Body Broken: Can Republicans and Democrats Sit in the Same Pew?

by Charles D. Drew

Can Christians Be Political Activists without Hating Each Other?

As the next presidential election comes into view, Americans are deciding where to stand on key issues. The church has often been as politically divided as the culture, but Charles Drew offers an alternative for people who care deeply about their faith, about Christian harmony, and about the church's calling in the world. In this updated and revised version of A Public Faith (NavPress 2000), Drew helps Christians develop practical biblical convictions about critical social and political issues.

Distinguishing between moral principle and political strategy, Body Broken equips believers to maintain the unity of the church while building their political activism upon a thoughtful and biblical foundation. Drew helps Christians of all political persuasions understand how to practice servanthood, cooperation, and integrity in today's public square.
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Charles D. Drew, M.Div., has pastored for thirty years in Virginia, Long Island, and New York, all in university settings. He presently serves as the senior minister of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, which he founded in 2000 near Columbia University. He speaks frequently to university groups and churches and is the author of The Ancient Love Song and A Journey Worth Taking . He and his wife, Jean, have two married children and two grandchildren.

Genres: Christian Living, Politics, Nonfiction, Ecclesiology, Ebooks, Christianity, Theology

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Kevin Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this is a reprint (the book originally came out in 2000 from NavPress), it is as timely now as it was then. 2012, in case you're living in a cave that has WiFi, is an election year. Things are heating up, this summer's political party conventions will be coming up soon and then the race is on.

I am not a political animal; I've only held one elected office––the Senior Class President of 1977. I almost shun most political discussions. Either they don't interest me or I just can't figure out how to be civil about things

Drew knows this is the case for many other Christians as well. It is very difficult, especially in an election year, for brothers and sisters who have opposing political views to worship together, to serve together, even to love one another. I've watched this play itself out in another church with people I know very well. They are a clear minority in a typical evangelical church and are often made to feel the weight of that a great deal.

Drew longs to see a better way, so he sets out to make us stop and think hard about what we're doing as Christians in this land. He does a masterful job of this. By making the reader look hard at what he or she loves the most, by seeing the two kingdoms in which we live, and giving solid, practical help (both in the form of discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as in the appendices), Drew provides a valuable resource for any time, but particularly for a presidential election year.

I leaned upon the first three chapters for a recent sermon I preached at Cornerstone EFC. I was drawing a lengthy series from the book of Titus to a close, it was the Sunday prior to the Fourth of July and I wanted to make one last impression how we are to live the gospel out in the world around us. I think it struck a chord; I've had more reaction to this particular message than just about any other in that series.

Thank you, Pastor Drew. You've offered a valuable service to the Kingdom.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather interesting book as you can already see from the full title of this book. I have seen how politics can divide Christians, and it is a totally sad thing to behold. I guess for me personally I felt like this book didn't deal with some of the things that I was hoping that it would, for instance what the Bible says, and perhaps instead of agruing just ask that someone would prayfully consider looking at what their Bible has to say about a certain issue.

This book was for the most part about how we shouldn't let something like politics separate us from the other members in our family of Christ followers. And though I do agree that we shouldn't go to church to tell people how to vote nor is that the main goal of the church, but I do believe that if the Bible speaks about a certain issue then we should not avoid it. But when talking about it, not talk about it from a political standpoint, but rather stand with the truth in the Bible.

I have noticed a growing trend in churches that I find rather sad, there are congregations named for their political parties. And I don't want to you to think that I am against people who do that, but I do believe, that as this book expresses no church should ever have a main goal of politcal power. Our main goal should always be to win unbelievers to Christ.

Overall, I would say that this book was about not letting politics divide the church of Jesus Christ, and how we should seek to love them, even if we don't agree with them and not bring those disputes to church. In my way of thinking I would have liked it if there had been a focus on kindly pointing your brother or sister in Christ to the Bible whenever a conflict arises. I'm not sure that I can honestly recommend this book, but I think that the author make his case for church unity despite politics, for sure :)

I recieved this book from the publisher and B&B Media in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

[Mary Ellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instead of a review, here’s my favorite passage from the book: “Imagine what sort of a nation we might be today if in significant numbers we were to bring our public behavior under the scrutiny of a biblically educated conscience. Imagine, in other words, what it might be like if God were deeply feared by many Americans, not in response to a top-down government mandate (that would be impossible), but in response to heart-changing divine impact. Though utopia would still elude us, things would improve, perhaps dramatically. As more people at every level of cultural influence began policing themselves and the communities in which they are involved, crime would diminish, along with the cost of law enforcement and incarceration. Bad debts would diminish as more people found trusting contentment in what they have and chose for that reason not to live beyond their means. Better stories would find their way to TV and screen as screenwriters and producers worked harder to find and tell them. Greater openness to the things that please God would find its way to the editorial pages of leading newspapers. Universities would welcome an intelligent theism into the marketplace of ideas. The pornography industry would shrivel up, as would human trafficking, because demand would drop off dramatically. Domestic violence, both physical and psychological, would begin to give way before the happy pressure of love and faithfulness, with incalculable benefits to children (and to their children after them). The demand for drugs would diminish as increasing numbers of people found meaning and love under the reign of Christ. Streets, sky, and rivers would be cleaner as more people thought twice about polluting God’s earth. Integrity in business would be more common, reducing the necessity for bureaucratic monitoring and litigation, both of which absorb colossal amounts of time, energy, and money. Hope and trust would exercise a stronger influence upon the tone of public discourse, occasioning more courtesy and less accusation, more creativity and less complaint, more optimism and less cynicism. Mercy, generosity, goodness, and justice, rising freely from every corner of the culture—from “regular” people and the elite alike—would build the sort of quality community that government could never successfully impose.”

[Marc Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might think this book was published in the last two years, but it was originally published under a different name in 2000. This second edition was published in 2012.

It provides ideas for ways to work together as a church to discuss issues without creating a church break. Additionally, it challenges the readers on all sides of the political debate to consider why the others believe the way they do.

I cannot remember how I chose to obtain this book; however, I am thankful that I did. I would recommend holding a small group study in your church. I will be leading one in mine this fall.

While no book can provide all the answers, a book that encourages dialogue is better than a book that leads people to believe God is behind any political party or candidate.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I get and appreciate what the author was trying to do and there were some good points. However, I could not get past the point that the author seemed to think that politics were purely a matter of opinion and not of morality, and that because they are opinion we should just agree to disagree and should leave politics out of church and the church out of politics. I disagree with that. :) Politics are all about morality and that is why I cannot concede to the other side, even though I can continue to treat people on the other side as God would have me treat them, and that it why it is vital for the church to be involved.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Begins as a compelling argument for having views that influence politics without letting them be divisive in the church. Ends with steps to take to go from views to actions. This is a great book for Christians this year...like a how to guide for working in the time/place you are while keeping the big picture of God's kingdom in view.

Questions at the end of each chapter are the opposite of cheesy Bible study-type application questions. They are connected to Scripture or history or current events, thoughtful, and worthy of consideration as they help the reader form clear next steps. Highly, highly recommend this book any year but especially in 2020-2021.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say when I began reading this book that I was thinking the author would be telling me that I had to vote, or had to be politically active – but that wasn’t the case at all. I liked that the author let the reader make up their mind based on conviction from the Lord – how we approach our political bend – without making either side, political or not, feel belittled or elevated. I’ve seen how political divides churches, friends and families – and when it happens within the church it not only hurts us but it’s a grave sin against the Lord. Can I disagree with a fellow Christian who doesn’t believe abortion is murder? Yes. Oftentimes though our words turn to swords and they hurt and maim and, for or against, the words we issue forth can rip a person’s faith.



Using Scripture and historical analysis for his book gives him some solid ground to stand on. With not getting to personal – I don’t feel led, as a Christian, to enter into the political world and I don’t agree with the statement “to not vote is to vote” (research our voting process) and while we still have to help promote a Christian world view it doesn’t always have to be through political means. If you’re a die hard politico or if you’re a Christian who prefers to do things through other avenues, this book will have you evaluating your beliefs and either become stronger in them or having you rethink them in context of Scripture.



Sometimes it was a bit heavy and it took me awhile to get through some chapters, and I made the mistake of reading some before bed – do not do this – some things will get lost between sleep and waking. I liked the conversational tone and his personal experiences especially the one where he decided after much thought and prayer, that the flag does not belong on or near the pulpit and it was moved to the back of the church. This met with resistance – but I’m glad he took this stance, as a Navy Vet, it’s hard to come to my convictions as everyone expects you to be pro-America, pro-flag, pro-voting and pro-politics but that isn’t where my allegiance lies, it lies with Christ and His Kingdom then I am American second. Do I agree with everything in this book? No. However, the things I disagreed with were minor compared to what I do agree with.



**Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book through B&B Media in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does this book have all the answers? No.

Does this book have some VERY GOOD answers? Absolutely!

This book was brought to my attention by the youth ministry leader at my church. We recently had a talk about issues I was having (perceiving?) in the church -- which is a very conservative Southern Baptist church. As much as I love my church, I often find myself at odds with other people in it. For example: I don't believe Noah brought dinosaurs on the ark, I think gay marriage is fine as long as the government doesn't force religious institutions to perform them (it should be the church's choice), and I have no problem believing evolution is science. Even though I am actually a registered independent, most people I talk to probably think I am a democrat because of things like that.

It can be extremely frustrating being one of a handful of people that feel or believe a certain thing, and feeling like it's not okay to talk about it because I don't want to cause problems. I was whispering to another member of my church, "I believe in evolution. Don't tell anyone." He whispered back, "Me too!" Why do we feel like we have to whisper?!

The author has an answer for that: We are so used to polarizing in our culture that we unfortunately bring that bad habit to church with us. It's either all or nothing -- there's not much room for discussing or compromise. He has some ideas to help churches facilitate productive discussion among its members, including praying for people we may perceive as enemies (Iraqi military for example), asking the question "Is this good for the community in which God has placed me?" instead of simply "Is this legal/acceptable?," and resist the temptation to make people "Christian by force." For example, supporting particular laws or amendments that would force people to adhere to a particular Christian doctrine. Jesus never intended for any one nation to establish a theocracy. It is a great error if we attempt to do so.

The author is certainly a conservative, but not glaringly so. He treats each issue with thought and care, and challenges each of us to do the same. I would highly recommend this to all Christians.

[Herb Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book I cringed a little. Not because I didn't like the catchy cover photo or the title, it was more the subtitle that got me. The subtitle is: "Can Republicans and Democrats Sit in the Same Pew?" The reason for my cringing on a subtitle like this is that I live in Canada. We don't have Republicans and Democrats. In fact we don't cloak our political leanings with fancy names; we're a little more blunt (how unCanadian). For most of Canada's existence there has been two main political entities: the Conservative Party and the Liberal Party.

Once my initial aversion was overcome, however, I began to read Charles Drew's book. and, to my delight and surprise, he doesn't only focus on the issues that matter to American voters (although he does speak to them). His words cross the border into Canada and affect our political situation as well.

Anywhere you have people who disagree on issues related to politics, community, governance and law, you usually have a Republican/Democrat divide. Drew's appeal in the book is not that we abandon our conservative or liberal leanings, but that we begin to listen to each other and learn about each other. It's a great idea.

I did get a little frustrated at Drew's lack of engagement on particular issues. For instance, a couple of times in the book he says that certain problems - which he brings up - are "outside the scope of this book." I was hoping to see how his plea for dialogue and understanding might actually look when applied to a thorny political issue.

However, the book serves as a great primer for a conversation on how the left and right treat each other. My prayer is that it will open gospel-centered conversations between those who lean in different political directions. There are none so deaf, after all, as those who refuse to listen.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of the political books that are unbiased politically. I love books that simply speak the truth in all instances. Broken Body (a re-release) is the perfect example of the book every Christian should read in this venom-filled political season.

Drew tackles a number of issues for Christians to grapple with - both Democrat and Republican. He does it all with a humility and gentleness that everyone will read and understand. Without all the heated rhetoric, what are the pundits to do?

If you consider yourself a Christian and you're interested in politics - you have to read this book.

Among other things, Drew writes about how to keep the church focused on the kingdom of God and not to be so easily distracted by the political hot-talk.

He explains the two-kingdom mentality and what it means to give Caesar his due while giving God His.

This book levels the playing the field in a society that loves to claim God is on their own side while vilifying the other side. You will not finished this book unchanged.

This book was provided for review, at no cost, by New Growth Press.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book on a topic that is near to my heart as a pastor. How does the church manifest the unity that Christ commanded it to pursue, when there is so much political disagreement within the church?

Charles Drew's book wrestles with that question, along with working through what it would mean for Christians to be involved in social and political issues in a way that retains a Kingdom of God-orientation.

It is a very good book. I recommend it for laity.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 — First Principles
Chapter 2 — Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Chapter 3 — Keeping the Church Focused
Chapter 4 — Exemplary Ambassadors
Chapter 5 — Two Kingdoms
Chapter 6 — Giving Caesar His Due
Chapter 7 — Giving God His Due
Chapter 8 — Making a Difference: Three Approaches
Chapter 9 — Two More Approaches: Pressing On and Keeping It Simple

[Ronit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some really good points and skills that should be taken seriously and put into practice by Christians, very practical. I would have enjoyed it better, however, if it had engaged with what this looks like when being led by the Spirit, but other than a cursory byline type of mention it was sorely lacking in that department.

[Mark Enlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because the author tied his ideas back to scripture. He also reminded me to be incarnational because of Jesus involvement in the world. He engaged but not with triumphalism that makes us impatient with our neighbor rather by choosing personal engagement we "choose faithfulness and service over outcomes leaving the latter to God."

[Jeff Learned · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to get a person thinking about ethics and politics. A good use of scripture as well.

Some key concepts to help us work with those with who we may have disagreements: respect, cooperation, diversity,simplicity, and integrity.

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful help to think about how we advocate as Christians in the public forum and as private citizens, and how to separate the "church" from the individual.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the relationship between the church and politics. Drew provides thoughtful and insightful analysis in a way that challenges but does no alienate.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Changed my entire experience of the political season

[Luke Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book. I was mildly disappointed. Is careful and balanced. Hunter is big influence.