Just Politics: A Guide for Christian Engagement

by Ronald J. Sider

Evangelicals today probably have more political influence in the United States than at any time in the last century--but they might not be certain what to do with it. It has been difficult to develop a unified voice on pressing issues such as social justice and moral renewal.

Bestselling author and theologian Ron Sider offers a biblically grounded, factually rooted, Christian approach to politics that cuts across ideological divides. Shaped by a careful study of society, this book will guide readers into more thoughtful and effective political activity. It addresses perennially tough questions that often divide the church and includes a case study of the federal deficit debate.

Practical, balanced, and nonpartisan, this book will be a welcome resource during the 2012 presidential race. This is a revised version of what was previously published as The Scandal of Evangelical Politics.

Genres: Politics, Theology, Christianity, Religion

270 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Ronald J. Sider (PhD, Yale University) is the founder and president emeritus of Evangelicals for Social Action and distinguished professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. He is the author of numerous books, including The Early Church on Killing, the bestselling Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, and The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience.

Reviews

[Ronald J. Pauleus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very robust and challenging. Ronald provides great biblical support for ways Christians should engage in politics.

“Above all, let us never forget that politics is not the Christian’s only responsibility. It is not even the most important. Let us never forget to be the church, to worship our Lord, and to share the gospel with those who have never heard. Politics is important because it can nurture a better, more wholesome life for billions of neighbors for their brief sojourn on this gorgeous planet, but sharing the gospel leads not only to life abundant now but also life eternal. As we rejoice in the important but limited results that flow from faithful political engagement, let us revel in the eternal blessings that flow from embracing the gospel.”

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gave me good thoughts to think about politics and Christianity. My main take away is finding the "common good" when we work with the government, as Christians.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having some knowledge of Ron Sider's work, I read this book expecting more than I got, which is why I gave it 4 stars. Christians, especially today, sometimes find that we have to choose between the lesser of two evils when it comes to politics. Sometimes, not knowing how to deal with politics and views that differ from Christian convictions leave Christians completely disengaged from the political process. Spider encourages Christians to be involved, and to vote! He presents various issues that are often voted on or legislated and discusses how certain views align with scripture. At the end I was still left wanting less theory and more practical tools to use when evaluating positions and platforms. Maybe, the length of the book limited the discussion, but I wasn't satisfied.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 2 out of 5]

An evangelical Christian, the author writes about the political history of evangelicals from his perspective. He addresses some of the major issues of the day with his own views on the meanings. This is not the approach by the other main stream Christian faiths.