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Citizenship Without Illusions: A Christian Guide to Political Engagement
- GenresPolitics
168 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2024
4 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
David T. Koyzis
8 books15 followersDavid T. Koyzis holds the PhD in government and international studies from the University of Notre Dame. He taught undergraduate political science for thirty years.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 22, 2024
Book Review Rating: 7/10
This Book Is:
- A short and accessible book on political engagement for Christians.
- Easy to read due to many personal stories and anecdotes.
- A global perspective (not overly focused on politics in the US).
- Practical and applicable to our current political moment.
This Book Is Not:
- A partisan perspective on politics.
My Takeaways:
- Rights and Responsibilities: My top takeaway is the importance of the responsibilities that come along with the rights of living in a democracy. I tend to take the rights for granted. I would prefer to enjoy the rights without the responsibilities. For, me the most interesting part of politics is understanding why people think what they think. This intellectual exercise doesn't actually change anything in reality. The extent of my political involvement historically has been limited to voting in major elections. Koyzis provides good prompts to think about what mobilizing for political action could look like.
- Think Local: In the US, the election for president dominates the political focus of most Americans. The practical reason for this is the media. The presidential election is the election that we all vote on. A local election in a small community isn't going to get the attention of anyone beyond the community. The reality is that the local elections are where individuals have the most agency to create change that will have the most impact on their daily lives. Local politics also requires more of us. It takes more effort to attend the city council meetings and the school board meetings. Local politics provides a more concrete way to love my neighbor than merely voting for a national election.
- Why Some Votes Don't Matter: My last takeaway is the way our current electoral system in the US doesn't work well. It was enlightening to learn about the ways other countries try to balance the local/territorial-based needs and the geographically dispersed political positions/parties. In some countries you vote for individual candidates, while in others you vote for a particular party. In some you vote for both. I don't see the electoral system changing any time soon in the US, but I think it would go a long way to create more moderation that aligns better with what most Americans actually desire.
Click here to read the full review at Faithful Intellect.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This Book Is:
- A short and accessible book on political engagement for Christians.
- Easy to read due to many personal stories and anecdotes.
- A global perspective (not overly focused on politics in the US).
- Practical and applicable to our current political moment.
This Book Is Not:
- A partisan perspective on politics.
My Takeaways:
- Rights and Responsibilities: My top takeaway is the importance of the responsibilities that come along with the rights of living in a democracy. I tend to take the rights for granted. I would prefer to enjoy the rights without the responsibilities. For, me the most interesting part of politics is understanding why people think what they think. This intellectual exercise doesn't actually change anything in reality. The extent of my political involvement historically has been limited to voting in major elections. Koyzis provides good prompts to think about what mobilizing for political action could look like.
- Think Local: In the US, the election for president dominates the political focus of most Americans. The practical reason for this is the media. The presidential election is the election that we all vote on. A local election in a small community isn't going to get the attention of anyone beyond the community. The reality is that the local elections are where individuals have the most agency to create change that will have the most impact on their daily lives. Local politics also requires more of us. It takes more effort to attend the city council meetings and the school board meetings. Local politics provides a more concrete way to love my neighbor than merely voting for a national election.
- Why Some Votes Don't Matter: My last takeaway is the way our current electoral system in the US doesn't work well. It was enlightening to learn about the ways other countries try to balance the local/territorial-based needs and the geographically dispersed political positions/parties. In some countries you vote for individual candidates, while in others you vote for a particular party. In some you vote for both. I don't see the electoral system changing any time soon in the US, but I think it would go a long way to create more moderation that aligns better with what most Americans actually desire.
Click here to read the full review at Faithful Intellect.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
I'm not going to bury the lede: this is a phenomenal little book about Christian political engagement.
David T. Koyzis's new work is in some ways a distillation of his earlier work, Political Visions and Illusions, and in some ways is something that only could be written in our current political moment. The book begins with a brief sketch of what citizenship is supposed to be and then moves into a few different topics of interest:
- The tension Christians feel as members of two different kingdoms
- The importance (or lack thereof) of one's vote
- Mobilizing for political action
- Progressives, Conservatives, and how much a Christian can "belong" to a political party
- Whether we owe any allegiance to the broader globe beyond one's own borders
- Politics within the church
I realize that it's a bit sensationalist to say a book is "phenomenal," so let me defend that claim.
It's blessedly short
People who write about theology tend to be super wordy, and it's largely the same with politics. You'd think that a theological book about politics would be extra long, but instead it's really approachable.
It's convictional, yet hospitable
Koyzis writes from a Reformed perspective, but without the grating tone of self-assured cockiness that can often take. Instead, it strikes me as the best of what the Reformed perspective can be: rooted in Scripture with an eye toward engagement in the world while recognizing that there are other traditions that think about things in different ways. Koyzis demonstrates an admirable posture of speaking his own convictions but with charity and a willingness to understand those who disagree with him.
It offers a global perspective
A lot of Christian books are written by Americans and published by American publishers for a primarily American audience, and as such they suffer from tunnel vision. That can sound like, "Here's why all Christians must be Republican" (which assumes that all Christians live in democratic countries with a party called "Republican"), or it can sound like, "Here's why Christians can vote Democrat" (which rests on the same fundamental assumption). Plenty of Christians do not live under such a political system, though. Even in other democratic nations, the contours of political engagement for an individual are simply different. Koyzis manages to cover those differences without then descending into bland abstractions. It's still practical.
It offers wisdom to a post-2020 world
The racial unrest of 2020 gave white Christians who were willing to listen an awareness of why Black Christians tend to hold different party affiliations. Koyzis takes a different line from other Evangelicals and is able to see why sincere Christians of good faith would vote differently. Even so, he's open and earnest about his desire for Christians to feel a stronger bond to other Christians than to the party they vote for.
Should you read it?
Of all the books in this general territory that I've read, this is the one I'd recommend to folks. Are you going to agree with everything in it? Of course not—I know I don't. When I found myself disagreeing with him, though, he had earned my respect such that I was willing to hear him out rather than angrily dismissing him. When I think about the Christians in my life who are further left or further right than I am, I genuinely think I could recommend this to them and then have an interesting discussion from the questions he lists out at the back. So yes, I think you should read it!
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of a fair, unbiased review.
David T. Koyzis's new work is in some ways a distillation of his earlier work, Political Visions and Illusions, and in some ways is something that only could be written in our current political moment. The book begins with a brief sketch of what citizenship is supposed to be and then moves into a few different topics of interest:
- The tension Christians feel as members of two different kingdoms
- The importance (or lack thereof) of one's vote
- Mobilizing for political action
- Progressives, Conservatives, and how much a Christian can "belong" to a political party
- Whether we owe any allegiance to the broader globe beyond one's own borders
- Politics within the church
I realize that it's a bit sensationalist to say a book is "phenomenal," so let me defend that claim.
It's blessedly short
People who write about theology tend to be super wordy, and it's largely the same with politics. You'd think that a theological book about politics would be extra long, but instead it's really approachable.
It's convictional, yet hospitable
Koyzis writes from a Reformed perspective, but without the grating tone of self-assured cockiness that can often take. Instead, it strikes me as the best of what the Reformed perspective can be: rooted in Scripture with an eye toward engagement in the world while recognizing that there are other traditions that think about things in different ways. Koyzis demonstrates an admirable posture of speaking his own convictions but with charity and a willingness to understand those who disagree with him.
It offers a global perspective
A lot of Christian books are written by Americans and published by American publishers for a primarily American audience, and as such they suffer from tunnel vision. That can sound like, "Here's why all Christians must be Republican" (which assumes that all Christians live in democratic countries with a party called "Republican"), or it can sound like, "Here's why Christians can vote Democrat" (which rests on the same fundamental assumption). Plenty of Christians do not live under such a political system, though. Even in other democratic nations, the contours of political engagement for an individual are simply different. Koyzis manages to cover those differences without then descending into bland abstractions. It's still practical.
It offers wisdom to a post-2020 world
The racial unrest of 2020 gave white Christians who were willing to listen an awareness of why Black Christians tend to hold different party affiliations. Koyzis takes a different line from other Evangelicals and is able to see why sincere Christians of good faith would vote differently. Even so, he's open and earnest about his desire for Christians to feel a stronger bond to other Christians than to the party they vote for.
Should you read it?
Of all the books in this general territory that I've read, this is the one I'd recommend to folks. Are you going to agree with everything in it? Of course not—I know I don't. When I found myself disagreeing with him, though, he had earned my respect such that I was willing to hear him out rather than angrily dismissing him. When I think about the Christians in my life who are further left or further right than I am, I genuinely think I could recommend this to them and then have an interesting discussion from the questions he lists out at the back. So yes, I think you should read it!
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of a fair, unbiased review.
January 15, 2025
This is an excellent book to put in the hands of church members wondering about the implications their Kingdom citizenship has on their earthly citizenship in a nation-state. It’s biblically informed, wise, and accessible. The introduction gives an academic and theoretical first impression, but subsequent chapters quickly become practical and accessible.
April 11, 2025
Summary: How Christians may engage politically without giving idolatrous devotion to parties or ideologies.
For years I’ve found myself in this place. I recognize that we need good governance from the officials we elect. But I cannot fully endorse what either of our parties propound nor give unquestioning allegiance to person or party. What is difficult is that I have friends on both sides of the partisan divide who seem to give unflinching allegiance to their party and the people they have elected or want to elect. Often, I find conversations with such individuals futile. There is no questioning allowed and only one side is right on everything. It is particularly disconcerting when my friends resort to lies and character assassination to buttress their political allegiance. I grope for a different kind of political engagement or want to just withdraw.
Citizenship Without Illusions is written for people like me. In his introductory chapter, David T. Koyzis identifies the illusion of political idolatries yet refuses the route of disengagement. He believes we are called to active citizenship as Christians in society. But first, he focuses on the nature of citizenship. Koyzis argues that political rule has always existed but not citizenship. Citizenship arises with the idea of “the state as a public legal community of people led by a government.”
Koyzis then turns in Chapter 3 to a delineation of the responsibilities of citizenship. He maintains that citizens are part of a community whose first task is to do justice in all areas of public life. This includes obedience to the rule of law, including the payment of taxes, staying informed, thinking locally, where all politics begins, and answering the call of service, including both jury and military service. Koyzis explores the challenges of living out the call to citizenship when the opportunities for participation are limited. But sometimes the requirements of citizenship and Christian faithfulness may collide. Chapter 4 explores these conflicts, including the possibility of civil disobedience and what principles ought inform us should we choose this route.
Voting is an expression of our citizenship but what does one do when none of the alternatives are good? Koyzis talks about different systems and shows a preference for proportional representation rather than single member plurality, where only the winning votes are represented. But sometimes the only way to pursue change is through political mobilization. Chapter 6 introduces political mobilization and points to models like Voice of Calvary Ministries.
But what about our political divides? Chapter 7 analyzes our political divides and advocates for a kind of principled pluralism. Then Chapter 8 turns to our global context and explores the tension between our citizenship and love for our global neighbors and God’s world. Finally, Chapter 9 concludes with a focus on the importance of prayer and the place of the church in shaping us. He advocates for the church to be the church, and not aligned to any particular political ideology.
Koyzis offers a model of political engagement that is an alternative to becoming a devotee of a political cult. He articulates for churches being the church. His analysis of voting raises a question many struggle with–why vote in situations where a vote doesn’t matter? Proportional representation would require constitutional changes. This is not an easy fix. I particularly appreciate his focus on the local as well as his recommendations for political mobilization. There are some things we can’t change alone. I did wonder whether the author might have written any of this differently after January 2025. His section on citizenship under less than ideal circumstances may be more relevant than ever.
In all, Koyzis offers a clear-eyed guide for redemptive political engagement rooted in a commitment for public justice for all. It’s not the route to power but the long road of service. It’s just being a citizen.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
For years I’ve found myself in this place. I recognize that we need good governance from the officials we elect. But I cannot fully endorse what either of our parties propound nor give unquestioning allegiance to person or party. What is difficult is that I have friends on both sides of the partisan divide who seem to give unflinching allegiance to their party and the people they have elected or want to elect. Often, I find conversations with such individuals futile. There is no questioning allowed and only one side is right on everything. It is particularly disconcerting when my friends resort to lies and character assassination to buttress their political allegiance. I grope for a different kind of political engagement or want to just withdraw.
Citizenship Without Illusions is written for people like me. In his introductory chapter, David T. Koyzis identifies the illusion of political idolatries yet refuses the route of disengagement. He believes we are called to active citizenship as Christians in society. But first, he focuses on the nature of citizenship. Koyzis argues that political rule has always existed but not citizenship. Citizenship arises with the idea of “the state as a public legal community of people led by a government.”
Koyzis then turns in Chapter 3 to a delineation of the responsibilities of citizenship. He maintains that citizens are part of a community whose first task is to do justice in all areas of public life. This includes obedience to the rule of law, including the payment of taxes, staying informed, thinking locally, where all politics begins, and answering the call of service, including both jury and military service. Koyzis explores the challenges of living out the call to citizenship when the opportunities for participation are limited. But sometimes the requirements of citizenship and Christian faithfulness may collide. Chapter 4 explores these conflicts, including the possibility of civil disobedience and what principles ought inform us should we choose this route.
Voting is an expression of our citizenship but what does one do when none of the alternatives are good? Koyzis talks about different systems and shows a preference for proportional representation rather than single member plurality, where only the winning votes are represented. But sometimes the only way to pursue change is through political mobilization. Chapter 6 introduces political mobilization and points to models like Voice of Calvary Ministries.
But what about our political divides? Chapter 7 analyzes our political divides and advocates for a kind of principled pluralism. Then Chapter 8 turns to our global context and explores the tension between our citizenship and love for our global neighbors and God’s world. Finally, Chapter 9 concludes with a focus on the importance of prayer and the place of the church in shaping us. He advocates for the church to be the church, and not aligned to any particular political ideology.
Koyzis offers a model of political engagement that is an alternative to becoming a devotee of a political cult. He articulates for churches being the church. His analysis of voting raises a question many struggle with–why vote in situations where a vote doesn’t matter? Proportional representation would require constitutional changes. This is not an easy fix. I particularly appreciate his focus on the local as well as his recommendations for political mobilization. There are some things we can’t change alone. I did wonder whether the author might have written any of this differently after January 2025. His section on citizenship under less than ideal circumstances may be more relevant than ever.
In all, Koyzis offers a clear-eyed guide for redemptive political engagement rooted in a commitment for public justice for all. It’s not the route to power but the long road of service. It’s just being a citizen.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.
December 4, 2024
To be honest, many American Christians have a strange notion of what it means to be a citizen of their country. They take their cues from television, radio, and internet personalities which garners more heat than light.
But few of us stop to think, “Wait, what exactly IS a citizen?” And few have been taught what a biblical worldview says about how citizenship is a way to love their neighbors. And few have been taught that putting their trust and loyalty to a political party is a pathway to idolatry.
David Koyzis is one of the best voices for Christians to hear on how to understand politics and their engagement in that for the common good.
Outstanding.
But few of us stop to think, “Wait, what exactly IS a citizen?” And few have been taught what a biblical worldview says about how citizenship is a way to love their neighbors. And few have been taught that putting their trust and loyalty to a political party is a pathway to idolatry.
David Koyzis is one of the best voices for Christians to hear on how to understand politics and their engagement in that for the common good.
Outstanding.
January 5, 2025
Really solid. A great follow-up to his "political visions and illusions" (which is outstanding). I really appreciated the zoomed-out historical, and global, look at the concept of citizenship. It frames the argument quite well.
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/cg1fybk9OJQ
Full video review here: https://youtu.be/cg1fybk9OJQ
February 26, 2025
An overall basic, but well-explained primer on how to handle the polis as a Christian. Koyzis pulls from his Christian background and sketches out real-world anecdotes and history on how we (as Christians) should aim to live in our local, national, and international communities.
January 29, 2025
This is not the most scintillating read, but very good. I enjoyed his larger work Political Visions and Illusions more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews