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Escaping the Beast: Politics, Allegiance, and Kingdom
358 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2020
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116 people want to read
About the author
Michael Burns
156 books9 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads' database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 17, 2021
Wow. I haven't read a book that has been so challenging and enriching about the political dimensions of the Kingdom and it's relationship with Empire since "Jesus for President" by Claiborne. While Claiborne's work was poetic, powerful, and conceptual, this book by Burns is very logical, comprehensive, and practical.
The book is divided up into three parts. The first two parts were just dynamite. I had a few frustrating nuances here and there, but nothing that I'm sure wouldn't be understood better over a cup of coffee and conversation with Michael. The content was so great that there was no way it was stealing a fifth star; no question, two of the best sections I've ever read on the topic.
Part three was excellent as well, but I also struggled with some of the application and reasoning. I felt like there were some inconsistencies between interpretation, theology, and application, but without a doubt, this was the most daunting and challenging part of the book. While it did end up robbing the read of its fifth star, my hat is tipped to Burns for not shying away from the challenge of application. This "rubber-meeting-the-road" moment is what will make this book even more useful, even when we don't agree on some of the specifics. Again, I say some, because there's a ton of gold buried even in those chapters; and another cup of coffee might also clear up some of those thoughts as well. Maybe time will provide such an opportunity.
One of the best books on Empire, politics, and the Kingdom of God. Highly recommend!
The book is divided up into three parts. The first two parts were just dynamite. I had a few frustrating nuances here and there, but nothing that I'm sure wouldn't be understood better over a cup of coffee and conversation with Michael. The content was so great that there was no way it was stealing a fifth star; no question, two of the best sections I've ever read on the topic.
Part three was excellent as well, but I also struggled with some of the application and reasoning. I felt like there were some inconsistencies between interpretation, theology, and application, but without a doubt, this was the most daunting and challenging part of the book. While it did end up robbing the read of its fifth star, my hat is tipped to Burns for not shying away from the challenge of application. This "rubber-meeting-the-road" moment is what will make this book even more useful, even when we don't agree on some of the specifics. Again, I say some, because there's a ton of gold buried even in those chapters; and another cup of coffee might also clear up some of those thoughts as well. Maybe time will provide such an opportunity.
One of the best books on Empire, politics, and the Kingdom of God. Highly recommend!
April 1, 2021
There is not a better book for how to engage modern politics as a Christian. “Escaping the Beast” is broken up into three sections. The first section is a comprehensive guide on the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God found in Jesus. In section two, Burns contrasts the realm of Jesus’ kingdom, defined by love and self-sacrifice, with the realm of empires, defined by idolatry, greed and violence. Burns is masterful in demonstrating that to give allegiance to Jesus is to forsake allegiance to empires of the world. It is impossible to bear true allegiance to both.
As someone who prefers “principles” over “practicals”, I would have given 5 stars if the book ended there. Yet section 3 is perhaps the most important part of the book. Here, Burns analyzes many issues affecting the world and church today (race, environment, policing, immigration, etc.) from a kingdom perspective. He lays out the pitfalls of the “two sides” rhetoric on just about every issue, proposing kingdom-oriented questions and solutions in their place. This section is sure to challenge disciples on both sides of the aisle and disciples (like me) who seek to avoid the aisle altogether. “Escaping the Beast” overlaps significantly with Austin Rogers’ “The Third Temptation”, with Burns speaking from a more pastoral lens without losing any theological depth.
The American church needs Michael Burns’ prophetic voice now more than ever. As someone seeking to remove the yoke of empire in my own life, “Escaping the Beast” could not have been more timely. Must-read for any follower of Jesus attempting to wade the waters of politics and kingdom.
As someone who prefers “principles” over “practicals”, I would have given 5 stars if the book ended there. Yet section 3 is perhaps the most important part of the book. Here, Burns analyzes many issues affecting the world and church today (race, environment, policing, immigration, etc.) from a kingdom perspective. He lays out the pitfalls of the “two sides” rhetoric on just about every issue, proposing kingdom-oriented questions and solutions in their place. This section is sure to challenge disciples on both sides of the aisle and disciples (like me) who seek to avoid the aisle altogether. “Escaping the Beast” overlaps significantly with Austin Rogers’ “The Third Temptation”, with Burns speaking from a more pastoral lens without losing any theological depth.
The American church needs Michael Burns’ prophetic voice now more than ever. As someone seeking to remove the yoke of empire in my own life, “Escaping the Beast” could not have been more timely. Must-read for any follower of Jesus attempting to wade the waters of politics and kingdom.
June 29, 2023
There are a number of problems with the book, particularly a compromised stance on Romans 13 that requires Burns to contradict himself in many places. For example, he assumes a completely pacifist stance, saying there “is no call for kingdom people to utilize violence, ever” and, in the same chapter, suggests that it is not hypocritical to call and use the police as a proxy for self-defense when in danger. Throughout the book, I take issue with the continual compromises; according to Burns, we are to be radical and expect persecution, but his proposed attitudes and actions are all lukewarm enough to avoid a truly radical position or its consequences.
Despite its flaws, I must admit that the book provides a useful contrast with the current American evangelical landscape both Burns and I live in. It is full of useful, practical advice and questions to consider when engaging with the world on controversial topics like abortion. I would not hesitate to recommend the book to Christians who are deeply offended by a (if I may) less compromising stance. Burns takes the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of the Bible seriously, and he urges other Christians to do the same. He also recognizes that Constantine, Ambrose, and Augustine got it wrong, which is a hump we have to get over as Christians to truly live like Jesus and the early church.
Despite its flaws, I must admit that the book provides a useful contrast with the current American evangelical landscape both Burns and I live in. It is full of useful, practical advice and questions to consider when engaging with the world on controversial topics like abortion. I would not hesitate to recommend the book to Christians who are deeply offended by a (if I may) less compromising stance. Burns takes the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of the Bible seriously, and he urges other Christians to do the same. He also recognizes that Constantine, Ambrose, and Augustine got it wrong, which is a hump we have to get over as Christians to truly live like Jesus and the early church.
February 14, 2022
This book was a beast to read! But it was very insightful. It did a good job of drawing the reader back to core ideas: as the prophetic community the church is to put the “age to come” on display as we engage with political and social issues.
Burns left nothing off the table when it came to thorny issues, which is probably why the book was so long. Bravo for the courage it took to do that. He approached each issue humbly, with compassion, and a call for kingdom people to focus on the King and loving others.
Burns left nothing off the table when it came to thorny issues, which is probably why the book was so long. Bravo for the courage it took to do that. He approached each issue humbly, with compassion, and a call for kingdom people to focus on the King and loving others.
March 20, 2022
Very thorough examination of how to live as a Christian in the world, especially the United States, today as well as the Kingdom of God. I appreciated that our national response to Covid-19 is even included. Well thought out and thought provoking no matter what side of our current political divide one stands on.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews