Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire

by Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle

Why do politics divide so many Christians today, when the Bible—not a partisan identity or particular news outlet—should be our ultimate source of guidance on critical issues?
 
In Exiles , Preston Sprinkle examines how Israel’s exile to Babylon, Jesus’ mission on earth, and the teachings of Paul all shaped the church’s relationship with politics and can inform our own relationship with politics today. In recent years, politics have divided our families, friendships, and churches in shocking ways. What if instead of defining ourselves as Republican or Democrat, we considered ourselves “exiles in Babylon” and turned to Scripture, not political parties, to shape our most passionate values?
 
As Preston Sprinkle teaches us in Exiles , the first-century church was not an apolitical spiritual gathering, where Christians left their Roman politics at the door. It also wasn’t a place where Christians mounted a Roman flag next to—or above—a Christian one. Church was meant to be a place, a family, a gathering where God’s plan for governing the world was revealed and practiced, where one could witness what God thinks about economics, immigration, abortion, the death penalty, war, violence, power, justice, sexuality, and what it means to follow the Creator’s design for human flourishing.
 
In this rich and timely book, Preston explores
 
• Prophetic witness—rather than isolation or transformation—is the best approach to the relationship between church and state
• Tearing down walls of ethnocentricism is critical to spreading the gospel
• Israel’s exile to Babylon profoundly shaped their political identity
• The Roman empire was in the foreground of Jesus’ mission
• Revelation can shape our understanding of political resistance
 
Total allegiance to either political party is toxic. It dilutes the church’s witness, damages our relationships, and weakens our faith. Discover a more biblical, powerful way to live in a secular world. Discover what it means to live in exile.
 
 

Genres: Politics

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Jake Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is clear that partisanship, nationalism, and tribalism are not just dividing America, but are wreacking havoc in the Church, splitting denominations, congregations, and even families. Sprinkle delivers a passionate plea to Christians everywhere to resist the allure of Babylon and its idolatrous demands. He makes a compelling case that Babylon is representative in the Bible of both past (Babylon itself, Persia, Greece, Rome, etc.) and future empires (or empire-like) of which America is one.

Tracing the story of Scripture, Sprinkle carefully shows that the testimony of the Bible bears witness to the idea that we are exiles living in a foreign land under the temporary rule of Babylon. From Abraham and his sojourn in Canaan to the Israelites and their slavery to Egypt to Judah's captivity in Babylon, God's people have consistently functioned as sojourners and strangers among the nations, politically powerless yet called to be a blessing to the nations in which they resided.

Rather than advocating for a centrist or modern political position, Sprinkle argues that Christians should reject the left/right framework and instead recognize that politics influenced by Jesus exists on an entirely different plane. Followers of Jesus should recognize the dignity of the unborn, advocate for social justice, welcome the immigrant and refugee, and, above all, love their enemies.

This is an excellent, theologically sound framework for a better way in politics. It's a challenge to many who have given their allegiance to an elephant or a donkey and a balm to those tired of seeing the way of Jesus co-opted by the forces of Babylon. I look forward to buying copies to give to others.

[Robyn Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author describes this book as "disruptive," and I agree - in a very good way. His perspective on what it means to be "in the world, but not of the world" is a refreshing take on the battle-scarred landscape of Jesus-followers torn between political allegiances.

The book has stirred up quite a lot of challenging thoughts for me around what it means to partner with "the empire,"and it has sparked important conversations with fellow believers around what allegiance means. As policital discourse ramps up for another U.S. presidential election, this book was a helpful preparation for my heart - it reminded me that living a Christ-like life in my local community is where I should primarily invest my time and resources to live out the values of the upside-down kingdom. While I don't yet know where I fall in terms of agreement with all of the author's views, I appreciate his courage in tackling a tough topic with humility and careful study of Scripture.

[Matthew Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. I think Sprinkle’s message here is just absolutely vital for the church today. Especially right now. His argument is that the church needs to fundamentally view itself as a community of exiles, that doesn’t see itself as belonging to the kingdoms of this world. His Scriptural support for this is excellent. And some of the ways he expresses it are fantastic. For instance: why do we refer to the United States as “us?” If the Church is our primary identity, shouldn’t that override our national identities? If so, the way we approach so many political issues completely changes. The author really challenges a lot of our political assumptions, and does so well. I believe the Church today needs this message, and I highly recommend anyone read this. Some of his arguments go into some weird directions with some questionable interpretation of Rome, etc. in the New Testament, which is the only thing keeping this from 5 stars.

[Vincent Waldron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preston Sprinkle is a well known podcaster and author. In this book, "Exiles: The Church in the Shadow of Empire," he attempts to address how Christians should apply New Testament teaching with involvement in modern democracy.

He writes from an American standpoint and identifies many of the trappings of empire seen in ancient civilizations like Persia and Rome as being present in the United States today. Jeremiah told the Jewish people in Babylon to build homes and plant vineyards, but his focus seems to have been on the length of time they would be in Babylon, not that they should become overly tied to Babylon.

I think the strongest aspects of this book have to do with the identification of empire with the US and the ways in which he points out the Jesus' was not apolitical. That is, Jesus ministry was perceived by Roman officials as being political in nature, even if His followers did not serve as magistrates or get involved with politics.

Of course, there were minimal opportunities for Christians at the time of Christ to interact with government and due to the prevalence of emperor worship, few of them would have been palatable to believers.

On the other hand, today, much is open for Christians and the question becomes how they should be involved in politics. He sees three possible paths, total involvement in politics, abstaining from politics (Stanley Hauerwas/Anabaptist view), or bringing a prophetic voice into the political arena. Not surprisingly, he feels the third option is best -- that is, if you are thinking about gun control, your question should be how you as a Christian can prevent gun violence, not whether the talking points on the left or right are spouted ad nauseum. If you are thinking about abortions, the biggest question isn't legality, but how you can minister to the needs of single mothers in your community.

This is the part that I struggle with the most because my experience tells me that those who become involved with politics over time become enmeshed with political parties. As long as we see ourselves as Americans -- even if we are Christians first, it will be hard for us to have Biblical views of things like healthcare, immigration, or taking care of the poor in our communities. I don't know what the best governmental policies are for these things, but I know that as a Christian I have a responsibility to minister to "the least of these my brethren."

It seems that the church in the shadow of empire has lost its way -- much as the church did in the time of Constantine. Maybe this short book can point in the right direction, the direction of true allegiance to the cross and kingdom of Christ.

[Boaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preston Sprinkle writes with clarity on the exilic nature of the church and the Jewish people in relation to empire. He writes that the New Testament church was full of politically charged concepts (ex. ekklesia/church also refers to a political gathering) that ran counter to the culture advanced by the Roman empire. From the Old Testament to the book of Revelation, the language and theme of exile is prominent throughout. We are to be in the world, but not to be transformed by the power dynamics of the world. In the empires of this world, we can give our allegiance to only one king. Preston boldly proclaims Christ as king deserving of our full allegiance while advocating the church be a prophetic witness that does not entangle itself within the power structures of empire to compromise its witness.

If believers identify more with their country (ex. saying "we" or "us" when talking about a national identity) than the global church of Christians, this indicates our loyalty is to empire and not Christ. While we are biblically called to bless the cities we live in and to live peaceably, when it comes down to it: we are to obey God and not men. The higher law and nature of God supersedes unjust laws.

Preston's book hits exactly the right notes on that the church should be asking the question, "Is it biblical?" rather than considering a point of view wrong because it comes from a different political party or a view that isn't from a trusted news source. I thought the ending of the book fell a bit flat as it was more like a glossary of assorted opinions (almost all I agreed with!) rather than a summarized conclusion to the book. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book if you want to steep your soul with a scriptural perspective of our politics today.

[Justin Uhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time when evangelical Christians are more defined by their political affiliation than their public witness, Preston, as he does in his other writings and podcast, calls us to question our presuppositions and reorient our perspective. Much like Essau McCaulley or Justin Giboney, he calls to live a life of prophetic witness in the world, not just as middling compromise of political and social mush, but as members of God's "already, not yet" kingdom. A true third way in a binary political landscape.

Sprinkle does an excellent job of laying out the biblical, historical case for what he proposes, and for how we should live and embody God's kingdom here on earth. I was challenged, engaged, and learned a great deal. His perspective is well considered and shaped my current political outlook. I highly recommend every person read this book to better understand how Christians might better engage in the political landscape and serve as a prophetic witness in this world.

[Michael Shawn Carbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I absolutely resonated with the overwhelming biblical evidence provided in this book for a view that takes seriously allegiance to the Kingdom of God over and even against the kingdoms of this world. There’s a litany of Scriptures to support an alternative way of living that doesn’t become consumed with partisan ideologies. Instead Preston encourages us to embody the totally counter cultural way of Christ defined by radical love, even for our enemies.

[Samuel Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise layout of a Biblical theology of politics that leans toward an “anabaptist” approach.
Really enjoyed and found many sympathies with Sprinkle’s views. I appreciated that he directly addressed the most common objections that I hear as someone who generally aligns with his approach.

[Thomas]

Book report worthy. Listened to audiobook, bought paperback to make notes and summary.

Does Sprinkle have a political bias? Knowing nothing else about him he may be considered slightly left on the US political sprectrum, but the scripture he uses and the points he make are above that bias.