Five Views on the Church and Politics
By Bruce Fields, J. Brian Benestad, James K.A. Smith, Robert Benne, Thomas W. Heilke | Publisher: Zondervan Academic
About the book
Learn to think deeply about the relationship between church and state in a way that goes beyond mere policy debates and current campaigns.
Few topics can grab headlines and stir passions quite like politics, especially when the church is involved. Considering the attention that many Christian parachurch groups, churches, and individual believers give to politics--and of the varying and sometimes divergent political ideals and aims among them--Five Views on the Church and Politics provides a helpful breakdown of the possible Christian approaches to political involvement.
General Editor Amy Black brings together five top-notch political theologians in the book, each representing one of the five key political traditions within Christianity:
- Anabaptist (Separationist: the most limited possible Christian involvement in politics) - represented by Thomas Heilke
- Lutheran (Paradoxical: strong separation of church and state) – represented by Robert Benne
- Black Church (Prophetic: the church's mission is to be a voice for communal reform) – represented by Bruce Fields
- Reformed (Transformationist: emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including churches and governments) – represented by James K. A. Smith
- Catholic (Synthetic: encouragement of political participation as a means to further the common good of all people) – represented by J. Brian Benestad
Each author addresses his tradition's theological distinctives, the role of government, the place of individual Christian participation in government and politics, and how churches should (or should not) address political questions. Responses by each contributor to opposing views will highlight key areas of difference and disagreement.
Thorough and even-handed, Five Views on the Church and Politics will enable readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the most significant Christian views on political engagement and to draw their own, informed conclusions.
Editions of Five Views on the Church and Politics
- EBook
- ISBN 9780310517931
Read an Excerpt
Learn to think deeply about the relationship between church and state in a way that goes beyond mere policy debates and current campaigns.
Few topics can grab headlines and stir passions quite like politics, especially when the church is involved. Considering the attention that many Christian parachurch groups, churches, and individual believers give to politics--and of the varying and sometimes divergent political ideals and aims among them--Five Views on the Church and Politics provides a helpful breakdown of the possible Christian approaches to political involvement.
General Editor Amy Black brings together five top-notch political theologians in the book, each representing one of the five key political traditions within Christianity:
- Anabaptist (Separationist: the most limited possible Christian involvement in politics) - represented by Thomas Heilke
- Lutheran (Paradoxical: strong separation of church and state) – represented by Robert Benne
- Black Church (Prophetic: the church's mission is to be a voice for communal reform) – represented by Bruce Fields
- Reformed (Transformationist: emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including churches and governments) – represented by James K. A. Smith
- Catholic (Synthetic: encouragement of political participation as a means to further the common good of all people) – represented by J. Brian Benestad
Each author addresses his tradition's theological distinctives, the role of government, the place of individual Christian participation in government and politics, and how churches should (or should not) address political questions. Responses by each contributor to opposing views will highlight key areas of difference and disagreement.
Thorough and even-handed, Five Views on the Church and Politics will enable readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the most significant Christian views on political engagement and to draw their own, informed conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Five Views on the Church and Politics about?
Learn to think deeply about the relationship between church and state in a way that goes beyond mere policy debates and current campaigns.
Few topics can grab headlines and stir passions quite like politics, especially when the church is involved. Considering the attention that many Christian parachurch groups, churches, and individual believers give to politics--and of the varying and sometimes divergent political ideals and aims among them--Five Views on the Church and Politics provides a helpful breakdown of the possible Christian approaches to political involvement.
General Editor Amy Black brings together five top-notch political theologians in the book, each representing one of the five key political traditions within Christianity:
- Anabaptist (Separationist: the most limited possible Christian involvement in politics) - represented by Thomas Heilke
- Lutheran (Paradoxical: strong separation of church and state) – represented by Robert Benne
- Black Church (Prophetic: the church's mission is to be a voice for communal reform) – represented by Bruce Fields
- Reformed (Transformationist: emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, including churches and governments) – represented by James K. A. Smith
- Catholic (Synthetic: encouragement of political participation as a means to further the common good of all people) – represented by J. Brian Benestad
Each author addresses his tradition's theological distinctives, the role of government, the place of individual Christian participation in government and politics, and how churches should (or should not) address political questions. Responses by each contributor to opposing views will highlight key areas of difference and disagreement.
Thorough and even-handed, Five Views on the Church and Politics will enable readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the most significant Christian views on political engagement and to draw their own, informed conclusions.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Five Views on the Church and Politics?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political ideologies and movements > Centrist democratic ideologies and movements
Where can I read a sample of Five Views on the Church and Politics?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780310517931
Is Five Views on the Church and Politics part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Counterpoints: Bible and Theology
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Five Views on the Church and Politics?
Bruce Fields, J. Brian Benestad, James K.A. Smith, Robert Benne, Thomas W. Heilke
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Five Views on the Church and Politics is available as ebook(ISBN 9780310517931)
Where can I buy Five Views on the Church and Politics online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Five Views on the Church and Politics from below
Where can I buy Five Views on the Church and Politics?