The Transfiguration Of Politics: The Presence and Power of Jesus of Nazareth in and over Human Affairs

by Paul Louis Lehmann

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Daniel Rempel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The material on transfiguration and its humanizing effects are much needed, and should be taught widely. But where I can’t get on board is with the apocalypse of violence that Lehmann (carefully) advocates in the book’s concluding section.

To me, it reads like the inverse of Barth’s refusal to give an ultimate “Nein!” to the question of violence, yet what Barth is intentionally apophatic about—perhaps God may call us to use violence, but we cannot prescribe that—Lehmann is trying to demonstrate an account where violence is (again, carefully) wrapped up in the revolutionary work of humanization.

There’s much to be gleaned here, even if I remain unconvinced about the way the appeal to a particular kind of violence works.

[Lauren Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. I must read not only once but twice. Lehman's words written decades ago provide light for those of navigating the tumult of today within and without the Church. The biblical exegetical content wedded to sober reflection of politics provides a framework and a map for Christians trying to walk the precarious fine line between faith and praxis while coming face to face with violence (both coutnerrevolutionary violence and counter violence). Lehman's command of the history of liberation movements is impressive and adds a level of gravity to the discussion, anchoring it all in world as participant both in the spiritual and temporal realms. The Christian is the epicenter and through her there is yet another gospel articulation that is heard with the ears, seen with the eyes, and felt in the liberation of bodies held captive to dominant and prevailing ideologies.

[Rick Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lehmann's original title for this was JESUS CHRIST AND THE QUESTION OF REVOLUTION. He explores in this book the tension between the visionary character of revolution and the messiness of the violence it brings in train.