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POLITICS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE
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Retail Price:
$39.99
Price: $29.19
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Publisher:
Zondervan
ISBN:
9780310330295
Item #:
11256
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Binding:
Hardback
Chapters:
Page Count:
624
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By Wayne Grudem. Politics---According to the Bible is a readable, comprehensive political philosophy, arguing for Christian involvement based on biblical teachings and a Christian worldview. Covering over 50 specific issues relating to protection of life, marriage, family, economics, environment, national defense, internationalism, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and special interest groups ... this sweeping resource is a must-read for today's Christians.
A variety of perspectives exist within the Christian community when it comes to political issues and political involvement. This comprehensive and readable book presents a political philosophy from the perspective that the Gospel pertains to all of life so Christians should be involved in political issues. In brief, this is an analysis of conservative and liberal plans to do good for the nation, evaluated in light of the Bible and common sense. In this ground-breaking book, recognized evangelical Bible professor Wayne Grudem rejects five mistaken views about Christian influence on politics: (1) 'compel religion, ' (2) 'exclude religion, ' (3) 'all government is demonic, ' (4) 'do evangel-ism, not politics, ' and (5) 'do politics, not evangelism.' He proposes a better alternative: (6) 'significant Christian influence on government.' Then he explains the Bible's teachings about the purpose of civil government and the characteristics of good or bad government. Does the Bible support some form of democracy? Should judges and the courts hold the ultimate power in a nation? With respect to specific political issues, Grudem argues that most people's political views depend on deep-seated assumptions about several basic moral and even theological questions, such as whether God exists, whether absolute moral standards can be known, whether there is good and evil in each person's heart, whether people should be accountable for their good and bad choices, whether property should belong to individuals or to society, and whether the purpose of the earth's resources is to bring benefit to mankind. After addressing these foundational questions, Grudem provides a thoughtful, carefully-reasoned analysis of over fifty specific issues dealing with the protection of life, marriage, the family and children, economic issues and taxation, the environment, national defense, relationships to other nations, freedom of speech and religion, quotas, and special interests. He makes frequent application to the current policies of the Democratic and Republican parties in the United States, but the principles discussed here are relevant for any nation.
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Publication Date:
2010
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Wayne Grudem is no stranger among our readers. We have benefited from many of his previous writings, such as his Systematic Theology. We have also known and appreciated his input and leadership in the translation of the English Standard Version of the Bible which we recommend as our preferred translation. This latest contribution on a highly relevant topic which carries the baggage of much misunderstanding, even among Christians, will prove to be most helpful. As stated in the book by Nancy Pearcey, the younger generation is cynical regarding politics, yet it is so influential as it touches almost every area of life in some way or other. This need not be from a Christian perspective. God’s Word has some clear things to say about the topic of politics.
We need not be reminded, given our current situation, both in North America, especially the United States, and throughout the world, we need to know what God would have us know and do regarding this topic. It appears that people are looking in all the wrong places for an understanding of politics without realizing the importance of starting at the right place with God.
While this is a big book and could be somewhat overwhelming and intimidating, it should not be. Grudem has covered the waterfront with this book, but he has written it in such a manner that the topics and chapters are not long and his style of writing makes it highly readable. As a matter of fact, I had the occasion to say to him that I think this should be a standard text book for high school students in the political science curriculum. J. I. Packer referred to it as “a giant tract for the times.” Marvin Olasky writes, “If you read only one book this year, read Politics—According to the Bible.” Chuck Colson writes, “This can be a wonderful resource as we face growing tensions from an ever more powerful state.”
Realizing we are living in a pluralistic country and not a theocratic one, at least until the Kingdom comes in its fullness, Christians need to know that God cannot be left out of or separated from any area of life, especially the political. What does a Christian need to know and do in such a circumstance to think clearly about politics from a biblical perspective?
The first part of the book deals with the basic principles where differing views about Christians and government are discussed. How can and should a Christian seek to influence government and what are the biblical principles concerning government? Added to those topics he includes a biblical worldview regarding politics and a most important section entitled ‘The courts and the question of ultimate power in a nation.”
Part two focus on specific issues, such as marriage, the family, economics, national defense, private property, foreign policy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and special groups. Those are enough to encourage you to want to read this book.
Grudem concludes this outstanding book in part three by addressing the problem of the media bias, application to Democratic and Republican policies today, and trusting God while working in politics. I was intrigued by his closing section. As he refers to revival in our country, he asks, “What might it look like if God brought about a revival of the church and a transformation of the nation for good?”
While the church has the spiritual mission of making kingdom disciples, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded, as Jesus said, and while the church must avoid moving outside its given role in the kingdom by becoming involved in political and civil government, it must disciple its people with the biblical framework to be involved in politics.
I appreciate Grudem’s labors. Read it! Study it! Teach it in the home, church, and certainly in the educational systems as early as possible.
~ Charles Dunahoo
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