What do you think?
Rate this book
The Role of Pastors and Christians in Civil Government
Excellent Book
56 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
David Barton
293 books267 followersDavid Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America's forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.
David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.
His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 3, 2022
And extremely quick read but I was blown away by all Barton reveals and the common sense he deploys to make the strong case that politics/civil life and the church/Christians/Christianity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s just the opposite.
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve grown up maybe going to church, and most likely, that church barely, if ever, delved into political issues. Is this right? Is this the way it should be? Perhaps to some extent, yes. But for the overwhelming number of issues, the answer is no, and this book is really just an introduction to the Church’s whole role in society, culture, and civil life. But for the last several decades, the Church has neglected this responsibility of stewardship. If we expect history to continue the way it has for the last ~200 years, with unprecedented peace, wealth, innovation, and general progress, there is no point where the Church is left behind in that. It must have a role or else we’ll continue back down this old path toward decadence and chaos.
History has shown that Christianity ushered in the West. And the Bible is clear on why such a thing could happen and should continue to happen through the Church. It’s up to us.
Would highly recommend.
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve grown up maybe going to church, and most likely, that church barely, if ever, delved into political issues. Is this right? Is this the way it should be? Perhaps to some extent, yes. But for the overwhelming number of issues, the answer is no, and this book is really just an introduction to the Church’s whole role in society, culture, and civil life. But for the last several decades, the Church has neglected this responsibility of stewardship. If we expect history to continue the way it has for the last ~200 years, with unprecedented peace, wealth, innovation, and general progress, there is no point where the Church is left behind in that. It must have a role or else we’ll continue back down this old path toward decadence and chaos.
History has shown that Christianity ushered in the West. And the Bible is clear on why such a thing could happen and should continue to happen through the Church. It’s up to us.
Would highly recommend.
October 29, 2021
Very good read on how Christians should be involved in government.
July 5, 2014
Excellent book showing the Founding Fathers were mostly Christian, and for the few that were not Christians even they were pro-Christianity and pro-Bible. Cites writings from the men themselves and their contemporaries.
August 15, 2021
This is a super short read - only 38 pages. However, it is packed with enough information to open your eyes to how important and relevant ministers where in providing a vocal voice regarding the political affairs of the day.
It wasn't until 1954, when a US Senator became responsible for enacting a policy that treated non-profit organizations, including churches, differently. He had been criticized for his political affiliations and his private business dealings and, not liking that criticism, he added a rider to an appropriation bill in the Senate stipulating for the first time that a 501(c)(3) organization - and churches are 501(c)(3) organizations - must stay out of the political arena.
Pastors and ministers have been crucial to our foundation and we should not be limiting their free speech because of a policy enacted in 1954. Christians are encouraged to be good stewards as in Luke 19.
It wasn't until 1954, when a US Senator became responsible for enacting a policy that treated non-profit organizations, including churches, differently. He had been criticized for his political affiliations and his private business dealings and, not liking that criticism, he added a rider to an appropriation bill in the Senate stipulating for the first time that a 501(c)(3) organization - and churches are 501(c)(3) organizations - must stay out of the political arena.
Pastors and ministers have been crucial to our foundation and we should not be limiting their free speech because of a policy enacted in 1954. Christians are encouraged to be good stewards as in Luke 19.
June 13, 2020
David Barton has written a short, yet powerful book that not only Christians should read, but political leaders and those serving in government as well. Succinctly stated, he backs up his research with primary source materials and that counts more than our opinions of what the Founding Fathers thought or based their decisions on.
March 5, 2021
What does Separation of Church and State REALLY mean?
That's exactly what Mr. Barton explains in this short booklet that everyone should be familiar with. It's a great reminder of why our founding fathers wrote the Constitution of the United States and why it is still so relevant for the survival of this nation.
That's exactly what Mr. Barton explains in this short booklet that everyone should be familiar with. It's a great reminder of why our founding fathers wrote the Constitution of the United States and why it is still so relevant for the survival of this nation.
January 17, 2026
Short booklet primarily evidencing the Christian character and faith of the founders. I would say it is poorly titled, only spends a couple pages on the "role of pastors and christians" for today.
But all that to say America was founded by and for Christians and we need to recapture that vision and involve ourselves in every area if we hope to leave a country to our children's children.
But all that to say America was founded by and for Christians and we need to recapture that vision and involve ourselves in every area if we hope to leave a country to our children's children.
March 16, 2022
Great book- I almost docked it a star because I thought it was more of a self-help book for pastors. But that's not the book's fault. Ha. He's a historician and a darn good one! A must read to counter culture's interpretation of history!
May 30, 2025
Good read
March 9, 2013
An excellent treatise using biblical references to present reasoning for active involvement of Christians in civil government. Mr . Barton quotes the founding fathers, ( foot noting said quotes) to present a rebuttal to the current proclamations that the signers of the Constitution were not Christians and thus would not be in favor of Christians in government and leading by the guidance of their God. It is very well written and only 38 pages long. Once again Mr. Barton presents me with an "Operator's Manuel" for refuting misrepresentations of the Founders.
August 26, 2010
Another great book from David Barton. One of my favorit quotes "Psalms 33:12 declares that blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord; this nation has been blessed from its beginning, and if America does not stay blessed, it will be because Christians did not stay involved. Get involved - make a positive difference in America again! ~David Barton~
December 30, 2013
I think the title was a bit mis-leading. If you're looking for a treatise on what the Bible says for Christians to do in modern politics, then you won't find it. Instead, this was more of a "this is what happened in the 1700s" information. Interesting, but not really helpful in defining what the role should be--which is what I was expecting.
wishlist
September 1, 2011I would like this in the Kindle Edition when it is available.
October 20, 2016
Homerun! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a minister of the Gospel, this book gave me renewed energy to get the Johnson Amendment repealed. Thank you Mr. Barton!
November 25, 2012
Pretty good. Great footnotes.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews