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Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics to Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
What if the greatest threat to Christianity in America was American
Christianity?
As the Church has become increasingly entangled in the pursuit of politics, the Gospel has become tarnished and often abandoned as the primary focus of the Body of Christ.
Jesus Untangled is a prophetic call for the Church to awaken from the “American Dream” and to return to Her first love.
Because, as the author powerfully demonstrates in these pages, you can’t convert a culture that has already converted you.
Learn more at www.JesusUntangled.com
Christianity?
As the Church has become increasingly entangled in the pursuit of politics, the Gospel has become tarnished and often abandoned as the primary focus of the Body of Christ.
Jesus Untangled is a prophetic call for the Church to awaken from the “American Dream” and to return to Her first love.
Because, as the author powerfully demonstrates in these pages, you can’t convert a culture that has already converted you.
Learn more at www.JesusUntangled.com
205 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2007
101 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Keith Giles
65 books96 followersKeith Giles is the author of 5 books including his latest, "This Is My Body:Ekklesia as God Intended" which explores God's design for His Church according to the scriptures. The free e-book version has been downloaded by over 3,000 people.
He is the former Director of Sales and Distribution for Vineyard Music Group and formerly Marketing Coordinator for Soul Survivor USA. He has been writing articles on the Christian subculture, the house church movement, spiritual formation, compassion ministry and the Kingdom of God for over 20 years now.
His articles have appeared in over a dozen print and online magazines over the last 20 years, including Relevant, 7 Ball, Channel Advisor, Fuse, CCM, Worship Musician Magazine, WorshipMusic.com and theOoze.com.
Keith and his wife Wendy and their two sons are part of a house church community called “The Mission” in Orange, California. They planted this church in their home in 2006 in order to share 100 percent of the offering to help the poor in their community.
Feel free to visit him online at http://www.KeithGiles.com.
He is the former Director of Sales and Distribution for Vineyard Music Group and formerly Marketing Coordinator for Soul Survivor USA. He has been writing articles on the Christian subculture, the house church movement, spiritual formation, compassion ministry and the Kingdom of God for over 20 years now.
His articles have appeared in over a dozen print and online magazines over the last 20 years, including Relevant, 7 Ball, Channel Advisor, Fuse, CCM, Worship Musician Magazine, WorshipMusic.com and theOoze.com.
Keith and his wife Wendy and their two sons are part of a house church community called “The Mission” in Orange, California. They planted this church in their home in 2006 in order to share 100 percent of the offering to help the poor in their community.
Feel free to visit him online at http://www.KeithGiles.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 16, 2017
No King but Jesus
Keith Giles urges readers to take the gospels seriously and not explain them away when they come into conflict with our cherished ideas of nationalism and patriotism. And not just the gospels, but the entire New Testament. He sets out the ante-Nicene Church as the example to follow - Christianity before it was legal to be a Christian and especially before it was the established official religion of the Roman Empire.
He clearly sets out a New Testament and early Church paradigm with regard to these and to the militarism and violence that necessarily accompanies them. While I am not convinced that Christians should not vote or hold any elective office, Giles makes compelling arguments for the disentanglement of Christians from the idea of salvation by political solution. He demonstrates forcefully that a Christian nation can't be politically achieved and has nothing to do with the laws it may enact.
I thoroughly recommend this book and will be using it for a small group study.
Keith Giles urges readers to take the gospels seriously and not explain them away when they come into conflict with our cherished ideas of nationalism and patriotism. And not just the gospels, but the entire New Testament. He sets out the ante-Nicene Church as the example to follow - Christianity before it was legal to be a Christian and especially before it was the established official religion of the Roman Empire.
He clearly sets out a New Testament and early Church paradigm with regard to these and to the militarism and violence that necessarily accompanies them. While I am not convinced that Christians should not vote or hold any elective office, Giles makes compelling arguments for the disentanglement of Christians from the idea of salvation by political solution. He demonstrates forcefully that a Christian nation can't be politically achieved and has nothing to do with the laws it may enact.
I thoroughly recommend this book and will be using it for a small group study.
December 16, 2018
Ooh boy I have a lot of feelings about this one. Before I get into some of my criticisms of this book, I will say that I am not for war, I believe that nationalism has no place in the Christian faith and I agree with many similar sentiments of this book such as the corruption of seeking power, so on and so forth. The way the alt right has mobilized evangelicalism is disgusting and evil. I agree with these things wholeheartedly. However..
It is an irresponsible and privileged position to say that Christians should disengage from politics altogether just because there is corruption in some politics. The whole concept of “between choosing the lesser of two evils, choose neither” is part of the reason we have Cheeto Mussolini in office right now. It speaks of great privilege to say you can opt out of politics, even going so far to say their vote doesn’t matter. And “we have better things to do”.
Marginalized folks don’t get to opt out of politics. It’s a nice idea that “God has a better plan to change the world” but in the meantime we have to live in the real world where people’s health, safety, and livelihood rests in the hands of people who make these laws.
At times it’s difficult to follow who and what Giles is talking about. He referenced “American Christians” throughout however there are many branches of Christianity that I don’t think can be lumped together into what Giles accuses them of. Also I wish he defined his gospel in this book. For some that means going to all lengths to convert others to your faith. For others the gospel means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.
There are definitely themes I resonate with such as the problems of corrupt power, accumulating wealth, war, and violence that permeate politics. However, now is the time more than ever for Christians who oppose these things to engage in the political process, not throw their hands in the air because they don’t want to choose the lesser of two evils. To be neutral in this time in our country is a privileged kind of evil.
TL; DR
This book has a lot of good points. War, violence, the accumulation of wealth and power are all terrible things that corrupt our politics. However, urging Christians to disengage in politics altogether because it’s better to follow Christ than choose the lesser of two evils is a big nope from me.
It is an irresponsible and privileged position to say that Christians should disengage from politics altogether just because there is corruption in some politics. The whole concept of “between choosing the lesser of two evils, choose neither” is part of the reason we have Cheeto Mussolini in office right now. It speaks of great privilege to say you can opt out of politics, even going so far to say their vote doesn’t matter. And “we have better things to do”.
Marginalized folks don’t get to opt out of politics. It’s a nice idea that “God has a better plan to change the world” but in the meantime we have to live in the real world where people’s health, safety, and livelihood rests in the hands of people who make these laws.
At times it’s difficult to follow who and what Giles is talking about. He referenced “American Christians” throughout however there are many branches of Christianity that I don’t think can be lumped together into what Giles accuses them of. Also I wish he defined his gospel in this book. For some that means going to all lengths to convert others to your faith. For others the gospel means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.
There are definitely themes I resonate with such as the problems of corrupt power, accumulating wealth, war, and violence that permeate politics. However, now is the time more than ever for Christians who oppose these things to engage in the political process, not throw their hands in the air because they don’t want to choose the lesser of two evils. To be neutral in this time in our country is a privileged kind of evil.
TL; DR
This book has a lot of good points. War, violence, the accumulation of wealth and power are all terrible things that corrupt our politics. However, urging Christians to disengage in politics altogether because it’s better to follow Christ than choose the lesser of two evils is a big nope from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2017
Keith Giles is an Anabaptist in the house church movement. His new book,
Jesus Untangled
is an attempt to disentangle Jesus from the political Right. He doesn't advocate for wedding Jesus to the Left either. The problem with American Christianity is that Jesus is so enmeshed with nationalism that we fail to see Jesus on his own terms. In 186 pages, Giles offers his diagnostic of American Christianity and offers a solution: the recovery of Jesus as the central component of Christianity. The implication is that following Jesus chastens our nationalism, empire building, militarism, and violence.
Like others in the Anabaptist tradition, Gile harkens back to the early Christian community—the days before Constantine. He demonstrates how the early church saw a strong division between Church and the State, and how since Constantine (or around his time) we increasingly entangled political influence with Jesus message:
In the pages that follow, Giles challenges the wisdom of Christian political involvement, war, and American nationalism. He points to the bankruptcy of looking to politics as a solution to what ails the American soul. Giles calls the question on whether or not we are a 'Christian nation' and exposes the real politick behind many of our political and transnational dealings.
Let me say up front that I am sympathetic to Giles conclusions. I am a peace loving Evangelical who doesn't have much use for the way the Christian faith is often co-opted by politics (usually the Republican party). I am deeply disturbed by Christians who say they love and follow Jesus and yet demonize and dehumanize enemies of the state (so as to justify killing them). Stanley Hauerwas's axiom is apt, "The first task of the church is to let the world know it is the world" (or alternatively, "the first task of the church is to be the church). The gospel is not the American dream and does not inhabit the same spiritual space. In these pages, Giles describes the distinction between faith and politics and urges Christians to not conform to the ways of the world.
Nevertheless, despite my sympathy with Giles message, I found myself reacting a little bit. I think he is guilty of overstating things to make a point. For example. he describes his reading of Scripture as "Jesus-centric," over against a 'flat reading of scripture' of everyone else. The Jesus-centric are all about Jesus mission in the world. The flat Bibe readers argue that all scripture is equally authoritative, downgrade Jesus' message of the kingdom *emphasizing instead grace and forgiveness (36-37). Giles argues that an emphasis on the whole Bible allows for the justification of torture, war, militarism, violence and nationalism (37). An emphasis on Jesus does not. Giles argues that a Jesus-centric approach by necessity marginalizes Old Testament texts.
I certainly agree with the Jesus-centric approach. Jesus the Word of God made flesh and the key to understanding the Bible—God's written world. However, I think a number of his opponents (Reformed Evangelicals, Arminians, etc.) also try to read all scripture Christocentricty (there are a few thenomists out there but they're kind of nuts). I personally don't know any thoughtful Christian that argues for the flat Bible reading he describes. While I am sympathetic to Giles's readings, I think categorizing all Evangelicals who disagree with him as 'flat bible readers', does not win any sympathy from the opposition.
However, I applaud Giles's commitment to the nonviolent ethic of Jesus and his sensitivity to the way Christ gets coopted in political discourse. This is a timely book. President Trump (who was elected with overwhelming white, evangelical support) just started bombing Syria. This is the time for Christians to press into what it means to follow Jesus (who's answer to human violence was to suffer a cross). When America goes to war, Christians ought to ask, "who would Jesus bomb?" Giles (and the Anabaptists before him) point out us to the love ethic of Jesus and asks us to live for Christ's kingdom (not the American one). I give this book four stars.
Note: I received this book from Speakeasy in exchange for my honest review
Like others in the Anabaptist tradition, Gile harkens back to the early Christian community—the days before Constantine. He demonstrates how the early church saw a strong division between Church and the State, and how since Constantine (or around his time) we increasingly entangled political influence with Jesus message:
What we see when we looks back at the Christian church in the first 300 years of history is a uniformity of conviction that Church and State were opposite realms and that being a citizen of Christ's Kingdom was to be uninvolved in the affairs of the kingdom of this world. They embraced this idea by living under a clear set of values that brought them in a near-constant conflict with the world around them. The pagans couldn't help but notice how different the Christians were. Those Christians couldn't help but stand out from the crowd by the way they lived theif lives in stark contrast to those around them (55).
In the pages that follow, Giles challenges the wisdom of Christian political involvement, war, and American nationalism. He points to the bankruptcy of looking to politics as a solution to what ails the American soul. Giles calls the question on whether or not we are a 'Christian nation' and exposes the real politick behind many of our political and transnational dealings.
Let me say up front that I am sympathetic to Giles conclusions. I am a peace loving Evangelical who doesn't have much use for the way the Christian faith is often co-opted by politics (usually the Republican party). I am deeply disturbed by Christians who say they love and follow Jesus and yet demonize and dehumanize enemies of the state (so as to justify killing them). Stanley Hauerwas's axiom is apt, "The first task of the church is to let the world know it is the world" (or alternatively, "the first task of the church is to be the church). The gospel is not the American dream and does not inhabit the same spiritual space. In these pages, Giles describes the distinction between faith and politics and urges Christians to not conform to the ways of the world.
Nevertheless, despite my sympathy with Giles message, I found myself reacting a little bit. I think he is guilty of overstating things to make a point. For example. he describes his reading of Scripture as "Jesus-centric," over against a 'flat reading of scripture' of everyone else. The Jesus-centric are all about Jesus mission in the world. The flat Bibe readers argue that all scripture is equally authoritative, downgrade Jesus' message of the kingdom *emphasizing instead grace and forgiveness (36-37). Giles argues that an emphasis on the whole Bible allows for the justification of torture, war, militarism, violence and nationalism (37). An emphasis on Jesus does not. Giles argues that a Jesus-centric approach by necessity marginalizes Old Testament texts.
I certainly agree with the Jesus-centric approach. Jesus the Word of God made flesh and the key to understanding the Bible—God's written world. However, I think a number of his opponents (Reformed Evangelicals, Arminians, etc.) also try to read all scripture Christocentricty (there are a few thenomists out there but they're kind of nuts). I personally don't know any thoughtful Christian that argues for the flat Bible reading he describes. While I am sympathetic to Giles's readings, I think categorizing all Evangelicals who disagree with him as 'flat bible readers', does not win any sympathy from the opposition.
However, I applaud Giles's commitment to the nonviolent ethic of Jesus and his sensitivity to the way Christ gets coopted in political discourse. This is a timely book. President Trump (who was elected with overwhelming white, evangelical support) just started bombing Syria. This is the time for Christians to press into what it means to follow Jesus (who's answer to human violence was to suffer a cross). When America goes to war, Christians ought to ask, "who would Jesus bomb?" Giles (and the Anabaptists before him) point out us to the love ethic of Jesus and asks us to live for Christ's kingdom (not the American one). I give this book four stars.
Note: I received this book from Speakeasy in exchange for my honest review
April 27, 2020
I will start by saying the Keith Giles does make some good points in this book and it is a subject, as he says, that we all need to take a long, hard look at within ourselves. That being said, I had a hard time with this book because I disagree with many of Giles foundational starting points. I think the key would be that Giles appears to argue that the only Scriptures that are inspired, in the Innerant Word of God sort of way, are the Specific Words that Jesus Says. He dismisses the Old Testament as having any authority, (I immediately thought of Andy Stanley) and it seems that he is saying, the Bible is not the Word of God, it is a man written record of Jesus, the Word of God.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to be biblically challenged by this book. I do however, think that Giles goes further than is warranted based on the Bible. Even given his foundational presuppositions, I don’t think his biblical arguments reach the ends that he is arguing for.
And that’s too bad, because I agree with part of his premise, that the church in America has become much too entangles with politics, on the left, on the right, and in the center. Too many of us put our hopes, practically at least, in our political parties and in those whom we vote for. The reason I read this was because I am working through my stance on voting and supporting those whom could be seen as the lesser of two evils.
Again, there are things I agree with Giles on, his view on the church and Israel, for example I think is spot on. And there are things that I disagree but understand and can see where they came from, his pacifism, for example. But I think, regarding politics, there is a middle ground he is missing. Yes, our full allegiance should be to Christ and the Kingdom of God. Full Stop. But as we see with Daniel, for example in the Old Testament, there is a way to be involved without pledging full allegiance to the enemy. Is it easy? No. Can most people do it? No. Will most recognize their own biases and assumptions regarding the national identity being tied up with their spiritual identity? No. And that’s why the questions the Giles asks needs to be asked, because not enough of us are asking them of our selves.
Ultimately, I think for those who are greatly discerning there are some good things to gleam from this book and there are some great questions raised that we need to ask ourselves. However, there is just enough wrong, just enough faulty biblical foundation that I cannot give it a full recommendation.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to be biblically challenged by this book. I do however, think that Giles goes further than is warranted based on the Bible. Even given his foundational presuppositions, I don’t think his biblical arguments reach the ends that he is arguing for.
And that’s too bad, because I agree with part of his premise, that the church in America has become much too entangles with politics, on the left, on the right, and in the center. Too many of us put our hopes, practically at least, in our political parties and in those whom we vote for. The reason I read this was because I am working through my stance on voting and supporting those whom could be seen as the lesser of two evils.
Again, there are things I agree with Giles on, his view on the church and Israel, for example I think is spot on. And there are things that I disagree but understand and can see where they came from, his pacifism, for example. But I think, regarding politics, there is a middle ground he is missing. Yes, our full allegiance should be to Christ and the Kingdom of God. Full Stop. But as we see with Daniel, for example in the Old Testament, there is a way to be involved without pledging full allegiance to the enemy. Is it easy? No. Can most people do it? No. Will most recognize their own biases and assumptions regarding the national identity being tied up with their spiritual identity? No. And that’s why the questions the Giles asks needs to be asked, because not enough of us are asking them of our selves.
Ultimately, I think for those who are greatly discerning there are some good things to gleam from this book and there are some great questions raised that we need to ask ourselves. However, there is just enough wrong, just enough faulty biblical foundation that I cannot give it a full recommendation.
July 2, 2019
This is a short but relatively well written book.
While the author has given a few helpful insights, I believe much of the book needs to be scrutinized in light of our duty as Christians to fight evil.
I believe, as a Christian, one of our good works, is to fight evil. By evil, I mean sexual perversions of all types, abortions (baby dismembering and killing prior to birth), and anything else that is anti-God, anti-Christ, and anti-Bible.
By voicing our opinions against wayward ideas, I believe we are doing good deeds for God. This includes getting involved politically to share our Christian influence with non-Christians.
One perfect example of this is William Wilberforce, a Christian who served in the British Parliament for 40 years. Several days before his death, Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act of 1933 which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. This may not have occurred if he did not get involved politically.
Also, Jesus expressed righteous anger when he drove the money lenders out of the temple. (Matthew 21:12-13)
This book suggests that Christians not be involved with anything of the world. This means not being involved politically. l believe we can and should influence others for the glory of God.
Others who share my view include John McArthur, and Wayne Gruden, author of Systematic Theology and Bible Doctrine. Wayne also wrote an excellent book entitled the “Politics - According to the Bible” which I highly recommend.
You can see, and hear, their positions on this matter, as well as other Christians, on You Tube.
I pray that this country, and the world, would have a Spiritual revival led by the Holy Spirit and implemented through humans.
I agree with the author that this world would be a better place if everyone lived like Christ.
Here is a similar quote from John Adams our second U. S. President.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! ... what a paradise would this region be.”
While the author has given a few helpful insights, I believe much of the book needs to be scrutinized in light of our duty as Christians to fight evil.
I believe, as a Christian, one of our good works, is to fight evil. By evil, I mean sexual perversions of all types, abortions (baby dismembering and killing prior to birth), and anything else that is anti-God, anti-Christ, and anti-Bible.
By voicing our opinions against wayward ideas, I believe we are doing good deeds for God. This includes getting involved politically to share our Christian influence with non-Christians.
One perfect example of this is William Wilberforce, a Christian who served in the British Parliament for 40 years. Several days before his death, Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act of 1933 which abolished slavery in most of the British Empire. This may not have occurred if he did not get involved politically.
Also, Jesus expressed righteous anger when he drove the money lenders out of the temple. (Matthew 21:12-13)
This book suggests that Christians not be involved with anything of the world. This means not being involved politically. l believe we can and should influence others for the glory of God.
Others who share my view include John McArthur, and Wayne Gruden, author of Systematic Theology and Bible Doctrine. Wayne also wrote an excellent book entitled the “Politics - According to the Bible” which I highly recommend.
You can see, and hear, their positions on this matter, as well as other Christians, on You Tube.
I pray that this country, and the world, would have a Spiritual revival led by the Holy Spirit and implemented through humans.
I agree with the author that this world would be a better place if everyone lived like Christ.
Here is a similar quote from John Adams our second U. S. President.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! ... what a paradise would this region be.”
May 6, 2020
While I believe in a handful of the principles behind the focus of this book, none were either well-written nor well-supported. There is a lot of correlation that he puts forth as causation. There are so many declarations made that lack any citations I finally had to stop reading. This should have stayed where it started, as a series of blog posts.
February 14, 2017
Excellent read
This is a book every Christian should read. Let it challenge your most cherished beliefs about God and country. Search the Scriptures to see if what is being said is true. Then follow the Truth wherever He leads you.
This is a book every Christian should read. Let it challenge your most cherished beliefs about God and country. Search the Scriptures to see if what is being said is true. Then follow the Truth wherever He leads you.
December 28, 2017
Another great work on the troubling mixture of nationalism with Christianity in America. This book is very accessible and is a good starting point for anyone who questions why American nationalism and American Christianity are not one and the same.
July 26, 2019
First to third century “Followers of the Way” did not participate in politics; they were loyal only to their God. Their lives were in sharp contrast to the general population of the Roman Empire. However, since Emperor Constantine (r. 306-337) issued the Edictum Mediolanense (313), legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire, the Christian church has been “entangled” with the government and Christians have become a part of the general population of the world. The church has become bureaucratic and political. American Christians place more emphasis on the US Constitution than the Sermon on the Mount; on their rights as American citizens than their responsibilities as servants of Jesus. Jesus viewed the lust for political power as a temptation of the devil, yet many American Christians fight to acquire political power. We were commanded to love our enemies, but American Christians today are killing their enemies at the behest of the government. “The Kingdom of God and the American empire are not congruent. They are not complimentary. They are opposing forces with radically different goals, values and ideals.”
In “Jesus Untangled” the above assertions (many paraphrased) are presented and detailed by Keith Giles, a devoted Christian whose primary loyalty is to the Kingdom of God; a former pastor who now does not support any church; who does not support any political party; who does not vote. Mr. Giles makes the point that the early Christians (1st – 3rd centuries) separated themselves from the general population of early Rome. Yet from the 4th century forward Christians were a part of the general population around them. However, Mr. Giles fails to mention that the 1st – 3rd century Rome permitted the early Christians to worship their God so long as they sacrificed to the Roman gods, which most Christians refused to do. This refusal led to conflict and friction with Rome; possibly to the early Christians’ being different form the general population. His opposition to a Christian’s participation in war is commendable, and might work with today’s all-volunteer military. However, for example, refusal to serve in the military during the Vietnam era would lead to criminal prosecution. Moreover, if no one volunteered today, the draft would almost certainly be restored. Judgment of other assertions I will leave to future readers.
Mr. Giles’ thesis seems to be that God’s Kingdom is more powerful that the US government and our problems can be solved by turning everyone’s “hearts and minds” (Not Mr. Giles words. An old phrase from the Vietnam era) to God. No doubt this is true, but it is taking time to accomplish. In the mean time we need help from the US government.
“Jesus Untangled” is well researched, well written, and thought-provoking. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in theology. If nothing else, it will wake you up.
In “Jesus Untangled” the above assertions (many paraphrased) are presented and detailed by Keith Giles, a devoted Christian whose primary loyalty is to the Kingdom of God; a former pastor who now does not support any church; who does not support any political party; who does not vote. Mr. Giles makes the point that the early Christians (1st – 3rd centuries) separated themselves from the general population of early Rome. Yet from the 4th century forward Christians were a part of the general population around them. However, Mr. Giles fails to mention that the 1st – 3rd century Rome permitted the early Christians to worship their God so long as they sacrificed to the Roman gods, which most Christians refused to do. This refusal led to conflict and friction with Rome; possibly to the early Christians’ being different form the general population. His opposition to a Christian’s participation in war is commendable, and might work with today’s all-volunteer military. However, for example, refusal to serve in the military during the Vietnam era would lead to criminal prosecution. Moreover, if no one volunteered today, the draft would almost certainly be restored. Judgment of other assertions I will leave to future readers.
Mr. Giles’ thesis seems to be that God’s Kingdom is more powerful that the US government and our problems can be solved by turning everyone’s “hearts and minds” (Not Mr. Giles words. An old phrase from the Vietnam era) to God. No doubt this is true, but it is taking time to accomplish. In the mean time we need help from the US government.
“Jesus Untangled” is well researched, well written, and thought-provoking. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in theology. If nothing else, it will wake you up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
Giles has written a good book, perhaps controversial. The material is a critique of entangling faith and politics, i.e. Christian nationalism and such. Giles position is radical, (i.e. Christians shouldn't vote or pledge allegiance to the American flag), and yet he presents good evidence for the inferiority of using politics for personal comfort, religious influence, national power, and that America really is a Babylon like empire that Christians must separate from. Giles has a clear call of living in God's kingdom, being transformed by the Spirit, and following Jesus above any earthly ruler or political system.
Quotes:
Many are enraged at the mere suggestion of someone disrespecting their flag, but they hardly bat an eye when someone contradicts the teachings of Jesus.In the words of Paul, the Apostle, “My friends, this ought not to be.”
Nationalism denies the transcendent nature of God’s Kingdom.
Just ask yourself: Does my nation officially devote itself to the specific person of Jesus? Does my nation acknowledge Jesus alone as Lord and King? Does my nation base any of its laws or policies on the Sermon on the Mount? If you answered “No” to any (or all) of those questions, your nation is not Christian and it stands against the Kingdom of our Lord.
Wouldn’t something that revolutionary—something with the power to change every human heart from within and make them a brand new creature –be better than any political solution on the planet?
Attitude of many Christians in America today. It reveals a deep desire to seize control of the American government—to take power over our enemies and to exert the necessary political pressure required to “turn our nation back to God.”
In contrast, Christians today are using political power and influence to protect themselves—not to protect an oppressed group of people who have no defense against tyranny and abuse.
No political agenda, party, system, or politician will ever bring our nation any closer to the image of God. Only Jesus can do that.
The truth is this: We’ll never shape the world if we are not first shaped by Christ. Only the transformed can inspire transformation.
God’s glory is hidden in the ugliness of our lives. In places of violence, in places of suffering, God is there, hidden among us. This is the theology of the cross. That in the horror of the cross, in the violence, in the ugliness, and the weakness of a man stripped and beaten and hung to die there is something more powerful at work. Hidden under these signs of weakness is the glory of God
The demonic and worldly empires are powerless to stop the power of weakness. How could anyone ever defeat an opponent who only grows stronger the weaker they become?
Our Father has given us an astounding gift: the power to be transformed by His love into people who are like His Son.
The way we stop mass murderers and terrorists is to show them the love of Christ before they pick up their weapons, not after. Christ’s plan involves preemptive love and proactive agape.
The abortion issue is a “shiny red button” that the Republican Party loves to hold out to us as a way to manipulate us to vote for their candidate. But once that person is elected the issue of abortion is never a priority for that politician.
if our passion is to end abortion in our nation, the best way to do so is to circumvent political processes (which, to date, have not proven very effective), and to love our neighbor as Jesus commanded.
Exploitation is a necessity to perpetuate the American dream.
Just try to find a summer blockbuster where the hero doesn’t use a gun. Try to watch a TV show where violence isn’t the solution to the problem.
Capitalistic motives associated with journalism have forced much of today’s television news to look to the spectacular, the stirring, and the controversial as news stories. It’s no longer a race to break the story first or get the facts right.
Whenever somebody’s trying to scare us, the question to ask is ‘Are they benefiting from it, and in what way?’”
I have personally been accused of being a liberal for asserting that Christians should care for the poor or refrain from violence. But these are not statements intended to reflect my political opinions. They are the words of Christ!In short, people who assume that I am being political do so because they are primarily political in their own thinking.
Jesus commands us to pledge allegiance to the Kingdom of God, not to a flag or a nation. I’m not saying it’s a sin to love your country or to vote, but I am saying that once we blur the lines between Jesus and our national pride, we might have a problem. A big problem.
Americans have the right to be treated equally and to pursue happiness. Christians have only the right to share in the sufferings of Christ, give up their individual identity, and love and serve others as Jesus did.Americans have the opportunity to vote and choose their leaders. Christians have only one leader, and owe their allegiance to only one, true holy nation—the Kingdom of God.
Let me ask you this: Would you give up being an American to follow Jesus?
Let’s not forget that the Messiah is a King. He has come to establish a Kingdom here on this earth. God is asking us to crown Him as our Lord, and that entails shifting our citizenship from the nation where we were born into His Kingdom. He wants to rule and reign—right now—in our actual daily lives. He wants to be our King. He wants us to be His people. It was an awareness of this fact that inspired the early Christians to proclaim “Jesus is Lord!” and to even go to their deaths saying, “We have no King but Jesus.”
Benjamin L. Corey says it:“Remember: The Kingdom of God is made up of people from every nation, every race, and every language. It’s hard to have unity in his Kingdom when a handful of his followers are standing in the corner, waving a flag foreign to the Kingdom and shouting, ‘we’re number one!”
One of the biggest freedoms I experienced in my Christian walk was when I walked away from caring about who was president. Benjamin Corey
Please don’t look down upon our brothers and sisters in Christ who are still entangled. Don’t get angry with those who pledge allegiance to the flag or who confuse their political party with the Kingdom of God. Don’t treat Christians in the military as if they are not “true Christians.” Don’t act as if those who vote are less spiritual than you are.
Christians have more than enough power at their disposal to change their nation, and it’s much more effective than casting a vote once every four years. Or, to put it another way, presidents and politicians have much less power than the average Christian when it comes to transformation.Take that in. We already have all the power we need to save our country.
Start sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. Let everyone know that Jesus is the best Leader anyone could ever have.
Quotes:
Many are enraged at the mere suggestion of someone disrespecting their flag, but they hardly bat an eye when someone contradicts the teachings of Jesus.In the words of Paul, the Apostle, “My friends, this ought not to be.”
Nationalism denies the transcendent nature of God’s Kingdom.
Just ask yourself: Does my nation officially devote itself to the specific person of Jesus? Does my nation acknowledge Jesus alone as Lord and King? Does my nation base any of its laws or policies on the Sermon on the Mount? If you answered “No” to any (or all) of those questions, your nation is not Christian and it stands against the Kingdom of our Lord.
Wouldn’t something that revolutionary—something with the power to change every human heart from within and make them a brand new creature –be better than any political solution on the planet?
Attitude of many Christians in America today. It reveals a deep desire to seize control of the American government—to take power over our enemies and to exert the necessary political pressure required to “turn our nation back to God.”
In contrast, Christians today are using political power and influence to protect themselves—not to protect an oppressed group of people who have no defense against tyranny and abuse.
No political agenda, party, system, or politician will ever bring our nation any closer to the image of God. Only Jesus can do that.
The truth is this: We’ll never shape the world if we are not first shaped by Christ. Only the transformed can inspire transformation.
God’s glory is hidden in the ugliness of our lives. In places of violence, in places of suffering, God is there, hidden among us. This is the theology of the cross. That in the horror of the cross, in the violence, in the ugliness, and the weakness of a man stripped and beaten and hung to die there is something more powerful at work. Hidden under these signs of weakness is the glory of God
The demonic and worldly empires are powerless to stop the power of weakness. How could anyone ever defeat an opponent who only grows stronger the weaker they become?
Our Father has given us an astounding gift: the power to be transformed by His love into people who are like His Son.
The way we stop mass murderers and terrorists is to show them the love of Christ before they pick up their weapons, not after. Christ’s plan involves preemptive love and proactive agape.
The abortion issue is a “shiny red button” that the Republican Party loves to hold out to us as a way to manipulate us to vote for their candidate. But once that person is elected the issue of abortion is never a priority for that politician.
if our passion is to end abortion in our nation, the best way to do so is to circumvent political processes (which, to date, have not proven very effective), and to love our neighbor as Jesus commanded.
Exploitation is a necessity to perpetuate the American dream.
Just try to find a summer blockbuster where the hero doesn’t use a gun. Try to watch a TV show where violence isn’t the solution to the problem.
Capitalistic motives associated with journalism have forced much of today’s television news to look to the spectacular, the stirring, and the controversial as news stories. It’s no longer a race to break the story first or get the facts right.
Whenever somebody’s trying to scare us, the question to ask is ‘Are they benefiting from it, and in what way?’”
I have personally been accused of being a liberal for asserting that Christians should care for the poor or refrain from violence. But these are not statements intended to reflect my political opinions. They are the words of Christ!In short, people who assume that I am being political do so because they are primarily political in their own thinking.
Jesus commands us to pledge allegiance to the Kingdom of God, not to a flag or a nation. I’m not saying it’s a sin to love your country or to vote, but I am saying that once we blur the lines between Jesus and our national pride, we might have a problem. A big problem.
Americans have the right to be treated equally and to pursue happiness. Christians have only the right to share in the sufferings of Christ, give up their individual identity, and love and serve others as Jesus did.Americans have the opportunity to vote and choose their leaders. Christians have only one leader, and owe their allegiance to only one, true holy nation—the Kingdom of God.
Let me ask you this: Would you give up being an American to follow Jesus?
Let’s not forget that the Messiah is a King. He has come to establish a Kingdom here on this earth. God is asking us to crown Him as our Lord, and that entails shifting our citizenship from the nation where we were born into His Kingdom. He wants to rule and reign—right now—in our actual daily lives. He wants to be our King. He wants us to be His people. It was an awareness of this fact that inspired the early Christians to proclaim “Jesus is Lord!” and to even go to their deaths saying, “We have no King but Jesus.”
Benjamin L. Corey says it:“Remember: The Kingdom of God is made up of people from every nation, every race, and every language. It’s hard to have unity in his Kingdom when a handful of his followers are standing in the corner, waving a flag foreign to the Kingdom and shouting, ‘we’re number one!”
One of the biggest freedoms I experienced in my Christian walk was when I walked away from caring about who was president. Benjamin Corey
Please don’t look down upon our brothers and sisters in Christ who are still entangled. Don’t get angry with those who pledge allegiance to the flag or who confuse their political party with the Kingdom of God. Don’t treat Christians in the military as if they are not “true Christians.” Don’t act as if those who vote are less spiritual than you are.
Christians have more than enough power at their disposal to change their nation, and it’s much more effective than casting a vote once every four years. Or, to put it another way, presidents and politicians have much less power than the average Christian when it comes to transformation.Take that in. We already have all the power we need to save our country.
Start sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. Let everyone know that Jesus is the best Leader anyone could ever have.
February 17, 2017
Very enlightening
This gave a lot of information I was not aware of Very helpful in moving on the growth away from mixing faith with patriotism
This gave a lot of information I was not aware of Very helpful in moving on the growth away from mixing faith with patriotism
May 1, 2017
Solid but not flawless
I agree with this book more than I disagree but I think it should be pointed out that the Kingdom of God actually is political, it's just that it has its own separate politic. If we start with that premise then the things in this book will change meaning a bit, but this is still a very solid read and a welcome antidote to the current reign of the idol of nationalism that is currently sweeping our nation. This is a challenging but desperately needed book for the church in America.
I agree with this book more than I disagree but I think it should be pointed out that the Kingdom of God actually is political, it's just that it has its own separate politic. If we start with that premise then the things in this book will change meaning a bit, but this is still a very solid read and a welcome antidote to the current reign of the idol of nationalism that is currently sweeping our nation. This is a challenging but desperately needed book for the church in America.
March 7, 2018
Good and bad.
Great emphasis on not politicising religion , uses Jesus as a lens to read the rest of the bible ( discards the awful Leviticus style laws for example as no literally applicable). Leans towards fundamentalism in places. Good emphasis on leading a decent life etc. reads largely like a long sermon. Atheists and non Christians might have little interest. Christians might do well to learn from the errors power grabbing political endeavours.
Great emphasis on not politicising religion , uses Jesus as a lens to read the rest of the bible ( discards the awful Leviticus style laws for example as no literally applicable). Leans towards fundamentalism in places. Good emphasis on leading a decent life etc. reads largely like a long sermon. Atheists and non Christians might have little interest. Christians might do well to learn from the errors power grabbing political endeavours.
April 10, 2023
Excellent reminder of who our King is!! A wake up call to all who truly desire to serve Christ and not an antichrist! We cannot as believers in Christ continue to live in the delusional state of nationalism!
February 24, 2017
I have been on the hunt, for quite a while now, for good books which will address the complicated relationship between US Christians and the US Government from a (broadly) Anabaptist perspective. Giles' Jesus Untangled is in a league with Greg Boyd's Myth of a Christian Nation though it has something of a different focus and intended audience.
Giles explains in the introduction that this book began life as a series of blogs which were then edited and reworked into the final book. This is actually evident when reading it, both for good and for ill. On the positive side, the blog-like informality (though the book is well sourced with supporting research) is really compelling and makes for an easy read. Many of the later chapters in the book, very much "feel" like reading well written blog posts. On the negative end though, those same chapters have a bit of a tendency to repeat themselves in a way that would make sense on a periodical blog series but seems superfluous in a book. Overall though Jesus Untangled is scores high marks for readability, which is an important quality for those of us looking for resources to recommend to our more nationalist-inclined Christian friends.
In Jesus Untangled Keith Giles sets out a strong argument that Christians have, since Constantine, become entangled with the politics of "this world" to the detriment of our capacity to focus on and inhabit the Kingdom of God. Throughout the book he works to demonstrate that "to be friends with the world is to be against God" and he makes his point compellingly.
In fact I think the real strength of the book is in its ability to introduce readers to an Anabaptist, "Kingdom Theology" approach to thinking about their own relationship to government. Giles is both charming and challenging throughout, and nearly always grounds his arguments in the sort of solid, conservative, exegesis which is so compelling to many Evangelicals. It is likely that the average US Christian will want to reject many of Giles ideas about voting (Giles is against it), violence (Giles insists that the Way of Jesus is non-violent), corporate power (remember the camel and the eye of the needle) and so forth. The temptation will probably be to dismiss him as a liberal (Giles refuses the identity) but it will be hard for them to do so in light of his careful interpretation and application of the Bible. So for those who are already sympathetic to an Anabaptist Christian politics, this book will be an excellent conversation starter with your more Evangelical friends. They may not like it exactly, but they won't be able to simply dismiss it either.
My personal favorite portion of the book was actually something of a lemma. In Chapter 2 A Matter of Perspective Giles spends some time outlining and justifying his hermeneutics. He sets his approach—which he refers to as "Jesus-centric"—in apposition to what he calls "flat-bible" interpretation. I suspect that this section in particular will serve as a strong introduction to Christocentric hermeneutics—an approach which many Evangelicals have hardly encountered. Giles is at his best here, dancing back and forth between being challenging and being winsome.
He also includes this illustration by David Hayward in the
book and it just made me really happy to see it in print.
My only real critique of the book has more to do with false expectations than with any real failing on the author's part. Because I have already read a number of books in this vein, and because Giles opens with references to the 2016 election, I had hopes that he would move beyond pointing out the problematic nature of Christian entanglement in the power and political structures of human government, to recommendations and reflections on what disentanglement ought to look like in today's world. There is some of this—Giles is clearly against voting, war, and capitalist oppression—but he really doesn't get into some of the more thorny practical and pastoral questions. I finished the book still wanting to know what he thought about Christians in America protesting against violent, unjust, and oppressive policies of the government. It never really became clear to me whether he was advocating a sort of withdrawal from public involvement, or had some third way of "disentangled engagement" in mind.
Overall then, I would highly recommend Jesus Untangled for anyone who is interested in, or even just willing to engage in, questions about the legitimacy of Christian engagement in politics. My take is that this book is written largely with conservative Evangelicals in mind and it is just the sort of medicine I would have benefited from back when I was a conservative Evangelical. If you have already moved into a post-republi-christianity mindset, then you will still find the book encouraging (and will likely find that Chapter 2 alone is worth the price of admission) but you probably won't find it as challenging as the first group. Either way, Jesus Untangled is an easy, and engaging read and very much the sort of book that I would like to see talk about more.
Giles explains in the introduction that this book began life as a series of blogs which were then edited and reworked into the final book. This is actually evident when reading it, both for good and for ill. On the positive side, the blog-like informality (though the book is well sourced with supporting research) is really compelling and makes for an easy read. Many of the later chapters in the book, very much "feel" like reading well written blog posts. On the negative end though, those same chapters have a bit of a tendency to repeat themselves in a way that would make sense on a periodical blog series but seems superfluous in a book. Overall though Jesus Untangled is scores high marks for readability, which is an important quality for those of us looking for resources to recommend to our more nationalist-inclined Christian friends.
In Jesus Untangled Keith Giles sets out a strong argument that Christians have, since Constantine, become entangled with the politics of "this world" to the detriment of our capacity to focus on and inhabit the Kingdom of God. Throughout the book he works to demonstrate that "to be friends with the world is to be against God" and he makes his point compellingly.
In fact I think the real strength of the book is in its ability to introduce readers to an Anabaptist, "Kingdom Theology" approach to thinking about their own relationship to government. Giles is both charming and challenging throughout, and nearly always grounds his arguments in the sort of solid, conservative, exegesis which is so compelling to many Evangelicals. It is likely that the average US Christian will want to reject many of Giles ideas about voting (Giles is against it), violence (Giles insists that the Way of Jesus is non-violent), corporate power (remember the camel and the eye of the needle) and so forth. The temptation will probably be to dismiss him as a liberal (Giles refuses the identity) but it will be hard for them to do so in light of his careful interpretation and application of the Bible. So for those who are already sympathetic to an Anabaptist Christian politics, this book will be an excellent conversation starter with your more Evangelical friends. They may not like it exactly, but they won't be able to simply dismiss it either.
My personal favorite portion of the book was actually something of a lemma. In Chapter 2 A Matter of Perspective Giles spends some time outlining and justifying his hermeneutics. He sets his approach—which he refers to as "Jesus-centric"—in apposition to what he calls "flat-bible" interpretation. I suspect that this section in particular will serve as a strong introduction to Christocentric hermeneutics—an approach which many Evangelicals have hardly encountered. Giles is at his best here, dancing back and forth between being challenging and being winsome.
He also includes this illustration by David Hayward in the
book and it just made me really happy to see it in print.
My only real critique of the book has more to do with false expectations than with any real failing on the author's part. Because I have already read a number of books in this vein, and because Giles opens with references to the 2016 election, I had hopes that he would move beyond pointing out the problematic nature of Christian entanglement in the power and political structures of human government, to recommendations and reflections on what disentanglement ought to look like in today's world. There is some of this—Giles is clearly against voting, war, and capitalist oppression—but he really doesn't get into some of the more thorny practical and pastoral questions. I finished the book still wanting to know what he thought about Christians in America protesting against violent, unjust, and oppressive policies of the government. It never really became clear to me whether he was advocating a sort of withdrawal from public involvement, or had some third way of "disentangled engagement" in mind.
Overall then, I would highly recommend Jesus Untangled for anyone who is interested in, or even just willing to engage in, questions about the legitimacy of Christian engagement in politics. My take is that this book is written largely with conservative Evangelicals in mind and it is just the sort of medicine I would have benefited from back when I was a conservative Evangelical. If you have already moved into a post-republi-christianity mindset, then you will still find the book encouraging (and will likely find that Chapter 2 alone is worth the price of admission) but you probably won't find it as challenging as the first group. Either way, Jesus Untangled is an easy, and engaging read and very much the sort of book that I would like to see talk about more.
May 7, 2022
Christian nationalist roots run very deep in America, especially in the Bible Belt where I'm from. This was something that took me a while to work through and get away from, so by the time I read this book I was already well on my way out of it and focused on pursuing an intimate Life with Christ. Even so, Giles brings out a lot of good points in this book that have helped me tremendously. A reminder of the call for Christians to help the poor, love their enemies, and not be violent which is completely contrary to the political system of America is only the start. Giles also explores how America isn't the Just Nation that we are taught that it is. He goes back to World War II where America could have stopped Nazi Germany without firing a single shot but didn't because of Greed and Power. He goes even further and exposes how Republicans have used stopping abortion as a way to get votes from evangelicals but do nothing once in power so they won't lose leverage when election time comes. He ask the question, who are we in Allegiance to, a nation or Christ? He puts a heavy emphasis on how no man can serve two masters and instead of pledging our allegiance to a nation, we should pledge it only to Christ. This is one I will want to re-read and use it as a tool in the future.
June 23, 2018
Mr. Giles gets right into the topic by sharing how nationalism hinders the gospel message we present as Christians. Through the next several chapters he does an excellent job walking us through how we got to where we are today with christianity entangled with partisan politics. In this Mr. Giles shares how this entanglement leads us to believe lies about our votes, political parties, and even our country.
Giles also spends a good portion of the book in where our allegiance should be and that is with Christ alone and how that should impact our lives.
In the book Giles takes the hard lined approach of never voting and I am not sure I agree with that. I do agree we can't put. Our hope in a political party or our country but I wonder if not voting at all is the best route.
One of the things I really enjoyed was the warning at the end of the book to not take this new found wisdom to beat people over the head with but to graciously live it out in our lives and to guide others on the journey
Giles also spends a good portion of the book in where our allegiance should be and that is with Christ alone and how that should impact our lives.
In the book Giles takes the hard lined approach of never voting and I am not sure I agree with that. I do agree we can't put. Our hope in a political party or our country but I wonder if not voting at all is the best route.
One of the things I really enjoyed was the warning at the end of the book to not take this new found wisdom to beat people over the head with but to graciously live it out in our lives and to guide others on the journey
September 30, 2017
This book pulled together so many of the loose thoughts I've had regarding patriotism, nationalism, war, and forcing a "moral" agenda through laws. It's long been my belief that we are not a special chosen nation by God. We are causing more killing and suffering throughout the world for our own gain, under the guise of helping and funding wars. We can only change hearts when we are willing to love and enter relationships, not through laws against abortion and same sex marriage. I'm grateful for the goal of Liberty and the Christian values that influenced our founding fathers. But at the end of the day, my pledge of allegiance is to Jesus. And my thanks to our service men and women for their sacrifice. Politics and religion must be spoken about. But they were meant to be separate from the beginning. I was a little thrown off by his distinction about not reading a "flat Bible" but to elevate Jesus words above the other writers in both old and New Testament.
April 29, 2023
I don't often write reviews, but this one deserves one.
Over the past few presidential election cycles that have been so divisive in our nation, I have questioned so much of what the church as a whole has to say about politics, and how that aligns with the way Jesus lived. I have not been able to reconcile the spirit of nationalism with the Spirit of God and the focus we are supposed to have on God's eternal Kingdom.
This book answered all of those questions and confirmed what I have been chewing on for years. We are not of this world. We are to follow Jesus alone.
My only disagreement is the author's advice not to vote. I do think everyone should research and vote their conscience. This is how our voice is heard in this country. I just don't think we should stress about the political process, and I strongly believe we waste too much time in the church focusing on what is happening politically. That should not be our focus. What have we been called to do?
Over the past few presidential election cycles that have been so divisive in our nation, I have questioned so much of what the church as a whole has to say about politics, and how that aligns with the way Jesus lived. I have not been able to reconcile the spirit of nationalism with the Spirit of God and the focus we are supposed to have on God's eternal Kingdom.
This book answered all of those questions and confirmed what I have been chewing on for years. We are not of this world. We are to follow Jesus alone.
My only disagreement is the author's advice not to vote. I do think everyone should research and vote their conscience. This is how our voice is heard in this country. I just don't think we should stress about the political process, and I strongly believe we waste too much time in the church focusing on what is happening politically. That should not be our focus. What have we been called to do?
March 27, 2017
This book is worth reading. I did not embrace every argument, but Keith Giles is on point in his assessment of the church's marriage to American politics. I would especially recommend this book to anyone struggling with or needing to be introduced to the problems that have come with the American Republican Jesus mentality. I appreciate that his solution to this conundrum, however, is not just to become a democratic socialist Jesus. Also, his assessment of the pre-Constantinian witness of the church was especially helpful in showing the terrible consequences that have come as a result of marrying church and politics throughout the history of the church. This is a much needed conversation for so many in our churches today.
October 11, 2019
Such a good book about where our focus should be as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Especially in these days of political uncertainty, Keith gives us a lot to consider and think about. For us here in the USA we have come to the conclusion that we are a christian nation and have God's special blessing above all others. We seem to put so much trust and dependence in our political parties, but reading through this book puts a whole new light on the subject. Read this book and find out for yourself how we could be missing the greatest blessing, one of less stress and turmoil in the political arena and more purpose and meaning of living in His kingdom.
March 19, 2017
An anabaptist interpretation of biblical pacifism and the seperation of Church & State.
Keith Giles presents an interesting book that would surely strike at the heart of American patriotism.
Giles' writes towards those of us who hold to beliefs about BOTH 'God & Country' and why Christians should in the very least be suspicious about such political and religious intertwinings of our faith in daily life.
The writer has, in some ways, a very simplistic interpretation of scripture, and other ways a somewhat complex conspiratorial interpretation of American politics and business.
The book is an easy read but has a few grammatical errors and run-on sentences throughout. If you are an American and subscribe to the Christian faith or tradition, this book should cause you to question yourself and some very commonly held beliefs you might not even realise you had.
It's worth a read.
Keith Giles presents an interesting book that would surely strike at the heart of American patriotism.
Giles' writes towards those of us who hold to beliefs about BOTH 'God & Country' and why Christians should in the very least be suspicious about such political and religious intertwinings of our faith in daily life.
The writer has, in some ways, a very simplistic interpretation of scripture, and other ways a somewhat complex conspiratorial interpretation of American politics and business.
The book is an easy read but has a few grammatical errors and run-on sentences throughout. If you are an American and subscribe to the Christian faith or tradition, this book should cause you to question yourself and some very commonly held beliefs you might not even realise you had.
It's worth a read.
November 11, 2019
WoW
I honestly thought Giles was a big liberal. He occasionally posts quotes on politics and faith that speak to me. I disagree with some of his theology in other areas but who agrees on everything? This book I felt was so informative, balanced, and stirring. I expected it to be slanted left but I was refreshed to find it unbiased in terms of party affiliation and also full of humility!
I honestly thought Giles was a big liberal. He occasionally posts quotes on politics and faith that speak to me. I disagree with some of his theology in other areas but who agrees on everything? This book I felt was so informative, balanced, and stirring. I expected it to be slanted left but I was refreshed to find it unbiased in terms of party affiliation and also full of humility!
February 13, 2018
Good Points, but a bit Repetitive
Any one wary of the intertwining of faith and politics will find this book refreshing. However, Giles seems to say the thing again and again. He says repeatedly that Jesus wouldn't get caught up in politics. He also chronicles the atrocities of the government. A good book overall, but he tends to repeat himself.
Any one wary of the intertwining of faith and politics will find this book refreshing. However, Giles seems to say the thing again and again. He says repeatedly that Jesus wouldn't get caught up in politics. He also chronicles the atrocities of the government. A good book overall, but he tends to repeat himself.
January 21, 2019
Read this book several months ago, and I am still chewing on it. It was eye-opening to learn so much about the early church that we never talk about--and in particular its complete separation from government. This book will help Western Christianity sacrifice its love affair with politics and find its first true love--Jesus.
February 19, 2019
This book flipped my entire view of Christianity and it's association with politics on it's ear. Rated as one of my top ten most important books for Christians living in America today.
If you've ever struggled with balancing your Christian faith with your political goals and agendas, then you need to read this book.
If you've ever struggled with balancing your Christian faith with your political goals and agendas, then you need to read this book.
July 11, 2019
Radically reverberating with relevance
Many thanks to Keith Giles for the gift of this inspired manuscript. It is a much needed salve to a world-weary soul; soothing irritated suspicions; satisfying lonely, lifelong doubts; imbuing true refreshment straight from the totality of the Gospel. Recommending this accessible and invaluable read to everyone who claims Jesus as Lord.
Many thanks to Keith Giles for the gift of this inspired manuscript. It is a much needed salve to a world-weary soul; soothing irritated suspicions; satisfying lonely, lifelong doubts; imbuing true refreshment straight from the totality of the Gospel. Recommending this accessible and invaluable read to everyone who claims Jesus as Lord.
May 29, 2020
Holy moly this is a heavy book. Mentally and spiritually. I‘be been walking down the this path for several years now but this book really came at a good time and a different angle. Keith Giles presents some paradigm shattering info and perspective in this book that will shake any beliefs you’ve been given about how great America is and it’s history.
June 23, 2020
Having been fully indoctrinated into the merging of Christianity and politics for decades, the light began to dawn with the book The Myth of a Christian Nation by G. Boyd. Jesus Untangled, for me, just caps off the logic that the two cannot be merged. Excellent work and highly recommended for anyone who has indeed become entangled with politics and the affairs of this life.
February 15, 2018
I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could. I agree with a lot of where he's coming from, but a lot of allegations aren't substantiated and many generalizations are too general for my tastes. Good message though. Should be read.
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