Evangelicals Now
<< February 1999 >>

Falling Short? The Alpha Course Examined

Falling Short? The Alpha Course Examined
By Chris Hand
Day One. 104pages. £4.50.
ISBN 0 902548 88 3

In ten readable chapters, Chris Hand has produced what the cover blurb describes as 'a quality critique' of the very successful Alpha course. For this reviewer, Chris Hand has indeed succeeded, because of the very fair and generous way he gives due credit to all that is good. Here is no evidence of mere prejudice - those looking for 'chari-bashing' will look in vain. He does not rubbish that emphasis although he is clearly not of that persuasion; his concern is the way that sinners are pointed to Christ.
The first two chapters deliver an overview of the history and content of Alpha together with evidences of the course as a success story. But it is in the next five chapters where the meat of this critique lies, where he ably re-states the biblical gospel, and compares it with the gospel presentation used in Alpha. 'Alpha fails to do justice to the message as we find it in Acts. At times it gets close to the gospel. It even deals with facts that are vital to the gospel. But it is not the gospel message. As well thought out as it is, it betrays itself at key points' (p.56). Seven key weaknesses are outlined.
The remaining three chapters deal with issues raised by Alpha's weekend away and experience, Alpha's view of the church, and there is a final helpful chapter drawing attention to our failures and inadequacies in true evangelism.
This is a very fair book. The author sees that many of the criticisms levelled against Alpha are unfair, and is at pains to point out that he is not trying to impugn the integrity of those who are behind the course. Alpha's acceptance of the authority of Scripture, the Deity of Christ and the sinner's need of salvation are fully endorsed by the author who yet sees clearly that Alpha 'falls short'. A book to make us all think again about the gospel, and a book that every church leader should carefully consider.

Donovan Rowland,
Guildford