Description
Book Synopsis'Alpha has become a global phenomenon and, in this well-researched and compelling account, it has now found its historian.' —Professor Timothy Larsen (Wheaton College) for the
Times Literary Supplement Alpha is a global phenomenon, one of the most famous and controversial brands in Christian evangelization. Launched internationally in 1993, it has attracted wide public commentary over the decades, not only among churches but also in mainstream television, radio and newspapers such as
TheEconomist and
TheNew York Times. Even
Elle and
Fabulous have covered Alpha. Over a million participants attend the course every year and it has been a powerful driver of Christian innovation and resurgence in a secular culture.
Alpha’s presiding genius, Nicky Gumbel, has won plaudits as a new Billy Graham for the modern age. As Alpha prepares to mark its thirtieth anniversary in 2023,
Repacka
Trade Review
A tale of vision, determination and extraordinary marketing . . . It's a fascinating story * The Sunday Times *
It is a sympathetic picture, but not sycophantic. Space is given to the critics ... a well-written account of the early years of this significant and encouraging Christian enterprise. * Church Times *
A good read . . . Atherstone writes well. * Baptist Times *
A riveting and well-written story * Premier Christianity *
Accessible and lucid . . . a thoroughly theological history, weighing the full range of views on Alpha, positive and negative * English Churchman *
Meticulously researched * Life and Work *
Fascinating and informative * Prophecy Today *
Alpha has become a global phenomenon and, in this well-researched and compelling account, it has now found its historian. * TLS *
It's a tale of vision, determination and extraordinary marketing. It's a tale of controversy too... And it's a tale that hasn't been told before, or not as a full history... It's a fascinating story and Atherstone tells it well. Clearly keen not to sensationalise, he keeps the tone calm and quotes critics as well as enthusiasts. * The Sunday Times *
'an accessible and lucid summary...Repackaging Christianity is a thoroughly theological history, weighing the full range of views on Alpha, positive and negative. Privileged archival access at Alpha International has permitted fascinating insight on the doctrinal discussion behind the well-manicured façade.' - English Churchman
