Repackaging Christianity

The story of Alpha is of major significance for understanding the place of religious faith in the modern world, but that story has never been told - until now.

Since its launch in 1993, the Alpha movement has evolved from 'supper party evangelism' in the Kensington suburbs into a global brand of Christian outreach. Today, over a million people attend Alpha every year, but the history of its rise to popularity has never been documented. What caused such spiritual renewal in an age of scepticism? And what propelled Alpha into a phenomenon that is recognised across the globe?

Alpha is far more than an introductory course to Christianity. At the core of its brand identity is a 'repackaging' of the Christian message for contemporary audiences. Innovation and cultural adaptability are built into Alpha's DNA, one of the chief reasons for its longevity and influence. Nimbly utilising the multimedia and digital revolutions, it has contextualised into cultures and languages across the planet. And led by charismatic, savvy individuals, it has attracted people from across the social spectrum, making waves in national media.

Andrew Atherstone leaves no stone unturned as he presents this fascinating history. With exclusive access to original archives, Atherstone recounts the miraculous stories of HTB's early years, the first full account of Nicky Gumbel's conversion, and the strategic decisions that launched Alpha onto the global stage of Christian influence.

With sharp historical analysis, Andrew Atherstone uncovers the story of Christian resurgence in our contemporary age.

“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.”

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
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

Andrew Atherstone is Latimer Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and a member of Oxford University's Faculty of Theology and Religion.

He has published widely on modern Christian history, especially the evangelical, Anglican, and charismatic movements, for both general and scholarly audiences. His recent scholarly books include, as co-editor, The Routledge Research Companion to the History of Evangelicalism (Routledge, 2018), Making Evangelical History: Faith, Scholarship and the Evangelical Past (Routledge, 2019), and The Oxford Handbook of Christian Fundamentalism (OUP, forthcoming 2022).

Andrew is the biographer of the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby: Risktaker and Reconciler (DLT, 2014).

The story of Alpha is of major significance for understanding the place of religious faith in the modern world, but that story has never been told - until now. Since its launch in 1993, the Alpha movement has evolved from 'supper party evangelism' in the Kensington suburbs into a global brand of Christian outreach. Today, over a million people attend Alpha every year, but the history of its rise to popularity has never been documented. What caused such spiritual renewal in an age of scepticism? And what propelled Alpha into a phenomenon that is recognised across the globe?Alpha is far more than an introductory course to Christianity. At the core of its brand identity is a 'repackaging' of the Christian message for contemporary audiences. Innovation and cultural adaptability are built into Alpha's DNA, one of the chief reasons for its longevity and influence. Nimbly utilising the multimedia and digital revolutions, it has contextualised into cultures and languages across the planet. And led by charismatic, savvy individuals, it has attracted people from across the social spectrum, making waves in national media.Andrew Atherstone leaves no stone unturned as he presents this fascinating history. With exclusive access to original archives, Atherstone recounts the miraculous stories of HTB's early years, the first full account of Nicky Gumbel's conversion, and the strategic decisions that launched Alpha onto the global stage of Christian influence. With sharp historical analysis, Andrew Atherstone uncovers the story of Christian resurgence in our contemporary age.

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