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The Reformation in Responsibility

A Reformation in Responsibility is primarily about four things: 1) the fact that our society is being destroyed by the perfect philosophical storm; 2) the philosophical antecedents for the general state of confusion that exists in America; 3) the unbalanced theological individualism of the Western Church; and 4) the role of the Church in the 21st century. In short, the “perfect philosophical storm” is the destructive combination of evolutionary thought (which teaches us that we are the best that humanity has ever seen), the exaltation of reason and science (which teaches us that we are the smartest humans to ever exist), and irresponsible individualism (which teaches us that the individual’s right to pursue happiness is the most important goal of society). Our narcissistic philosophies have resulted in a culture of confusion that places individual needs and desires before the overall good of the larger community. Yet, this confusion is due, in large part, to the fact that the Western Church has been promoting theological individualism more than it has been promoting biblical theology. Lastly, in the name of constitutionality and human rights, the courts have dominated Western society by stripping the majority of their right to live out their faith in the public square. For these and many other reasons, reform is imperative for the future success of America. In the 21st century, the Church must resist a government that is of the courts by the secularists for the minority, and lead our society to once again embrace a government that is of the people by the people and for the people.

At this point, it’s also important to state what a Reformation in Responsibility is not…

A Reformation in Responsibility:

Is not a call to dismiss individual/minority sentiments
Is not a call to dismiss the many values and benefits of scientific research
Is not a call to dismiss the importance of the individual in Christian theology
Is not a call for Christian government

About the Author

Rit Varriale is originally from Schenectady, New York. His early religious influence was in the Roman Catholic Church, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Calvary Chapel movement. He became involved in the Baptist tradition while attending The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. During his senior year at the Citadel, he served as the Regimental Commander for the Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation from The Citadel in 1992, Rit was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army and was assigned to the 82^nd Airborne Division from 1992-1996 serving as a platoon leader and company executive officer. During that time, he received the Outstanding Leadership Award for U.S. Army Ranger Class 2-93, the Senior Parachutist Badge, and the Pathfinder Badge. In 1996, Rit entered the ministry and began his theological training receiving a M.Div. (Campbell University Divinity School) a Th.M. (Duke University Divinity School) and a D.Min. (Princeton Theological Seminary). From 1996-present he has served three congregations in North Carolina. Currently, Rit serves his community as a pastor, as an adjunct instructor in the NC Community College System, as a board member for Hospice of Cleveland County, and as a member of the Christian Higher Education Committee for the North Carolina Baptist State Convention. Rit resides in Shelby, NC with his wife Shannon.

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Dr. Varialle covers a wide range of topics in this book of twenty essays, from individualism and evolution to taxation and welfare to the problem of hell and agnostic preachers to "the church in the 21st century". It is well written by a brilliant man and very thought provoking with space for your own reflection at the end of each of the essays. It is a book that you will want to read over and over again. Every time I finish the book, I start reading it again and like the Scriptures, find things that I missed even though I have read the same passage several times. Be sure you have your own copy because you will want to underline passages and take notes in the margins and of course, answer the questions for reflection at the end of each essay.

Jo Boggs

This book is a return—a ‘REFORMATION’ back to the absolute truth of Scripture that will restore our foundations. The major challenge is the REFORMATION must start with me and you. The question is are we willing?

Mike Wingo – Businessman

Rit Varriale has his finger on the pulse of our country's philosophical storm and the confusing political correctness that exist in America. He is both candid and correct in his analysis of the ideologies that are destroying America's foundations. His book is intellectually written but does not excel one's ability to understand what has been said. Rit reminds the American citizen, "It's time for America to grow up and realize that God and society are not responsible to the individual. Individuals are responsible to God and society." Rit also calls the true Church to its responsibility by declaring, "When the government demands a greater allegiance than the allegiance we owe to God, a Reformation in Responsibility demands that the Church engage in civil disobedience." I recommend this work to anyone who loves God and country. It is thought provoking and challenging to both the citizen and the Christian.

Dr. Tim Sims

This book should be required reading for every Christian and right-thinking person in this country.

John Gissendanner – Retired, U.S. Geological Survey

Much in the way that Thomas Paine and other journalists of his day challenged the people of our land to throw off the shackles of tyranny, Varriale boldly challenges the civic philosophy of modern America. He calls into question the philosophy that purports that the adolescent desires of the individual are allowed to trample upon the desires of the majority. Historically, the rugged individualism pervading our culture has shaped American philosophy in many positive ways, but Varriale challenges the reader to consider the negative impact of such a philosophy on the culture at large, but most pointedly on the culture of the church as both cultures are in shambles. But Varriale is convinced that a "reformation" is possible. The author has nailed his theses to the door of both the church and the culture at large; let us see if either respond with the changes that can restore America as a true leader among the nations of the world.

B. Davis

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