When Culture Hates You is a timely call to unapologetic faith

Jesus was the most hated man in the Bible and people didn’t hide it. Religious leaders, Roman rulers, his hometown, even the devil opposed him, because of what he challenged: spiritual darkness, performative religion, and a culture desperate for truth. In a society dominated by religious and Roman power, his obedience to the Father was branded blasphemy.

What Jesus experienced is not too far from what we are experiencing in society today. That’s the argument of When Culture Hates You (Harvest House) by Natasha Crain, a book which attempts to help Christians unashamedly pursue righteousness in a culture that is determined to snuff out our light because of our values. 

From the outset, Crain doesn’t water down or sugarcoat the reality of the hatred Christians face today. She lays a solid foundation by clearly defining key terms - culture, the public square, and the common good. 

According to Crain, Christian views are consistently rejected by today’s culture. She explores this through a wide range of topics, including  Christian nationalism, social justice, abortion, transgender identity, and sexuality. These issues highlight why Christians are often hated in today’s culture - our values are fundamentally at odds with those the world holds dear. 

Believers are often criticised for being either too loud or too silent - but if we’re truly following scripture, we’re called to speak up, says Crain. And like it or not, being hated is often part of that obedience.

While Crain’s research is solid and well-sourced, it can sometimes feel like you’re being pulled into a bit of a data hole. The book is also geared toward an American audience, with much of the data and context centred on the US. That doesn’t make it irrelevant for others, but if American politics isn’t your thing, parts of it may feel a little distant.

At times, the focus drifts, but at its best, this book is a timely reminder of the opposition Jesus faced and how he never stopped speaking truth. In light of the cultural moment we’re living through as believers, this is a solid read.

When Culture Hates You by Natasha Crain is out now