Under Siege: Religious Freedom and the Church in Canada at 150

by Don Hutchinson

Writing from the perspective of a student of life, history, law, politics, and theology, Don Hutchinson draws on all of these areas in Under Siege to offer perceptive insight into the Christian Church of today's Canada. The reader will receive the benefit of his thirty years of church leadership, Christian witness, constitutional law, and public policy experience to gain a practical understanding of how we, the Church, may cast the deciding votes on the future of Christianity in our constitutionally guaranteed "free and democratic society."

How did we get here? What happened to "Christian" Canada? Do we not have Charter rights like everyone else? What does the Bible say?

Many Christians sense that an advancing secularism is trying to force upon Canadians a culture in which faith is meant to be private. Hutchinson presents historic, legal, and theological grounds for us not to hide our faith in stained-glass closets, but instead to enter Canada's contested public space with confidence. Together as individual Christians, congregations, denominations, and para-congregational ministries, we are the Church in Canada. And together we have the capacity to impact the nation for God's good, the good of our neighbours, and the good of ourselves. Will we?

Genres: Politics

306 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2017

Reviews

[Mary-Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It would be interesting to ask a random number of Canadians whether there is a separation of church and state in Canada. My guess is that most people think there is, assuming the American model. Don Hutchinson explains, “Instead, Canada has a long history of cooperation between the church and the state, coupled with a sound legal doctrine and definition of religious freedom.” In his first book, Under Siege, Don provides an historical review of Canada’s last 150 years, building a case for the church to recognize her rightful place in Canadian society.

With passion and conviction, believers are urged to contribute to society authentically. But having that voice, may mean first regaining biblical literacy (as only ¼ of Christians believe the bible is relevant to everyday life), living an authenticity of faith, genuinely listening to others, and speaking and earning a voice at the table. On the other hand, the great historical merit of the church, in society, in education, hospitals, aid organizations and justice, is indisputable, and how people of faith volunteer for and fund charitable causes, continues to give evidence of the contribution of believers to the Canadian landscape.

Hutchinson excerpts legal cases, enabling his readers to grasp major moments and decisions in Canada. He sweeps his reader through significant events and how it relates to people of faith today.
The reader is left with a vigour and excitement for Canada’s great heritage, and a script that ignites enthusiasm for the founding faith that has contributed to our formation. One can’t help but be enriched by Hutchinson’s interdisciplinary wealth of knowledge in politics, law, history and theology.

Reading Under Siege will mobilize followers of Jesus to first own their faith with clarity and truth, and then speak into the public forum with boldness, yet gentleness, and a keen awareness of what such presence contributes to the world.

[Eldon Siemens · Rating 5 out of 5]

there is a lot of content in this book, with a lot underlined. is a book I will be referencing again in the future