Ronald J. Sider, Just Politics: A Guide to Christian Engagement. Brazos Press, 2012.
Prequel: Sider, The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience
Referenced in:
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a revised version of The Scandal of Evangelical Politics, which was published in 2008 with the hope of equipping socially sensitive Christians for better decisions in the 2008 election. Here, Sider attempts the same for the 2012 election. I have categorized it under Social Ministry Foundations, since that is Sider’s main concern, rather than in Politics and Church-State.
Sider speaks directly to Christians regarding the opportunity to influence public policy toward social justice and moral renewal. He offers a philosophy of political policy-making, ethical discernment, and ministry intervention on a variety of issues:
- The State: Its Nature, Purpose, and Limits
- Justice
- Human Rights, Democracy, and Capitalism
- The Sanctity of Human Life
- Marriage and Family
- Religious Freedom, Church, and State
- Peacemaking, Just War, and Nonviolence
- Creation Care
- Nation-States and International Affairs
He strongly supports democracy and capitalism, but warns against the tendency of materialism to blind Christians to their own greed and desensitize their concern for the “least of these.” It is clear from both the level of scholarship and the reasonable tone of the book that Sider intends to be as balanced and nonpartisan as his convictions will allow.
Publisher’s Description
Evangelicals today probably have more political influence in the United States than at any time in the last century—but they might not be certain what to do with it. It has been difficult to develop a unified voice on pressing issues such as social justice and moral renewal.
Bestselling author and theologian Ron Sider offers a biblically grounded, factually rooted, Christian approach to politics that cuts across ideological divides. Shaped by a careful study of society, this book will guide readers into more thoughtful and effective political activity.
Practical, balanced, and nonpartisan, this book will be a welcome resource during the 2012 presidential race. It is a revised version of what was previously published as The Scandal of Evangelical Politics and includes a new introduction and revisions throughout.
Endorsements
“Ron Sider once again proves that he is one of our country’s most important public theologians. Tackling the most pertinent debates of the day, Just Politics offers a blueprint for how evangelicals can be politically active in a biblically coherent, spiritually mature, and publicly reflective way. Any Christian who is looking to be challenged in what it means to be faithful and politically engaged should read this book!”—Jim Wallis, president and CEO, Sojourners; author, On God’s Side: What Religion Forgets and Politics Hasn’t Learned about Serving the Common Good
“Ron Sider, the founder of Evangelicals for Social Action, sets forth in this book ways in which Christians can work for justice with the political systems of our day. Drawing on his extensive scholarly research and his lifetime of activism, he provides a scenario that can assist Christians who want to responsibly implement biblical principles in the decisions of government. Those who want to know how to make informed statements in response to the crucial issues of these perilous times will find this book an invaluable guide. Ron Sider writes with clarity and conviction. This book deserves praise!”—Tony Campolo, Eastern University
“Ron Sider builds on years of experience and conversations with Christians across a very wide spectrum. His balance is better than that of most who want to influence politics for the better. And biblical faith is the solid platform on which he builds and balances. Listen to Ron carefully before taking your next step. Just Politics: that’s what we need.”—James W. Skillen, former president, Center for Public Justice
About the Author
Ronald J. Sider (PhD, Yale University) is president of Evangelicals for Social Action and professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. He is the author of many books, including the bestselling Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger and The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience.
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