I was already inclined to enjoy this book; I'm a part of the Evangelical Covenant Church, which was birthed out of the Pietist Movement.

Taking the classic Pietist text Pia Desideria as its launching-off point, the book takes an unflinching look at Christianity in the early 21st century, before putting forth six proposals:
A More Extensive Use of the Word of God
The Common Priesthood For the Common Good
Christianity As Life
The Irenic Spirit: Unity, Mission, and Witness
Whole-Person, Whole-Life Formation
Proclaiming the Good News Benediction

I have no idea why this is published under the Academic wing of InterVarsity Press. There's nothing that's especially aimed at pastors or other academics here. This is a book I believe any lay person interested in theology could pick up, understand utterly, and enjoy. To publish it as an "academic" book seems to unnecessarily limit its reach.

It's important that they didn't call this The Pietist Answer--even if they, and I, think it is. It's just a way, a possible way, of renewing our faith. But if we were to truly give this option a try, what could we accomplish as ambassadors of God? I've seen this in action in my local church, and it's transforming, and life-giving.

The author knows his subject and covers it thoroughly. It was a bit more scholarly than I had wanted it to be.
I received this book free from the publisher for the purpose of review.