The Politics of Jesus: Rediscovering the True Revolutionary Nature of Jesus' Teachings and How They Have Been Corrupted

by Obery M. Hendricks Jr.

Who was Jesus? And how was this first-century political revolutionary, whose teachings are meant to lead the way to freedom, turned into a meek and mild servant of the status quo? How is it possible to profess a belief in Jesus, yet ignore the suffering of the poor and the needy? Just how truly faithful to the vision of Jesus are the many politicians who claim to be Christian? These are the kinds of questions Obery Hendricks, a biblical scholar, activist, and minister, asks in this provocative new book. In this day and age of heated political debate, Hendricks’s The Politics of Jesus stands out as much for its brilliant re-creation of the life and mind of Jesus of Nazareth as for its scathing critique of modern politicians “of faith.”

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

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

A former Wall Street investment executive, professional musician, and competitive martial artist, Obery Hendricks is the immediate past president of Payne Theological Seminary, the oldest African American seminary in the United States. He is currently a Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Professor of Biblical Studies at New York Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[M.J. Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago this book was published, I read it and I was excited. Here Jesus was anything but meek and mild. Jesus was very active in living to bring God's realm here on earth by working toward justice for all God's creation. This past year at the American Academy of Religion I attended a panel discussion entitled "Reclaiming the Radical Revolutionary: Celebrating the Ten Year Anniversary of Obery Hendricks' The Politics of Jesus" After the emotional and thoughtful discussion I decided to reread the book. I found it was just as exciting as ten years ago. Reading it in a Trump world as opposed to a Bush world means that some ideas are viewed differently. I now find that his discussion on inappropriate interpretation of scriptue, greed and self is more relevant and that liberalism and conservatism needs to be resigned, the entire book is more relevant than ever.

Reading Gospel and living Gospel means treating others as holy and recognizing their misery, and poverty, and oppression, and exploitation as against God's will. His arguments are both scholarly and accessible and can be used in the academy, the pulpit or in study groups.

Hendrick's writing is a challenge to those of us who are comfortable in our whitness and in our privilege because Hendricks anger is palpable, although he does not cross over the line into hate-filled rhetoric. His bias is evident, but supported. This is a book that should spark thought, conversation and perhaps action.

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are two problems I have with this book.

First of all, while I agree that the politics of the Religious Right and other hierarchical Christians totally miss the historical, linguistic, and cultural context of the Bible and the Gospel, I do not agree that the "fix" is to revamp the Gospel into left wing or any other kind of human political ideology. To do so only twists the Good News another way, still reimaging God according to what fits our own sense of righteousness. The author would have done better to show God more and human ideas less.

The second problem I have with the book is the near complete lack of footnotes or other referential notations or remarks that would make this all seem more than just the author's opinion of history. Yes, he does quote and reference a number of scripture passages, but that's about it. So, for example, when he refers to the Mosaic priesthood, he goes on at some length talking about the problems that surfaced over the centuries within it - problems not documented within the Bible itself. So, where has the author gotten this information? There isn't even a bibliography one might use to learn more of what he's talking about.

A good try, but doesn't back itself up (a surprise, coming from a college professor!) and it goes too far in remaking the Gospel more "left" than "right" (instead of seeing the sin in both "sides").

[Brooke Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Great Bible interpretations and a stunning survey of the political scene in Jesus’ day. Towards the end, a bit too neoliberal for me when it comes to modern politics. But probably a good primer for someone needing to understand a different viewpoint.

[Nathanael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid analysis of Jesus's political principles and tactics in the first half that gets a bit too lost in 2006 American politics in the second half. No distinction between liberalism and neoliberalism, and an overproportioned segment on George W Bush makes it difficult to recommend in 2025.

However, the underlying message rejecting centrist politics is clear, and the study of political organizing strategies that Jesus used is fascinating, backed up with plenty of biblical references.

[Beneth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was watching public television and saw something about this book that piqued my interest enough to go out and buy it. I ended up giving it to my brother as a gift and I haven't replaced it yet. I don't know if it is in paperback yet, but maybe I'll get the paperback version when it comes out. The book is fascinating- a great rebuttal to the Christian Conservative Right - and clear demonstrations of how a lot of what the Christian Conservative Right says is really a bastardization of the teachings of Jesus. I am a Christian and lean toward the liberal side (but not in all regards- I am all for fiscal responsibility of the government and I don't know where that places me on the liberal-conservative spectrum). I allowed myself to fall away from the church (I am Episcopalian and practicing again now) for many years because of how sickened I felt by bombings of abortion clinics and the rest of the politics of the Christian Right. I did not want to be associated with/ have anything to do with that culture. I am happy that this book is out there to clearly, and academically, demonstrate the teachings of Jesus and compare them with the political world now. I truly hope "borderline Christians" - people who may have been raised Christian but are/were turned off from it by the politics associated with Christianity and the Christian Right through the years (or, even those turned off from the Catholic church by sex abuse revelations and developments within it) will give this book (or one similar) a read and come on back to the faith. Even for non-Christians, the book is a good read so you won't believe what the CR tells you Christianity is. It is SOOOOO not.

[Daryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for the current bible class I'm taking, "Jesus: The revolutionary". So far it's excellent.

[Peacejanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not an easy book. It is a scholarly book, written by a noted scholar. I read it for a book group discussion. Both the book and the discussion were trying - painful, boring at times. The first half of the book is an excellent history of the time Jesus was on earth. Then we get to the meat -- the author spends the last half of the book telling us about the "glories and joys" of President Reagan and President George W. Bush. Both men were honored and respected by many people during their times. But the author points out the evils, the secret wars, the support of criminals in other countries, etc. I never considered either man as a strong Christian but many did. And then we find out about the secret wars, the very corrupt "leaders" of their counties. Many people never found out the evil that these two men did, all in the name of being great in the world. And my view is that very few USA citizens keep up with the truth about what is happening in our world. Of course the author would have to creat a new book for D. Trump now. Politics is very corrupt today, with the most money and the most side deals with Putin or others, leading to corrupt elections. Even at the local level, we have a very corrupt nation and the elected "leaders" seem to be mostly corrupt. Nancy Pelosi pointed out to me that most people who oppose D. Trump end up dead in jail or in jail for decades or get their spouse's head beaten in with a hammer. This book has a lot of information and wisdom but I knew much of this and learned only from the history of middle Eastern life and politics. I must admit that the book forced me to look more carefully at what is happening in Palestine and the abuse of the leadership of Israel today. Of course, this is the pot calling the kettle black. If you need a good book about life in Palestine and the dominance of Roman military two thousand years ago, this is a good book. Or just pay attention to independent news agents today.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, if dated, book on the social justice aspect of the Gospel that too often gets ignored or distorted in the American church, culture, and politics of our time. Mr. Hendricks makes a great case for why seeing social justice as a critical aspect of the Gospel that should guide the political decisions of all Americans who claim Christ as their savior and inspiration for their politics. Though a lot of what is written here still holds out well in our current political climate, it does suffer from the fact that it was published in the middle of George W. Bush’s second term and, thus, feels a little dated. Also, while all of his critiques of Pres. Reagan and Bush’s policies are warranted, it sometimes feels as though he is leaving some things out. For example, Mr. Hendricks blasts Pres. Bush’s policies that have hurt the working class and poor particular hard, but fails to mention Bush’s PEPFAR program that has saved millions of lives from the scourge of AIDS and, even in the midst of Pres. Trump’s cruel budget cuts recently, was saved from the chopping block. This is probably due more to the fact that PEPFAR hadn’t gone into effect yet, but it still points to just how dated this book’s political analysis can be today almost two decades after it was published. Keeping that in mind, this is still a great text of both political and biblical analysis for all those who claim Christ as Lord and who also want American politics and culture to care more for the poor and powerless than it currently does.

[Brian Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book although, in 2025, reading a book published in 2006 seemed a bit dated. The politics of Jesus is based on the Bible including: love your neighbor, what you did not do for the least of these you did not do for me, treat people and their needs as holy. The principles forming the foundation of Jesus ministry are foundational ethics of the Bible. Hendricks specified the principles of justice, righteousness and steadfast love and advises use of them to approach every question of politics and social policy. Hendricks reprints Jesus’ definition of righteousness with an excellent interpretation on p.9. This book had a profound effect on me though my age and health keep me from physically going to serve the poor and homeless. I do plan to route more of my monetary donations to housing, feeding and relieving the poor of oppression. I studied this book with an online book club organized by Faithful America.

[Kat Coffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a long time to finish, mostly because there was so much to unpack. A deeply and unnervingly prophetic book (it was written in 2006), Hendricks carefully examines Jesus the revolutionary and the subversiveness of his teachings. He also clearly defines American conservatism and liberalism, distinguishing both (particularly conservatism) from Jesus' teachings. I particularly loved the final manifesto and the breakdown of the Lord's Prayer. A dry, but fascinating read that every Christian who values social justice should read.

[David Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well structured and nicely written. I liked the analysis of the sociopolitical context of Jesus‘ life and the exegesis of some of the gospel stories in light of that context.
While I wholeheartedly agree with his critique of both the religious right in North America and of neoliberal economic policies, I found his main argument and the following more or less wholesale approval of the North American variety of political liberalism lacking and a bit bland. It just sounded too much like a religious justification for a political tradition.

[Jean Panek · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I didn't finish this book. The third section was such an attack against conservative Christians that I couldn't bring myself to go on. Which is a shame because I think the first two sections are brilliant. The opened my eyes to whole new facts and filled me with a passion to better understand the Bible. I would still recommend this book as I think it makes some really powerful points.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book with a group of ladies and am glad we had a chance to discuss it. The first part was challenging and insightful. The second part felt like a bit like character assassination. I understand trying to use two past presidents as character studies, and some of the examples were important to consider. But his assumptions/conclusions seemed to also feel a bit ungracious and I was hoping he had spent more time talking about strengths from each political perspective.

[Deborah Schwarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good at the beginning, weak at the end

This author provided a nice definition of politics, and how it could be perceived in terms of religion and the teachings of Christ. However, it became more slanted towards the word “liberal” as the book went on, and it did not truly illustrate the corruption in the United States. I think that the last chapters could have worked to be more clear and conclusive.

[Titus Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book. I know I will probably read it again. This the type of book you have to give it your full attention otherwise you will miss important points. I definitely will write in notes in the book. There are a lot of examples of past moments that are still currently happening in real time. There is so much corruption and hypocrisy happening amongst these so called christian folks that are running the government. This is a good read!!

[Velma Bagby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has truly given me a deeper understanding of life for God’s people before and after Jesus arrived. The writer helped me envision and understand the manner Jesus used in ministering to people, as well as his approach to the unbelieving church leaders of his time. My preaching has not been the same since reading this book.

[Michelle Estella Usher-Grano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus was all about social justice. Yes he prayed to his Father but he also healed and help his fellow man. Worship and Justice for hand in hand. Also if you say you love God but hate your brother or sister that you can see you are not telling the truth. Because how can you love a God you can't see and yet not love people that you can see...

[Beth J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book in 2015 and it took me a long time to get through it, but I’m glad I finally finished. This was written Bush-era, so especially painful to read some sections after experiencing the last administration. “And we, the American people who have been so painfully betrayed, must never again permit ourselves to be so grievously misled, by platitudes and seeming words of faith...”

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I gave it less than five stars is because the Regan and Bush chapters just seemed out of place and were honestly a slog to read. But the majority of the book of absolute fire and I would recommend it to anyone interested in discovering the politics of Jesus (hint, they're not politically conservative!)

[Skyhorse Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good information about the history of the rise of Christian Nationalism. From Reagan thru the Moral Majority to G W Bush. It was written before the rise of Donald Trump, but you can see in Hendricks's predictions that he was right. My rating is only 3 stars because way too much time was spent bashing Reagan and Bush. Hendricks could have got his points across without so much vitriol.

[JERI SULLINS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian s and politics

I agree with this writer's assessment of American Politics and how I believe, has used and hidden behind the word"Christian" in order to gain people's votes and backing. The money out into pockets of our leaders is wrong. The power, money and selfish desires of politicians today is certainly not the Politics of Jesus.

[J. Robin Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very though-provoking. It helps to put the historical Jesus in a framework of life more similar to our lives. I will be reading and rereading this one in my life as well as sharing its importance with others.

[Stephanie Ensinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Political Views of Jesus worth reading.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in better understanding the message intended by Jesus rather than the product of cultures’ perspective.

[Rogers Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read this!

You must read this book to understand how the teachings of Jesus should be used in terms of this political climate. It has totally changed my perceptive of the Bible in general. Definitely one of the most powerful books I've ever read.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with The Beloved Community—a gathering of congregants and ministers from First Mennonite, Bethel AME, and New Covenant Fellowship. The book and ensuing discussion regularly challenged my understanding of the original context and even application of Jesus’ teachings.

[Ubaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read this book

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Hendricks view of Jesus may be extreme and radical for some, for me it was affirming!

[Evangeline Mably · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is a bit dry at times, I am giving 5 stars because of the insights of the author, particularly in challenging Christianity and conservatism. A thoughtful read.

[Raelee Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard recommend.

[Mark Grose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author informs us, not only important historical facts, but how it connects to our understanding of Jesus’s life. Brilliant!