Red Letter Christians: A Citizen's Guide to Faith and Politics

by Tony Campolo

Believing that Jesus is neither a Republican nor a Democrat, individuals known as Red Letter Christians want to jumpstart a religious movement that will transcend partisan politics and concentrate on

Genres: Politics, Christianity, Religion, Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2007

About the author

Anthony Campolo was an American sociologist, Baptist pastor, author, public speaker, and spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Campolo was known as one of the most influential leaders in the evangelical left and was a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He also became a leader of the Red-Letter Christian movement, which aims to put emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Campolo was a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and had been a guest on programs such as The Colbert Report, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect and The Hour.

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit disappointing. I saw the author on the Colbert Report and he was compelling enough for me to actually buy this book. While he was up front about his own political bias in the introduction of this book, I felt it really came through in the topics he discussed. I think this may serve to dilute some of his messages to non-left-leaning evangelicals. The presentation of viewpoints was somewhat simplistic, but I did enjoy the concept behind this book - that Jesus is neither Republican nor Democrat and Christian voters should vote their faith, not their party.

[Melissa Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I found myself agreeing with most of what Campolo had to say, there seemed to be a lack of "red-letter" Scripture to back it up. I know the evidence is there, but I feel like he should have been much more specific with his Biblical references in order to persuade his readers.

[Thomas Bundy]

Worst book I have read in years. He starts by saying that "God is not a Republican OR a Democrat"...then he proceeds to explain how God is a Demorat on every issue except abortion and gays. And even on those issues, Republicans are so full of hate and discrimination, Jesus would be embarrassed to align himself with them. He says Republicans are hypocritical for being pro-life, pro-death penalty, and pro-war (whatever that is). Yet he fails to mention that following that logic, Dems must ALSO be hypocrtes for having the opposite beliefs on each issue. Every time he states something that Bush is doing well, it is couched in the phrase, "to his credit..." The implication is that he is generally completely evil otherwise. No one ever says, "Mahatma Gandhi, TO HIS CREDIT, was always kind to his mother." Campolo is preaching to the choir. He is simply trying to give Democrats whose Christian values seem to be at odds with the Democrats', some room to still vote for people with Ds by their names. He was the "Spiritual Advisor" to Bill Clinton. That's like being the Safety Engineer on the on the Titanic. Was there a more overpaid job in America in the 90's?

[Charlotte · Rating 1 out of 5]

I look up to Tony Campolo less now than I did before I read this book. I appreciate the fact that he's trying to follow the red letters no matter what the world does, but he is woefully naive and, I believe, uninformed as to other sides of many issues. I don't believe his ideas are well thought out and, in several cases, are misapplications of the red letters. For example, he takes red letters that are meant for interpersonal relationships and applies them to geopolitical situations; they were not meant to be applied between nations. His answer to every problem seems to be that the government should do more to fix whatever the problem- nothing is anyone's personal responsibility. Before I read this book, I expected to come away from it more liberal; I just came away from it wishing Dr. Campolo had been better informed before he wrote this book.

[Travis Alford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it continues to be a struggle - and maybe it's supposed to be - this book and other writings by Tony Campolo literally saved my faith. In a time when "Christianity" is wrought with so much baggage - right-wing politics, prejudices, hatred, isolationism, and exclusivity - it's nice to know that there are those out there whose faith transcends these cultural trappings.

[Steve Wegman · Rating 4 out of 5]

From 2008, Tony gives his thoughts on how serious Christians should deal with the hot issues of the day. It's pretty dated. The Iraq war is old news, but many of the topics are still relevant and people who are serious about following Jesus' teachings still have to resist the pressure of popular culture and the unthinking part of the church that has bought into those ideas.

[Scott Torrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly dated but overall good overview on why Christians should be involved in politics and how to think for themselves on a number of charged issues relevant to society around justice, economic issues and global issues/war.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Campolo is my favorite religionist (yes, that's a made up word, but it's the best word). I first heard him speak at a youth conference when I was in high school, and he inspired my first work trip to Haiti in the summer before my senior year in high school. I honestly think I owe my commitment to compassion, justice and equality significantly to the effect of that one speech.

So, needless to say, I really wanted this book to be good, and meaningful. And I wanted to find lots of points of agreement. And I did. His title of "Red Letter Christians" comes from his desire (along with others in his circle) to rescue Christianity from the religious right, a title he absolutely refuses. His book focuses on the "red letters" of the Bible, and throws off all of the extra baggage that Christians have attached to Christianity over the centuries.

For my very conservative friends, I am sure you'll disagree with him and he'll make you mad, and you might even call him a heretic. Please read it. For my very anti-church friends, this book might give you a perspective on a different kind of Christianity than the kind that makes the news most of the time. Please read it. For those of you where I am, you'll hopefully find it as refreshing as I did to hear someone speak for us. Please read it.

[Dann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Tony Campolo attempts to break evangelicals from being single issue, Religious Right voters in Red Letter Christians: A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics. A social liberal, Campolo argues that Christians should look passed abortion and gay rights, and consider a myriad of issues such as welfare programs, education, environmental protection, and the War on Terror when supporting political candidate’s. On just about every issue he pushes for Big Government and the Welfare State. And he’s not exactly wrong; as Christ’s ministry heavily emphasized taking care of the sick and the poor, and being nonviolent. Yet Campolo seems monumentally naïve about the realities of the current political system, and puts more onerous on the State then the Church concerning Christ’s commands. Still, he makes some interesting points and is fairly even handed about presenting the various points of views and he’s upfront about his own bias as a lifelong Democrat. While its anti-Religious Right agenda is blatantly transparent, Red Letter Christians: A Citizen’s Guide to Faith and Politics is a thought-provoking examination of the moral and political issues facing today’s Christian.

[Mollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

first heard of this book from one of my best friends, who happens to be Jewish. She had seen Tony Campolo on some TV show and thought the book sounded like something I would be interested in reading. Especially regarding his views on homosexuality. So, I reserved it from the library and have been reading it for the last, oh two months. Yes, it took me awhile to finish because I have a hard time getting through non-fiction.

With the elections drawing ever closer the importance of choosing a candidate that represents your views is crucial. In Red Letter Christians, Campolo covers a variety of issues from abortion, gay rights, and the environment; to education, immigration, and the federal budget, all the while challenging Christians to take an honest look at the stances that Evangelicals have taken on certain issues.

Visit my blog to read the review in it's entirety!

[Timothy Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Campolo brings about a fresh view on how Christians should interact in politics. The title of the book comes from actually reading and doing what Jesus says. Mr. Campolo makes the claim that too often people really do not do what Jesus says, like turning the other cheek. What would happen if our government actually operated in such a way? What would happen if more Christians sold their possessions and gave all they had to the poor? These are the questions that this book deals with. It is challenging and gives great examples of how Christians can be active in politics. The book is a little dated, having been written during the presidency of George W. Bush. I would also recommend his follow up book that TECO authored with Shane Claiborne, entitled "Red Letter Revolution."

[Thefiremun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a VERY "think outside the box" book for someone who's grown up in the Bible-belt. I sincerely appreciate Mr. Campolo and his convictions. I don't necessarily agree 100% with everything he says, but this book has definitely challenged me to cling to what the Scripture says instead of the popular belief of the Southern Baptist Church. For example, I can claim to be pro-life and cause a huge stir and ruccus about abortion. However, why does a typical "pro-lifer" believe so staunchly in the Death Penalty? Again, I really appreciate the challenge laid out to really examine my political and moral beliefs.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many books that deal with the radical nature of the Gospel and the politics of the Kingdom of God. What was unique about this book was that it went more in-depth into the contemporary political issues that are affecting our life right now. Campolo doesn't tell you what to believe, or whose side to be on, or how to vote, but he details the issue and the various arguments on either side. As someone who doesn't understand all of the arguments, or even much about the political system in general, it was really great, practical information put in the context of the Gospel, specifically the Red Letters. Truly an amazing read.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agreed with this book in principle and was relieved to find my approach to politics supported. Unfortunately, I think the author relied a little to much on current events to frame his method. This made he book a bit lengthy as about a year later those current events aren't so current any more. I would have liked more scripture that we can reference when making our own decisions and maybe a quick summary of points at the end. That said I will probably buy this book to refer back to before the next election and I even recommended it to my dad.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Campolo, as he often does, discusses the hot issues of the day and how Christians should respond to them. As indicated by the title, he looks at the issues through the lens of the words of Jesus (and not the so-called “religious right” or conservative point of view so prevalent among evangelicals.) Includes chapters on the environment, war, AIDS, gay rights, immigration, and various other government, economic and social issues. A pretty good read, but not really anything new here (at least for me.)

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't anything unexpected, and it was a quick read. But it did provide good reminder that Christians should look at all issues and all political candidates through the lens of their beliefs, rather than give blind loyalty to a single party. The author covered alot of ground, in terms of issues, and was able to be thoughtful and honest without making hardly any claims about how one ought to vote. It was more about how one ought to think politically in a biblical way.

[David Gorgone · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved this book when it was 20 Hot Potatoes Christians Are Afraid To Touch, Was Jesus A Republican Or A Democrat, and How To Follow Jesus Without Embarassing God. Tony hasn't written anything worthile in a long time. He keeps coming back to the same old ideas over and over again. I couldn't even finish this book. I am appreciative of the information he provided, but it has not helped convince me to become a "Red Letter Christian".

[Tiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic. Tony Campolo is one of my champions of the faith - a political liberal who shows the love of Jesus like no one else I've ever seen. He's an inspiration to me, and this book lays out his political beliefs very clearly and beautifully. His life and this book remind me that I really can be a political liberal and still love Jesus (despite what the surrounding Christian sub-culture tries to tell me)!

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and thoughtful book. Campolo has a fresh take on all of today's hot button issues, and his positions are biblical - and sometimes surprising. As the book suggests, he emphasizes the red letters in the Bible - the ones spoken by Jesus. Sort of a WWJD book! Even if you don't agree with him all the time, he makes a compelling case about why Evangelical Christians, in fact all Christians, should be the ultimate swing voters.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was recommended by President Bill Clinton & I had to read a liberal Christians understanding.

The book exposes the rant of the political left. Rarely did I agree with Campolo's view. Ironically when Campolo rebuked the defense spending and the stealing which happens there, he commends the development of the huge healthcare government sector, but he is naive enough to not admit or think of it overspending & stealing. That's the liberal mind justifying irrationality.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campolo provides a fairly balanced survey of American political issues from his Christian perspective. This is a helpful resource for anyone evaluating their political inclinations in light of faith and current issues. I didn't (and shouldn't) agree with everything Campolo espouses, but his balanced and well-researched articulation of issues allows for some disagreement without violating his primary thesis. I highly recommend it.

[Rebs]

page 21-22. "By calling ourselves Red Letter Christians, we are alluding to those old versions of the Bible wherein the words of Jesus are printed in red...we are saying that we are committed to living out the things that Jesus taught." I will never live out Jesus' teachings perfectly, but thankfully He doesn't ask me to..this book is thought- provoking for sure... :)

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting combination of Mr. Campolo's personal convictions with Biblical and compassionate reasoning, some of which I agree with and some I do not, and a presentation of multiple positions for the reader to draw his/her own conclusions. Mr. Campolo is up front regarding his own bias, but his point remains-- think about the Red Letters of the Bible when examining the issues.

[Meghann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really give it a 3.5.
This was good for what it is. I already share most of his views and definitely share the overall opinion that Christians should consider ALL issues in light of the Bible and not just vote on one issue or try to legislate Christian values. So, I enjoyed it and can think of several people who should read it :) (It is a little dated at this point).

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably would have liked it more if I read it when it came out. I felt like the choir being preached to. Except for the anecdote, in the preface, about William Jennings Bryant resigning his position as Secretary of State due to his pacifist beliefs when the US entered WWI, I don't think the book contained anything I hadn't heard before.

[Linda Snedeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Revitting!!!

Thank you Tony, for clear ing my mind on Many issues that you mention in this book. Wondering why I most always disagree with the so call "Christian Right". Who use guilt and condemnation , none of Jesus's attributes . Guess I am a Red Letter Christian. Would love to know what you think of our president Obama.

[Adam Oyster-Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but it might be because I really like Tony Campolo to begin with. I just kept finding myself agreeing with him on every page and I was really thankful that someone put these similar political views into a concise book. It is very similar to "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis.

[Devon · Rating 2 out of 5]

very brief overview of some hotbed political issues and what a possible Christian stance might be. honestly I agree with Tony on most of these, but I think there are better books out there on the "red letters" that motivate me to vote the way I do.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given to me by aaron on B-day!!1 Thanks Aaron. I like it. Tony has an excellent way of speaking truth on hot issues with out being too radical or offencsive. I feel like he has put into words many things I have had difficulty putting into words myself.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I really like Tony Campolo, he is an excellent human being, but I didn't agree with everything he said. He tackles many of the most controversial issues that we face today that are also very divisive among people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ.