Honoring God in Red or Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason
Politics isn’t a four-letter word.
Everyone’s been at that dinner party. The conversation takes a political turn. The arguments start, the atmosphere grows tense, and all that remains is a hopeless stalemate and an awkward silence. Makes you wonder . . . is thoughtful and productive dialogue about politics even possible?
In Honoring God in the Red or Blue, Dr. Amy Black addresses the debaters as well as those intimidated or annoyed by the debaters; political junkies and the contented uninvolved. She explains the purposes and limitations of our system and helps readers create realistic expectations for government. While God’s truth is perfect, human application of it is not, a reality that shouldn’t deter us from engaging in debate and staying informed. Rather, it should challenge us to raise our standards for how we speak about the issues—and those in office.
It’s time to approach political divides with an extra measure of grace. Success begins with seeking God’s honor first and foremost, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. Don’t limit yourself to chatting about the weather.
From the Back Cover
Politics isn’t a four-letter word.
Everyone’s been at that dinner party. The conversation takes a political turn. The arguments start, the atmosphere grows tense, and all that remains is a hopeless stalemate and an awkward silence. Makes you wonder . . . is thoughtful and productive dialogue about politics even possible?
In Honoring God in the Red or Blue, Dr. Amy Black addresses the debaters as well as those intimidated or annoyed by the debaters; political junkies and the contented uninvolved. She explains the purposes and limitations of our system and helps readers create realistic expectations for government. While God’s truth is perfect, human application of it is not, a reality that shouldn’t deter us from engaging in debate and staying informed. Rather, it should challenge us to raise our standards for how we speak about the issues—and those in office.
It’s time to approach political divides with an extra measure of grace. Success begins with seeking God’s honor first and foremost, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. Don’t limit yourself to chatting about the weather.
“Millions of believers nationwide have grown weary of the hyperbole, distortions, and bitter attacks—from both sides of the aisle—that have come to characterize political ‘discourse’ in this nation. It was refreshing to read a perspective that so thoughtfully and effectively balances the importance of standing for biblical truth while at the same time being considerate, compassionate, and, yes, even loving toward those with whom we disagree. Both of those ingredients are essential. We can’t emphasize either to the exclusion of the other and claim to be living a consistent Christian witness.” —James Daly, president Focus on the Family
Amy E. Black is associate professor of political science and chair of the department of Politics and International Relations at Wheaton College (IL). Dr. Black earned her Ph.D. in Political Science at M.I.T. In 2000-2001, Dr. Black served as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Representative Melissa A. Hart.
Her books include Religion and American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, edited with Douglas Koopman and Larycia Hawkins, and Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics. Amy is married to Wheaton theology professor Daniel Treier, and they have one daughter, Anna.
In a day increasingly filled with soundbite rants and angry voices, Amy Black offers an alternative—one based on Christian civility. Honoring God in Red or Blue will help Christians learn how to maintain their convictions with grace, and press their arguments with love and respect.
Greg Wheatley, Radio host of Inside Look with Greg Wheatley
Amy Black’s combination of practical political experience, scholarly insight, and Christian wisdom is all too rare. If only she were running for president!
John Wilson, editor, Books & Culture
A concise, easy-to-read introduction to how politics works and how Christians should engage it. Amy Black is a sophisticated, gifted political scientist who knows how to make complicated topics clear and understandable. Honoring God in Red or Blue is a helpful contribution to the growing body of thoughtful evangelical reflection on political engagement.
Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action
Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy at
Palmer Seminary at Eastern University
Humility, balance, insight, patience, discernment, civility, faithfulness--these are qualities too often lacking in contemporary American politics. Sadly, they are also often missing as Christian believers talk about politics and engage in political action. Amy Black's well informed book points to a better way. The strength of its good sense is matched by the broad accessibility of its prose and the thought-provoking quality of its Christian wisdom. It should be a great help in this, and succeeding, election seasons.
Mark Noll, Author, co-editor, "Religion and American Politics: From the Colonial Period to the Present"
For Christian citizens who are weary from the fighting that too often characterizes current engagement in politics, and looking instead fora God-honoring approach, Black's book is a healing balm. The good
news: God cares about government, and gives it, as well as citizens and other institutions in society important roles to play and corresponding responsibilities to fulfill. This book invites readers not only to hope again, but to think deeply before deliberately taking action.
Stephanie Summers, CEO, Center for Public Justice
Product Details
- Title : Honoring God in Red or Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason
- Author: Black, Dr. Amy E.
- Publisher: Moody Publishers
- Publication Date: 2012
- ISBN: 9780802483287