . Readers will be challenged as they grasp why Wells wonders if evangelical churches can sur vive the test . They should be heartened to discover why he believes that the risen Christ will prevail . " -MARK A. NOLL Wheaton College " David Wells's singular examination of where America is going is grounded simulta neously in intellectual developments and sociological analysis . This merging of information from different disciplines provides many fresh insights , which become the focal points that prompt Wells to articulate the historic Christian gospel once again , with fidelity to the givens ' of revelation and with relevance to the declining splendor of Enlightenment gods . ... Those who are serious both about the gospel and about thoughtful cultural engagement will not want to miss this book . " -D . A. CARSON Trinity Evangelical Divinity School " With masterful breadth and penetrating insight , David Wells here rounds off his four - volume demonstration of the inauthenticity of much professedly evangelical church life . Hard thought and humility are required to appreciate the critique , though the light Wells throws on our secular culture and on key Bible doctrines makes the effort well worthwhile . There is prophetic perception here that needs to be taken to heart . " -J . 1. PACKER Regent College " The finest critique of culture I have read since the late philosopher - theologian Francis Schaeffer . David Wells brilliantly outlines the lay of the cultural land and offers a type of GPS system for navigating it if we are to arrive safely at our final des tination . Every Christian should read and internalize what Wells says in this power ful book , " -CAL THOMAS syndicated columnist