Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate

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How does the Bible shape the perspective from which Christians view politics, the manner in which they engage in public debate, and the strategies they adopt when they translate faith into action? In 'Political Engagement as Biblical Mandate', Hanson suggests it is the basic principles of biblical study that serve to offer direction to believers, giving guidance to those of whom seek to live in obedience to the central confessions of the Christian Faith. The reader is invited to take a step back from specific strategies to ask some foundational questions: What makes a political position Christian? What does a faith perspective contribute that is not replicated by secular parties, agencies, and causes? What are some steps involved in moving from confessional community to world? Readers may find some surprising assertions: "Worship is the most political action a Christian can take." Or, "covenant is not only a religious concept, but one that a society must rediscover if it is to regain its moral footing". There is but one regime to which the Christian surrenders in complete obedience - the reign of God. Out of this a paradox arises that is jeopardised by snug alliances between church and state: the patriotism of the Christian comes to expression specifically in withholding ultimate allegiance for God. Paul D. Hanson is Florence Corliss Lamont Professor of Divinity at Harvard University. He is the author of numerous works, including 'The People Called', 'The Dawn of Apocalyptic', 'Dynamic Transcendence', and 'The Diversity of Scripture'. "A genuine manifesto! But one charged with and rooted in the words of Scripture, calling the church to a renewed faithfulness in its commitment to the well-being of the human community. Hanson's passionate convictions are matched by his openness to other views. Like the prophets of old, he sets forth a strong critique of our inattention to the sociopolitical world, but that critique is on the way to an imaginative and biblical vision of the way it should and can be. Some readers may find themselves uncomfortable at times, but that is the reason they should keep reading." -¿Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theological Seminary