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Political Danger
James R. Willson (1780-1853) was a Reformed Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and seminary professor known for his politico-religious activism and philanthropic efforts. Political Danger presents a number of his essays (many never published before) written between 1809-1838. Though these articles address the political controversies of the time, they are nevertheless remarkably compelling and fresh today.
456 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 23, 2024
This book is a collection of sermons and pamphlets that have been lightly edited to present to a modern audience. The collection centers on the Mediatorial Reign of Christ over all nations, the question of slavery, and the relationship of church and state, specifically on the issue of the Sabbath. It is interesting to read these knowing what happened later, but the author has no way of knowing about the impending Civil War that would take place.
As a collection, some chapters are better than others in my estimation. The best chapters were Chapters 5 ("Essay on Tolerance," 1823), 8 ("The Sabbath and Civil Government," 1829), and 9 ("Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion," 1832).
The crux of the issue can be summed in one quote from the book: "It is a remnant of paganism to maintain that while all duties that are strictly religious can be accepted in Christ, civil duties may be performed well and approved of God w/o reference to the Mediator of the new covenant." In other words, nations are to submit to, obey, and enforce God's law as civil magistrates. The moral law does not suddenly become abrogated simply because one moves from the individual/family sphere, to the public/legislative/national sphere.
Willson points out that nations have a responsibility to acknowledge and own God as their God in their founding documents, which is NOT the case with the Constitution. One prime example is that no religious test can be given for one seeking to hold public office. Therefore, atheists and false professors of religion can hold public office in America which is an affront to the authority Christ has delegated to civil magistrates as His servants.
This is a helpful book to include for one seeking to develop a "political theology" founded upon Scripture. I believe every Christian, especially in America, should read this book and think more deeply about civil government, political theology, and Christianity. My major quibble with the book and what keeps me from giving it 5 stars is that there are tons of glaring editorial mistakes, including entire words being omitted.
As a collection, some chapters are better than others in my estimation. The best chapters were Chapters 5 ("Essay on Tolerance," 1823), 8 ("The Sabbath and Civil Government," 1829), and 9 ("Prince Messiah's Claims to Dominion," 1832).
The crux of the issue can be summed in one quote from the book: "It is a remnant of paganism to maintain that while all duties that are strictly religious can be accepted in Christ, civil duties may be performed well and approved of God w/o reference to the Mediator of the new covenant." In other words, nations are to submit to, obey, and enforce God's law as civil magistrates. The moral law does not suddenly become abrogated simply because one moves from the individual/family sphere, to the public/legislative/national sphere.
Willson points out that nations have a responsibility to acknowledge and own God as their God in their founding documents, which is NOT the case with the Constitution. One prime example is that no religious test can be given for one seeking to hold public office. Therefore, atheists and false professors of religion can hold public office in America which is an affront to the authority Christ has delegated to civil magistrates as His servants.
This is a helpful book to include for one seeking to develop a "political theology" founded upon Scripture. I believe every Christian, especially in America, should read this book and think more deeply about civil government, political theology, and Christianity. My major quibble with the book and what keeps me from giving it 5 stars is that there are tons of glaring editorial mistakes, including entire words being omitted.
October 14, 2020
Can we learn from the past? Can biblical truth transcend the times? In Political Danger, Crown and Covenant Publishing presents James Renwick Willson’s “Essays on the Mediatorial Kingship of Christ Over Nations and Their Political Institutions.”
Courageous and Captivating
Wilson represented the American-born second-generation leadership of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He was was a Reformed Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and seminary professor. This book is a clear display of his politico-religious activism.
Political Danger consists of twelve articles and addresses by J. R. Willson from 1809 to 1838. Masterfully edited by Gordon J. Keddie, this book presents 450 pages of courageous and captivating truth. Keddie serves as a gracious guide, carefully inserting editor’s notes to help explain historical context and theological connotations.
Unique Perspective
One key to seeing the significance of this book is in understanding Willson’s unique perspective. Willson had lived through every administration since Washington, and his religious takes on politics was unparalleled at the time.
He was quick to claim Christ’s Kingship over nations. He saw the connection between civil government and the correct principles of moral social order. He exclaimed: “Emancipate all the slaves at once and forever, open to them the portals of knowledge, and open wide for them the doors of the temple of the Lord.”
Listen and Learn
“Political Danger” is the name of the sermon that Willson preached preached on January 6, 1825. The occasion was a fast observed by several churches in Newburgh, New York. The text was Psalm 12:8: “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” Willson held Christians and politicians to a high moral standard that was grounded in God’s Word. His words ring true today. We would do well to listen and learn.
I received a media copy of Political Danger and this is my honest review.
Courageous and Captivating
Wilson represented the American-born second-generation leadership of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. He was was a Reformed Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and seminary professor. This book is a clear display of his politico-religious activism.
Political Danger consists of twelve articles and addresses by J. R. Willson from 1809 to 1838. Masterfully edited by Gordon J. Keddie, this book presents 450 pages of courageous and captivating truth. Keddie serves as a gracious guide, carefully inserting editor’s notes to help explain historical context and theological connotations.
Unique Perspective
One key to seeing the significance of this book is in understanding Willson’s unique perspective. Willson had lived through every administration since Washington, and his religious takes on politics was unparalleled at the time.
He was quick to claim Christ’s Kingship over nations. He saw the connection between civil government and the correct principles of moral social order. He exclaimed: “Emancipate all the slaves at once and forever, open to them the portals of knowledge, and open wide for them the doors of the temple of the Lord.”
Listen and Learn
“Political Danger” is the name of the sermon that Willson preached preached on January 6, 1825. The occasion was a fast observed by several churches in Newburgh, New York. The text was Psalm 12:8: “The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.” Willson held Christians and politicians to a high moral standard that was grounded in God’s Word. His words ring true today. We would do well to listen and learn.
I received a media copy of Political Danger and this is my honest review.
July 7, 2014
A very important book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews