Letters to an American Christian

by Bruce Riley Ashford

What does it mean to be an American Christian?

In Letters to an American Christian , Bruce Riley Ashford, author of One Nation Under God , addresses overarching issues of the relationship of Christianity and politics, speaks to the way historic Christian belief informs specific hot-button political issues, and challenges readers to take seriously both our heavenly and earthly citizenships. Written as a series of letters to "Christian"—a young college student who is a new believer— Letters to an American Christian  will help every reader think carefully about how Christianity informs what it means to be an American.

In the midst of a rapidly changing national and political landscape, Letters to an American Christian reminds us of two important we cannot afford to shrink away from our earthly citizenship, and we cannot afford to lose sight of our heavenly citizenship.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Christian

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

Reviews

[Paul Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A very accessible and helpful introduction to what it means for Christians to engage with American politics. Ashford is a “compassionate conservative” (a point of view I’m more and more drawn to personally), but even for those on the Left I think it can be a helpful book.

And I emailed the author a question after reading the book and he responded within a few hours...so brownie points in my book!

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to an American Christian
Bruce Riley Ashford

ISBN 978-1535905138
Pbk, 256 pp, £12.85
Publisher’s web page: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/prod...

In Letters to an American Christian, Ashford, professor of Professor of Theology and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, has done the Christian world a great service. He has, in a clear accessible way, provided an excellent introduction to many contemporary political and ethical issues from a broadly kuyperian perspective. I say broadly because not all kuyperians - me included - would agree with all of his positions (and I’m not sure Kuyper would either).

The letter format, which Ashford adopts, is a well recognised literary trope from Diego de San Pedro’s Prison of Love in 1845 to C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape and more recently, Jamie Smith’s Letters to a Young Calvinist. Ashford has utilised this approach to great effect. Ashford’s letters are written to Christian, a (fictional) new Christian studying political science and journalism at the (left-leaning) university of DuPont. He is also an intern at a conservative news outlet.

The book has three parts thee parts. The first deals with ‘A Christian view of politics and public life’. The second with ‘A Christian view of hot-button issues’, this includes letters on religious liberty, free speech, racism, gun regulation and transgender. The final section, part three, deals with ‘A Christian hope for American politics’.

The first part is an excellent introduction to a Christian view of politics and culture. I have mapped this part: http://stevebishop.blogspot.com/2018/....

Here Ashford poses and answers some important questions. Questions such as such religion and politics mix? Is politics good? Does the gospel affect political policies? Does Christianity have anything to do with culture? Does the church have a role to play in politics? He answers all in the affirmative. He draws upon Kuyper’s sphere sovereignty and Kuyper’s distinction between the church as organism (scattered) and organisation (gathered). This section concludes with a discussion and critique of the ideologies of liberalism, conservatism, nationalism and socialism.

In Part 2 he looks at several important hot-potato issues. These include free speech, political correctness, abortion, racism, small and big government, gun legislation, homosexuality, transgender, immigration, global warming, war and fake news - the contents itemised below show the range of topics covered. Inevitably, in such a short space justice can’t be done to all these issues, nevertheless, Ashford makes as an excellent attempt at mapping the options and alternative approaches. I wouldn’t agree with all his points, particular his approach to gun legislation and to his slight reservation about global warming, for example.

Ashford is sensitive to both the scriptures and to culture - his approach is well grounded. There is, for example, no trite biblicism, such as cities had walls in the Bible, so we should build a wall across the Mexican border. Ashford’s approach is far more nuanced. For those who want to know what a Christian approach to many contemporary issues, this book will be a great place to begin.

CONTENTS
Part 1: A Christian View of Politics and Public Life
Chapter 1: No Public Nudity, Please
What is the relationship between religion and politics?
Chapter 2: The Good of Politics
Is politics a necessary evil or a positive good?
Chapter 3: Jesus Is Lord and Congress Is Not
What does the gospel have to do with politics?
Chapter 4: Christianity Is Not Our Side Hustle
What does Christianity have to do with culture?
Chapter 5: The One Political Rally American Christians Shouldn’t Skip
Where can I go to learn to be a good citizen?
Chapter 6: Swim in Your Own Lane, Please
What is the best way to think of the relationship between church and state?
Chapter 7: Let God Be True and Every Ideology a Liar
To which political ideology should I subscribe?

Part 2: A Christian View on Hot-Button Issues
Chapter 8: If You Can Keep It
What is so important about religious liberty?
Chapter 9: There Are No Safe Spaces in the Real World
Why should I value free speech?
Chapter 10: Unborn Lives Matter
Why shouldn’t a woman have the right to choose?
Chapter 11: Black Lives Matter
What should I think of the Black Lives Matter movement?
Chapter 12: Nobody Throws a Tantrum like a Politically Correct American
What’s so wrong with political correctness?
Chapter 13: Beware the Giant Octopus
Which is better: “small government” or “big government”?
Chapter 14: No Need for Mullahs at 1 First Street
What is all the ruckus about Supreme Court interpretation?
Chapter 15: Hitting the Bull’s-Eye on Gun Legislation
How do I navigate the debate about restrictions on gun ownership?
Chapter 16: The Best Education for a Twenty-First-Century American
What’s so “great” about the great books?
Chapter 17: One Man and One Woman
How should I respond to Obergefell?
Chapter 18: To Shave a Yak
Should I be concerned about the environment?
Chapter 19: What Hath Justice to Do with Mercy?
Why are Christians so divided about immigration reform?
Chapter 20: I Pledge Allegiance
What should I think about the surge of “nationalism” in the United States?
Chapter 21: Pray for Peace, Prepare for War
What does it mean to engage in a “just war”?
Chapter 22: Restoring the Self
What is a Christian view of gender dysphoria and the transgender movement?
Chapter 23: Fake News and Alternative Facts
How can I orient myself in a posttruth political environment?

Part 3: A Christian Hope for American Politics
Chapter 24: If You Can Keep It (Reprise)
If “Christian” is my primary identity, does “American” even matter?
Chapter 25: Recovering the Lost Art of Christian Persuasion
How should we relate to people who believe differently from us?
Chapter 26: Public Witness from the Political Margins
How should we respond to the marginalization of historic Christianity?

[Mark Warnock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashford writes with the patience, affability, and clarity of a good professor introducing the categories of politics within a Christian frame for a person who has never thought through them before. This would be an ideal book for a high school student or college freshman to introduce them to a framework for thinking about faith and politics and the issues he raises in the book.

I came to the book in search of a more robust academic and theological introduction, so the book wound up not being what I was looking for at the moment. I do think it was a missed opportunity not to include an annotated bibliography for students who wanted to dig deeper into religion and politics, just war theory or any of the issues raised in the book.

Nevertheless, this will be a helpful resource for producing Christians who engage more intelligently and more faithfully in the political arena as citizens of a greater Kingdom.

[Katie Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book especially during this political season. I realized that as a believer in Christ I am politically homeless in reference to a political party. However, that doesn’t mean that involvement in the political arena is something that Christians shouldn’t do, on the contrary we should be involved and informed so that we can influence and challenge the politics around us. We can be a voice and witness for Christ in the political arena. We can love those we disagree with. We can infuse the gospel into each and every politically charged topic. This book helped me to process all the hot button political issues of our day from a biblical/ Christian perspective.

[Robert Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

How should the faith of American Christians affect their politics?
Bruce Ashford answers this question in a scholarly yet readable way. He uses the technique of imaginary letters to a young new believer, named "Christian." Imagining he is responding to Christian's questions and experiences as a new believer and college student in a liberal secular university, he covers a vast array of topics from a Biblical worldview, including church and state, free speech, women's rights, racism, political correctness, big government, judicial activism, gun ownership, gay rights, transgenders, environmentalism, immigration, nationalism, war and peace, and fake news.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Letters to an American Christian is a decent starting point for conversations about Christian political engagement, but it cannot be considered exhaustive on any of the topics it introduces (except to illustrate the limits of a poorly executed epistolary format). I would recommend it for group discussion as long as each chapter is paired with more expansive readings.

[Anna Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is INCREDIBLY helpful. As a college-aged Christian at a public college, most of the time I would try to stay uninvolved in politics because it’s intimidating. This book clearly outlines how our nation has been politically organized and then gives insight into how to approach some of the hot button issues as a Christian. This book has helped me engage with my peers on multiple levels and I do feel more confident in being the salt in political discussions.

[Frode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bruce Riley Ashford among other things holds the position of Provost/Dean of the faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and is a professor of Theology and Culture. His book, Letters to an American Christian, came out in 2018. It is set up as a series of letters to a fictitious college student and covers a wide range of topics.

The book has three sections. The first is a series of letters about the Christian view of politics and public life. The second section covers a number of current hot button issues for Christians, things like abortion, free speech, political correctness, immigration, fake news, and many others. The last section is what Christians can do about public issues and the hope there is for believers in the future to influence public policy.

In my view this is a great book for college students and those of college age and perhaps some high school students. Older folks can profit from reading it as well, but young minds are the focus. The writing is relatively easy to read, and there are some humorous lines to lighten it up at times. Christian, the fictional college student, has an ultra-conservative Uncle John, who serves as a foil on various topics. Ashford describes himself in the letters as a center right conservative, but he is fair in his evaluation of conservatives and progressives. He believes there is hope for the conservative movement if it is done right, meaning with true compassion and care for others, which he hopes will open the dialogue that seems to be missing today.

The center section of the book could act as a good primer for young people to get a handle on the Christian perspective on the various issues of the day. It would be a ready reference for someone looking to see how they might enter in to a discussion on a given topic and have some background instead of just emotion.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent look at the American political system from the viewpoint of a Christian. The author writes a series of letters to a new Christian finishing their first year of college through the summer and beginning of their next year. The author addresses some really complex and tough questions head on. He doesn't shy away from voicing an unpopular belief, but rather, in everything preaches speaking truth in love.

I really enjoyed the author's take on politics as well as "hot-button" issues and found myself nodding along often. While I share many views with the author, being a more conservative Christian myself, I also found myself challenging some of my views based on his arguments. He presented his reasonings thoughtfully and creatively.

I would love to see this book be picked up by a wide audience of readers as I feel it could illuminate the Christian perspective on issues in a loving way while also reminding us that in everything, we should love our neighbor. Just because we disagree on politics or social issues, does not mean hate should be thrown.

**Many thanks to Bruce Riley Ashford, B&H Books, and NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've found this book to be a helpful reference book anytime I need a Christian worldview on a cultural topic. The writing style in the form of the letter is engaging as well!

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good “faith and politics” book but often rambles

In his new book, “Letters to an American Christian,” Bruce Riley Ashford strikes a fairly good balance regarding how we Christians should navigate the political waters in this secular world.

Published by B&H Publishing, Ashford’s 256-page book is an elementary look at what we Christians should already know. While most of us are politically conservative and stay well-versed about the issues to know how to vote, it is surprising that the majority of the Church doesn’t know enough about the political process to effectively take biblical stands on the issues.

Among the most potent chapters is Chapter 6 about the difference between church and state. The rise of conservative talk radio (i.e., Rush Limbaugh) and the New Media (i.e., Fox News, One America News Network and Newsmax TV) has provided a voice for those of us who had no voice among the Left’s blatantly slanted “news” coverage of both Republicans and Christians.

Another chapter that brought this out even further is Chapter 23 on fake news. While the wholesale manufacturing and planting of phony stories into the 24-hour news cycle didn’t start with Donald Trump, he has exposed the Left’s tomfoolery by bringing it to the forefront of the political discourse like no other president has before. (Besides, as Ashford points out, fake news started all the way back in the Garden of Eden with Satan asking Eve, “Has God not said?”)

But while Ashford does do a decent job of covering about every political topic imaginable when it comes to how we should think and vote about critically important political issues, there are some elements of his book that are very questionable.

First of all, Ashford doesn’t have an introduction, which would have helped to better explain exactly who Christian is. This also brings up a lot of questions: How did the book come about? Why did Ashford decide to write his book as a series of letters? Why didn’t he ever explain this in his book? Is Christian real person or fictional? An introduction was definitely needed.
The truth is, there is no clear indication in the book of who Christian is (other than a brief mention of him on the back cover where he claims Christian is a college student and a new believer). While Ashford does mention his background in these letters (i.e., he attends Dupont and interns at the Conservative Cable News Network), we don’t know if he’s real or fictional?

Moreover, Ashford’s use of certain terms in incorrect. For example, in Chapter 19 (page 156), he uses the term “illegal immigrant,” which is both an oxymoron and a misnomer. The correct term is illegal alien since they are not immigrants. Immigrants are here legally because they have gone through the proper paperwork to be officially approved for citizenship. Illegal aliens do not because they blatantly break our laws by sneaking in our country illegally and therefore, are not immigrants.

Overall, although Ashford’s use of letters to this one person may seem clever and is somewhat understandable, it’s actually counterintuitive. Because he didn’t explain who “Christian” actually was (although he could be using his name to represent all of us), the reader may lose the element of trust.

After all, he does did not have an introduction, which could have explained his reasoning for using “Christian” in the form of letters throughout the book. In addition, while there are adequate reviews of the book, there was no foreword, which would have given the book the further validation and authority it sorely needed.

While the topics are right on, the content is not. It is only patronizing at times, it’s often rambling, which made it a more difficult read than it had to be.

I gave it a 3 out of 5 stars.

Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.

© 2018 by Doug S., M.A.

[Renee Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Letters to An American Christian” by Bruce Ashford was a politically charged book. Though published back in 2016, the issues Ashford expounds are pressing in harder every day. This book is formatted as a professor writing to a new Christian (named ‘Christian’) who studies political science at a liberal university. You are reading the letters Ashford sends in response to what ‘Christian’ has asked. Even though it’s written from a traditionally conservative view point, Ashford does plenty to rile up those who lean too far right and support those who find themselves leaning left by condemning white supremacy, being a voice against racism, supporting immigrant rights, and caring for the earth.

“If we are seeking what’s best for our nation as a whole, rather than merely what is best for us as a special interest group, we will be the first to work on behalf of people who are financially disadvantaged, socially marginalized, or downtrodden due to race, ethnicity, or culture” (223).

While this book was highly informative, I felt the formatting limited Ashford’s effectiveness. We only hear Ashford’s side of the story, and while he alludes to what ‘Christian’ asks, it’s minimal. One of this book’s weaknesses was an unsaid understanding that to be a Christian means to be politically conservative. And while I see many biblical values protected under conservative thought, you can not marry the two. However, Ashford mentions the ongoing angst for a Christian to fit in any political party. “Better to be politically homeless with a good conscience than to be in lockstep conformity with the latest trends at the expense of a clean conscience” (163).

One of Ashford’s strengths was to highlight Christianity as a fundamentally “political” religion because we serve King Jesus who will one day rule the world in a one-party system. “The more disappointing each of our parties becomes, the less we should be tempted to imbue those parties with messianic hopes. One day we will find our political home when Jesus returns to install a one-party system in which justice will roll down like the waters” (208). Ashford starts and finishes his book this way; however, the chunk in the middle feels oddly disconnected from that truth. The book is written with foundation Biblical principles, but lacks a Christ-centered narrative throughout.

I really did enjoy this book. It was easy to read, thought-provoking, uncomfortable at times, and helped me think through issues I previously had never thought on; in addition, it gave me facets to chew on which I didn’t know I needed to: ways to interpret the constitution, importance of separation of church and state, necessity of religious freedom, and the ethics of war. But had Ashford just written the book to write it, there could have been room for more detail and elaborate within each issue.

In all, I would recommend reading this unique book. A Christian, no matter where they land politically, will be helped by thinking through the issues presented in this book. “One thing American Christians must remember is that we do not have to agree on the minutiae of every single issue or policy matter” (128), but stick near to Christ and live to glorify him in all that you do.
#readRENEEread

[Karl Dumas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much going on in the world today, that it’s pretty hard to figure out which side of the argument you’re on. And it’s especially difficult for Christians who have to balance the gospel, the laws of the country, and wanting to be on the side of social justice. Pastor Tim Keller recently tweeted the following: “How do Christians fit into the two-party system? They don’t. The historical Christian positions on social issues don’t match up with contemporary political alignments.”
And it almost seems that Bruce Riley Ashford might have been thinking somewhat along those same lines as he wrote Letters to an American Christian (B&H Books, 2018). Ashford is a professor of theology and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, so one can’t help but enjoy the whimsy as this book is shaped in the form of letters to Christian, a young college student and a new believer, who has written to a professor asking for help sorting through things of this crazy world in which we live.
Although Bruce, as the professor signs his letters, leans decidedly to the right on political issues, he bases his convictions on scripture rather than emotion or “fake news” as the press frequently gets called. And unfortunately, it seems the majority of Washington politicians, on both sides, tend to rely on rhetoric and emotion to make their case. After all when you have rhetoric, emotion and public opinion on your side, why worry about the facts.
But as Ashford correctly points out, in the post-modern, post-Christian, post-truth culture in which we find ourselves today, there is still a voice of reason to be heard. So we read about hot-button topics like the relationship between religion and politics, the relationship between Christianity and culture, religious liberty, Roe v Wade, free speech, the role of the Supreme Court, gun rights, same sex marriage, immigration, environment, and the list goes on.
Each of the issues addressed in this book merit several volumes on their own, so I am greatly appreciative of the condensed version provided. I consider myself a moderate, leaning toward the right, so I for the most part agreed with Dr Ashford. Having said that, I am also grateful that he often presented a synopsis of the other side so that Christian could look at both points of view and make up his own mind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a brief look at some the topics that are burning up the airwaves day after day.
This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for a review. My review is submitted as a part of the publisher’s blogger’s program. There was no requirement or expectation that I would write a positive review.
4/5

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been told that you don’t talk about religion or politics but Bruce Riley Ashford has done both with his newest book Letters to an American Christian published by B&H. Ashford is the Provost/Dean of the Faculty at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he also serves as Professor of Theology and Culture. He is a Senior Fellow in Public Theology at the Kirby Laing Institute for Christian Ethics (Cambridge, UK) and a Research Fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. His book is a 256 page read written as a series of letters to Christian, a new believer who is struggling to bring his faith into hot political topics of the day.
In a day where Christians are all over the place with their political views, the author through these series of letters teaches us how to not ignore the hot button issues of our day but also come across in a Christ like manner. Not having read much on the Christian’s involvement in the political area and in culture, I found myself challenged by the content in the pages of this book.
The first section of his book deals with a Christian view of politics and public life and challenges us to find balance in our political lives. We cannot ignore it but at the same time we must not forget our Christian values while engaging it.
The second section of his book deals with various hot button issues of our day like religious liberty, free speech, a woman’s right to choose, Black Lives Matter, political correctness, small vs. big government, supreme court interpretation of the constitution, gun legislation, education, the environment, nationalism, war, gender, and fake news.
He finished up the book with a discussion concerning the Christian hope for American politics.
Some have criticized this book for not giving us enough and have blamed the author’s decision of putting this in letter form as the culprit, but for somebody who hasn’t read much on this subject, I found it to be a great way of getting across the truth. To me, the average Christian can take this book and find application. Perhaps he will write something more in depth in the future that will satisfy the desires of the academic world. For the average Christian in the pew, this will be a solid read.
I will be referring back to this book as I attempt to engage this world that we live in and speak about our role in engaging it. I do recommend it.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For me this was so close to being a decent read, but the author kept getting in his own way. First, the tone. He went back and forth between incredibly patronizing and trying to sound super academic to prove (ostensibly) that Christians can be smart and know good words too, see?

First, right off the bat, and then throughout the book, he keeps referring to "The God OF Jesus and the Allah of Muhammad". This is a terrible analogy, as Christians believe Jesus IS God. So I will admit to being skeptical of the author's theology by page 5.

I think he raises reasonable points in some and is way off in others. The chapters on gun control and "just" war were particularly Americanized before being Christian.

He keeps raising reasonable points that could have been further explored and then doesn't take them all the way. I understand the format makes longer sections difficult. I really wish we had seen some of the "letters" that Christian had written in response to him, I think that would have given the book a much more balanced feel.

The author believes torture can be acceptable sometimes, paid protesting is a real thing, and that colleges don't hire a balanced number of conservatives just because they don't like them (ignoring that people with higher education levels are more likely to be liberal, and colleges don't hire people without degrees). He also occasionally addresses issues that conservatives and Republicans have (mostly with regards to fake news), but he doesn't wrestle with these problems the same way he does against Leftist policies.

Not a bad book, and always interesting to see how the other side articulates itself, but not great either.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters To An American Christian is a Christian living book by author Bruce Riley Ashford. In his book, the author poses the question, "What does it mean to be an American Christian?" The basic premise of this book is how the Christian faith should affect their political views.

I learned a lot from this 227-page book. For example, "When religious freedom is threatened, every other freedom is threatened as well." (see page #59.) The quote that stood out to me is found on page #10. "Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. (Plato)"  I would like to see this book as required reading for high school and college students because many people do not understand politics from a biblical worldview.

I appreciate that this book not only helps the reader understand politics from a biblical worldview the author also touches on Hot-Button Issues. What are Christians to do about abortions, small government or big government, gun legislation, and more? It helped me in understanding these issues. I would like to see more books like this one that focuses on helping the general public make sense of today's issues.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book from B&H Publishing. All opinions are my own."

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not in love with the letters-to-a-friend format. It takes up valuable space and time that could better be used to develop the author's arguments.

It appears that Dr. Ashford is a conservative that rejects the present populism of the Republican party. I'm not in the same place, so take my words with a grain of salt. His political location seems to drive him to triangulate on each issue discussed. He acknowledges that he is conservative and makes a reasonable case for many conservative positions. The triangulation comes whenever he describes typically conservative positions as a polar extreme and makes no distinction in the degree, severity or consequence of errors on the far right compared to the near left.

I believe Dr. Ashford is motivated to seek common ground by love of brothers and sisters in Christ who lean left politically. I applaud that motive. However, I also believe that Evangelicalism found common cause with conservatives and Republicans for several good reasons. I don't agree that it most helpful to act or speak as if there's no or little difference in value or risk of aligning with the Left or the Right.

[Brandon Keel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good introduction to a public theology for an average American. It is readable without being patronizing, and is comprehensive without being pedantic. The first few chapters are among the best short introductions for how to think about and approach politics within a 21st century republic that I've encountered. The middle chapters taking on specific issues are helpful introductions and serve as a good illustration of how one might practice the principles laid out in the front.

The format of "supposed letters written" in the vein of Lewis's Screwtape Letters is effective in lowering the temperature of the partisanship many readers might bring to the book; it does, however, feel a little hokey and off-key at times.

Leeman's How the Nations Rage has been my go-to "theology of public life" recommendation this election season. I'll still be giving it out, but I think Ashford's book is slightly more accessible and will likely be the more fruitful start for those who are more concrete thinkers.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]


Letters to an American Christian
by Bruce Riley Ashford
B&H Publishing Group (B&H Books, Holman Bibles, B&H Español, and B&H Kids)
B&H Books
Christian , Politics
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018
I am reviewing a copy of Letters to An American Christian through B&H Books and Netgalley:



In this book Bruce Riley Ashford, the author of One Nation Under God deals with the issues of Christianity and politics, and it speaks of the way historic Christian belief ties in with certain hot button political topics. This book encourages readers to take both our Heavenly and earthly citizenship's.


Letters to An American Christian reminds us of these two political truths in the midst of a fast changing Political Landscape that being we cannot afford to shrink away from our earthly citizenship nor can we afford to loose sight of our heavenly citizenship.


I give Letters to an American Christian five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Nathan Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It's hard for me to read simply one book at a time. I'm easily distracted by other topics and therefore will have a stack of books beside of nightstand to keep me from becoming bored with one author. I never had to pick up a different book while reading Letters to an American Christian. He tackles a wide range of topics, and I never wanted to stop reading.

Some readers wanted the author to go more in depth with the topics. But he intentionally wrote this as letters to a young college student trying to figure out how to engage politics since his conversion. Letters are brief, personal, but thoughtful.

I walk away encouraged, hopeful, and grateful to be an American who is able to contribute in very meaningful ways with our government.

I'm excited to discover what other books Bruce has written!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by a Baptist theologian, consists of letters written to a young college student from an older pastor, looking at Christianity and politics. It covers a number of hot-button issues. The author suggests being fair and kind to all, but sticking to your principles. It is a fine idea, but I did have some concerns. The author speaks out clearly against racism and bigotry, but the author claims that these are fringe views, and that they are anti-religious. I wish that this were true, however, my experience has been that these views are all too common among Christians, and I thought the author missed a chance to call them out more strongly.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A readable and accessible argument for conservative politics from a Christian perspective. It could be that I am burned out on politics again because I found very little here particularly interesting or insightful but it does a nice job of conveying what a thoughtful conservative Christian approach to politics would look like. The epistolary nature of the book does wear a bit thin at time but well done for the most part.

[Ryan Michaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Probably the best concise treatment on the issue of the Christian faith and culture from a well versed public theologian. He writes in the form of an older-seasonded believer writing to a new believer in the context of 2016-USA-Christianity (similar to CS Lewis in Screwtape Letters)

Topics covered include : Race relations, politics, abortion, SSM, Gun Control, etc. Not heavy reading but he does point to heavier works throughout the book. Overall really good.

[Cory Deckard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for an Adult Sunday School class and it was fine for that purpose. The format is absurd...a conservative guy writing letters to a college student on political issues to help him discover that he is (spoiler alert) also a conservative. Good for readers that want an overview on a variety of hot button topics. If you are actually looking for a real and detailed Christian conversation on politics there's a million better resources out there.

[Nicole Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t terribly Earth-shattering, but honestly a refreshing approach to political discourse as a Christian, but also just as an American. While I didn’t agree with every viewpoint mentioned, I can appreciate Bruce’s optimistic view of working to get Democrats and Republicans to speak kindly and open-handedly about their differing topics. It feels like he wants each person to know what they believe, and then cordially speak with those of opposing views so that they can grow and develop.

[Samuel James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won't say a lot here because I have a review forthcoming from The Gospel Coalition. But I think the rating of this book depends almost entirely on who it's for. I can certainly see it having a dynamic impact on a particular reader, but unfortunately, I think the book seriously limits its own usefulness.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, balanced work.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good content but I wasn't a huge fan of the presentation.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very grateful for Bruce's great work on this book. He has taken complex content on political engagement and made it very accessible. Bruce has used a format reminiscent of "The Screwtape Letters" and applied it to help us understand the important connection between our faith and our public life. Bruce provides a helpful clarification on many fronts, not the least of which is a complete understanding of the separation of church and state.

Thank you, Bruce, for this important work. I hope many will read it resulting in hearts and minds can be shaped and formed and more consistent, fully informed, engagement in our communities.

https://greenroomblog.org/2018/09/04/...

[Jason Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

A responsible, down-to-earth explainer of American political issues for Christians. My full review: https://medium.com/@jpark_21/letters-...