Wayne Grudem, Politics – According to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture. Zondervan, 2010.
Referenced in: Christian Political Theory, Church and State Relations
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a scholarly, definitive view of the relationship between Christianity and politics from a conservative evangelical perspective. Grudem writes out of his background as a New Testament scholar. By his own admission, he leans to the right, but claims to have arrived at his convictions from his own study than by unquestioned influence. He also seeks to demonstrate balance by taking issue with popular conservatism on several issues.
The gain a summary of the book, go to Amazon and peruse the exhaustive Table of Contents. Typical of Grudem, he lays out his positions in carefully crafted propositions on a number of issues. This massive 600-page text is encyclopedic in scope, offering positions on most conceivable political issues.
This is probably the best place for a credible articulation of biblical conservative politics. This is important given the interrelationship between church and politics on issues such as cultural diversity, social justice, and economics. Much of the rhetoric about conservatism is mere caricature and shallow rhetoric. Few actually take the time to hear the learned perspective out of which biblically conservative politics grows. Grudem offers this is an accessible, clear format.
From the Publisher
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.
Reviews
“Precisely and exactly the call the rising generation needs to hear” — Timothy Goeglein, Vice President, External Relations, Focus on the Family
“There are sections of this book that are uncannily timely … This can be a wonderful resource as we face growing tensions from an ever more powerful state.” — Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship
“a sweeping, and inspiring, guide to politics and government …. [this book] will be on the desk next to the microphone in my radio studio” — Hugh Hewitt, professor of law and radio talk show host
“[Grudem’s] biblically-based good sense overwhelms the nostrums of … the evangelical left.” — Marvin Olasky, editor, World magazine
“Conservative and hard-hitting both biblically and culturally, … [it covers] the whole waterfront of America’s political debate with shrewd insight and strong argument … . An outstanding achievement!” — J I Packer, Regent College, Vancouver,
“The fuzzy thinking … of many evangelicals is corrected in Wayne Grudem’s biblical and irenic assessment of contemporary politics.” — Paige Patterson, president, Southwestern Baptist Seminary
About the Author
Wayne Grudem is Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously taught for twenty years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois. He holds degrees from Harvard (BA), Westminster Seminary (MDiv), and Cambridge (PhD). He is the author of a number of books, including the bestselling Systematic Theology, and the editor of Are Miraculous Gifts for Today. He is a former president of the Evangelical Theological Society.
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