The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life

by Michael Wear

For those discouraged and exhausted by the bitterness and rage in our politics, Michael Wear offers a new paradigm of political involvement rooted in the teachings of Jesus and drawing insights from Dallas Willard's approach to spiritual formation. When political division shows up not only on the campaign trail but also at our dinner tables, we Can we be part of a better way? The Spirit of Our Politics says "yes," offering a distinctly Christian approach to politics that results in healing rather than division, kindness rather than hatred, and hope rather than despair. In this profound and hope-filled book, Michael Wear--a leading thinker and practitioner at the intersection of faith and politics--applies insights taken from the work of Dallas Willard to argue that by focusing on having the "right" politics, we lose sight of the kind of people we are becoming, to destructive results. This paradigm-shifting book The Spirit of Our Politics is for readers of any political perspective who long for a new way to think about and engage in politics. That new approach begins with a simple question: What kind of person would I like to be?

Genres: Politics, Theology, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

About the author

Michael Wear is the Founder, President and CEO of The Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution based in the nation's capital with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. For well over a decade, he has served as a trusted resource and advisor for a range of civic leaders on matters of faith and public life, including as a White House and presidential campaign staffer. Michael is a leading voice on building a healthy civic pluralism in twenty-first century America. He has argued that the kind of people we are has much to do with the kind of politics we will have.

Michael previously led Public Square Strategies, a consulting firm he founded that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape.

Michael’s first book, Reclaiming Hope: Lessons Learned in the Obama White House About the Future of Faith in America, offers reflections, analysis and ideas about the role of faith in the Obama years and what it means for today. He has co-authored, or contributed to, several other books, including Compassion and Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement, with Justin Giboney and Chris Butler. He also writes for The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Catapult Magazine, Christianity Today and other publications on faith, politics and culture.

Michael holds an honorary position at the University of Birmingham’s Cadbury Center for the Public Understanding of Religion. Michael and his wife, Melissa, are both proud natives of Buffalo, New York. They now reside in Maryland, where they are raising their beloved daughters, Saoirse and Ilaria.

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful for this perspective on how faith and politics don't always line up today and how we can change as people to live holistically and bring our faith into politics, not to an end, but as a part of our wholeness.

Will recommend and read again for encouragement.

[Jake Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A needed call to people of all political persuasions to wake up to the ways in which our current political moment is eroding our hearts, deepening our divisions, and marring our souls. Wear presents a better vision for public life, a holistic vision of care for the poor, justice for the oppressed, and flourishing for all.

Unlike many books about politics, Wear digs beneath the surface and shows how the partisanship, vindictiveness, and anger that characterize our politics is actually the symptom of a deeper problem and a reflection of our low view of Christianity. Too many have settled for a compartmentalized faith, a Sunday-only religion, and a Jesus that has nothing to offer in public life. But not only does Wear diagnose the disease, he also provides the cure, outlining a series of practices (or disciplines) that, if recovered, would completely revolutionize the state of our country. These practices include silence, solitude, a deep understanding of the biblical narrative, and fasting.

As those who have long experienced immense privilege in American society, Christians have a heightened responsibility to steward our influence in a way that is in alignment with Jesus and his Kingdom of love and service. The way of Jesus knows nothing of fear, retribution, or hate. What would our politics look like if Christians committed to being formed in the image of Jesus, choosing to love their neighbor and work for the good of all no matter the cost?

[Grace Leuenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael provides a compelling, thoughtful, and practical outline for what it looks like to follow the ways of Jesus in our public life. I felt both challenged and refreshed by the ideas he presents, and will be sharing those ideas with others! Also, I want Michael to run for president of the United States

[Abbie Blain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political read to help me get ready for SLU 201 this summer! Interesting connections between spiritual formation (Dallas Willard ideas) and how they interact with the political sphere!

Key takeaways…..
- The problem is not political homelessness. The problem is that Christian's ever thought they could find a home in a political party
- We should be a part of a political party because we believe things. We should not believe things because we are part of a political party.
- In treating politics like a hobby, we have demanded politicians act in a way that entertains
- The gospel of Jesus Christ does not just call in a fixer to dispose of a decaying body and clean the blood off the carpet. It does not merely offer a rhetorical tool box in inspiration for political advocacy and social vision. Jesus is not a fixer, he is Lord. He is not a Crisis manager, he is the way the truth and the life. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne and He is king
- God does not love me because He has no other choice - He isn’t stuck with me. God loves me because it is His will and want.
- The aim of apologetics is to help, not to win
- There is nothing done with anger that cannot be done better without anger
- Learning from Jesus to live my life as he would live my life if he were me…. I am learning how to do everything I do in the manner that he did everything that he did.

[Emma Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbing coffee with Michael this weekend and wanted to check out his latest release. I remember the first time I was handed a copy of one of his books in Washington, DC (shoutout to The Trinity Forum!). In the years that followed, it’s been exciting to see the waves he is making towards developing a new paradigm of Christian political engagement with the Center for Christianity & Public Life. This text draws from decades of experience in the west wing and beyond. To synthesize, Michael directs our attention towards the kind of people we are becoming when we engage in politics. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a political operative or politically homeless, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual practices as focal point in our politicized world. It can be a wonderful thing when Christians engage in politics with their feet planted in the gospel. It can be incredibly dangerous when Christians engage in politics with their feet planted in politics.

Among other resources to consider this fall, is David French and Francis Chan’s The After Party. Their work is a good entry point to this conversation. If you’re looking to take a step deeper and attempting to apply a Christian frame to politics, then Michael’s work is for you.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it possible to seek gentleness in our politics?

"At the center of our faith is not a series of right answers, but a person. This is what we have to offer our politics: the kind of person we are. If you want to change our politics, this is where you will start. . . Spiritual formation is central to civic renewal." (212-213)

Extremely well-written book, Michael Wear firmly plants politics within our everyday lives. Our "political selves" are not separate from "ourselves" and our spiritual formation and habits of discipleship shape us to be more loving, grounded in wisdom, and Kingdom-seeking.

The primary question: What kind of person would I like to be?

[Aaron Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that so many need to read.

[Benjamin Shurance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was brilliant (especially the first half). It made me change my thinking about some of the erroneous ways I've approached politics.

But yeah, there's a clear political agenda here, that is: getting people to read Dallas Willard.

[Laura Edquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

An especially great book to read during an election year. A reminder that our identity is in Christ, not in political parties. We must, therefore, view politics and our political engagement through the lens of Christianity- we cannot separate them. Our hope is in Jesus, not the next President.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, a much needed message to make sense of how to “live well” as a Christian in politically tumultuous times. Offering hard truths at times, but mostly hope for reconciliation and ideas for how to move forward. I hope friends all over the political spectrum will read it.

[Courtney Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a clarion call to people of all political persuasions to attend to our spirits, engaging in the public arena from a place of integrity, compassion, morality, and trust in God as the ultimate end.

Writes Wear, “We reject anger and fear, but we offer compassion and understanding for those who are angry and afraid. What is most worthy of scorn is the cultivation of fear and anger…political merchants who artificially promote fear and anger for self-gain.”

This book challenged me as a pastor to think past the anxiety of an election cycle and into the deeper, formative practices of my congregation. It encouraged me as a parent to engage more faithfully in local political projects. And it helped me see through the rancor of the 24-hour news cycle into the heart of a God who is joyful, steady, and sovereign over it all.

Highly, highly recommend.

[Matthew Loftus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review at: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/...

[Joshua Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting examination of the crisis in politics and the white Christian church. Appreciate the foundation of Dallas Willard throughout and the strong biblical references.

[Ben Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work in politics. I have read many books on faith and politics. I have read many academic treatises on faith and politics. Yet, I found this book refreshing.

The individual strands Michael Wear wove together were not new to me - I have read and heard of Dallas Willard's work many times! But I had not thought of drawing together spiritual formation and political thought in the way Michael Wear has.

I would recommend it to anyone wondering how to approach politics as a Christian.

[Joseph Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every believer ought to read this book before the you-know-what in 2024. Michael carves a path of hope through a forest of confusing, vitriolic times. And it’s deeply personal, applicable to the reader first and foremost. If you’re asking “what am I to do?” in this moment, read this book.

[Jadon Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

“If we want a better politics, we need to become a different kind of people.”

Wear’s vision of civic engagement is optimistic yet honest, I’m challenged to take responsibility for the state of our politics rather than complain and bicker. This would be a worth-it read for any disillusioned American seeking a positive vision of politics in this present climate.

[Dan Bouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and true. An ideal read in an election year.

[Graydon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful for Michael Wear’s continual witness to a better political life that is possible. This is essentially a Dallas Willard book for about the relationship between Spiritual formation and political engagement, and it is needed. The main message throughout the book is that if we want better politics, we need to become a different kind of people.

[Hayden Pottkotter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beginning was drudgery, middle was very good, ending dragged out.

[Jessi Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is not safe for Christians to engage in politics with their feet planted in politics. Their political participation must be grounded in a deeper reality; it must be grounded in the gospel.”

This book should be a required reading for all Christians and pastors and everyone, really. Wear does an outstanding job clearly presenting politics in light of the gospel. His work and passion in educating Christians and US Citizens in general about politics is inspiring and gives me hope for the future.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so thankful for Michael Wear’s public witness, which has long been a blessing and encouragement to me. In this book he exegetes the work of Dallas Willard, applying principles of spiritual formation to Christian political activity. The premise is pretty simple, but powerful: Our politics and government reflect the kinds of people we are, and the only way to get a better politics is through more active discipleship and ongoing sanctification. Lots of beautiful, hopeful, Christ-centered reflections here. A must-read for anyone who cares about seeing Christians bring salt and light to public life.

[Chris Everson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been burned out on politics for a while. This book by Michael Wear gives a great example on ways to grow as an apprentice of while engaging in politics.
Over the next few months I’ll come back to this book and hopefully will encourage me to not get worn out but share Jesus’s love as I engage our community for him.

[Daniel Kleven]

A Willardian take on the Christian life as applied to politics. Helpful.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent call to Christian discipleship and recognition that the church and families shape our political system. Love chapter 8, calling pastors and parents to lead the change and be faithful to their calling for this generation and the next.

[Adam Snyder · Rating 2 out of 5]

90% of the sources used in this book were Dallas Willard quotes. Nothing against Willard, but if I wanted to read a Willard book, I would... this had the chance to really be something new and relevant to this current cultural moment but sadly ended up being recycled content. Disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook (read by the author) was wonderful! Chapter 6 is probably the BEST sermon I’ve ever heard about God’s love. WOW!

[Ben Oberholtzer · Rating 2 out of 5]

A big topic to process in today's volatile political climate, especially when you add the "Christian" word into it. Mr. Wear's ultimate point seems to be that we need to be people who elevate following Jesus more than any other allegiance in our lives. Once we have that perspective in place, then we can start to make our political decisions based on care and love for the "other", whomever that may be.

I really wanted to like this book, but several things held it back from recommending to others. The biggest issue for me was the number of Dallas Willard citations throughout the book. Look, I love Dallas Willard and think he had a ton of great advice and ways of processing our life with God. But if I wanted to read Dallas Willard, I would read his books! And I'm fine with using some of his quotations, but I can't recall any other Christian theologian that was quoted throughout this book, and I think that greatly weakened the case Michael Wear was making.

I also had a hard time in general following the logic or groupings of different chapters. When I read a text like this, I'm looking for a clear central idea to pull me through the chapter. While chapters had defined groupings, to me it often felt like it was different musings about a topic and not a clear connection.

Finally, I ended up starting 2-3 other books while I was reading this one. I read the others to completion, and this one just kept getting pushed back. Even though the book is relatively short (just over 200 pages), it took a lot of effort for me to finish this one.

Ultimately, I was really disappointed because I expected more from this book. While he didn't want to tell the reader how to believe about certain issues, I would have appreciated having more practice on what this looks like with specific issues. I don't believe Mr. Wear intended for that to be part of this book, and I think ultimately the book was not practical enough in guiding people towards engaging in real political issues with other Christians and non-Christians.

[Thomas R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that every voting and political officer Christian should read. Michael Wear is a follower or at least a knowledgable reader of Dallas Willard, and this informs much of Wear's thinking. Wear's diagnosis is that most of our politics are sick, not healthy, and that many Christians mistakenly adhere to what he calls political therapeutic Deism ie. the following:
1. God is on my political party's side
2. My views on political issues are a leading indicator that I am a true Christian
3. My actions in politics are justified in light of God's general approval of my politics
4. I do not understand how other "Christians" could vote for my candidate's opponent.
5. It is clear and obvious which political issues are most important to God.
Wear says that our politics requires knowledge and that moral knowledge is essential. He then discusses gospels of sin management and our politics and finds both the right and the left fall into trying to make Jesus the acceptor of their political views. Wear then discusses Kingdom Politics - a look at what God and Jesus says throughout the Bible about care for the earth, correct human actions, how Jesus treated people, and what Jesus said was the path for man in the kingdom from passages like the sermon on the mount.Wear then gives three statements on how then shall you vote:
1. Jesus is not confused about how our politics works
2. Christians do not go to politics for self-interest alone, but it's okay to consider your own interest, passions, experiences-what God has placed on your heart
3. We would be wise to listen to others, particularly brothers and sisters in Christ, who disagree with us politically.
Wear follows with the allure of gentleness - Christian politics as loving service and then engaging in spiritual disciplines for public life.

[Emma Lischka · Rating 4 out of 5]

“fundamentally, for those who work in politics and for all of us citizens, the call in politics is to steward the responsibility we have, in the midst of difficult and complex circumstances, for the glory of God and for the good of our neighbors.”

I think 4.5 would be more accurate. michael has such a vision for spiritual and civic life that is so prevalent in his wisdom. i truly think that anyone who takes both their faith and political engagement seriously should read this, especially as we head into the election season. this serves as an excellent reminder that politics is penultimate in terms of achieving justice on this side of heaven and placing it on a pedestal as the sole arbiter of hope for progress is seriously diverging Jesus from it. Christians in politics have an opportunity to serve others, not as a means to impose Christianity on them, but because we believe kindness and service are crucial components of the Christian life. the kind of politics we have has everything to do with the kind of people we are which has everything to do with our relationship with Jesus. in order to approach politics differently and better we have to be willing to set our sights fully on Him.

[Jonathan Prudhomme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a *much* needed voice for spiritual formation in the church today, both for pastors as well as parishioners. Wear’s description of political sectarianism as employing othering, aversion, and moralization in a culture of negative polarization is extremely helpful in describing the largely dualistic political perspective assumed by Christians today. I especially found chapter 5 helpful in its description of how Christians ought to show forth Christlike character in the public sphere in the midst of a culture of anger, fear, vulgarity, and antagonism. Perhaps more than anything I appreciated his section on the perceived “need” of antagonism which, unfortunately, even some Christians have assumed against certain cultural forces today. Wear’s warning against this mindset is timely: “Even if we do find ourselves living in Babylon, let’s be sure we don’t find ourselves becoming Babylonians.”

I only wish that Wear had pulled from more sources other than just Dallas Willard. While I found Willard’s critique of American distortions of the gospel helpful, I wish that the gospel had been made clearer and its implications for character formation for the political realm more apparent.