"Faithful Politics" (Miranda Zapor Cruz)

TITLE: Faithful Politics: Ten Approaches to Christian Citizenship and Why It Matters
AUTHOR: Miranda Zapor Cruz
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2024, (216 pages).

Do we choose Republicans because the Presidential candidate carries a Bible? Do we choose Democrats because my Christian friends are there? Do we choose parties simply because their policies are more Christian? How do we practice our Christian Faith in our often heated political environment? What is the difference between heavenly and earthly citizenship? How do we know if our actions are serving God or Caesar? How do we live as heavenly citizens while on earth? In our polarized climate, how can Christians behave as peacemakers? Is there such a thing as a Christian political party? Should we vote for candidates who claim to be Christians? These are some of the questions that trouble many Christians. Before attempting to answer any of these questions, we might need to ask a more fundamental one: "What does it mean to practice faithful politics?" This one question is the basis of this book to show us what it means to be salty, prophetic, separationist, and social. Underlying these principles are biblical applications of dual citizens, first of the Kingdom and then of earthly citizens. Living as Kingdom citizens means recognizing the different approaches to politics as compared to what we see in everyday worldly affairs. For instance, instead of limiting ourselves to relationships based on our nationality statuses on earth, we learn a universal perspective of seeing people as fellow humans living under grace from heaven. Instead of fighting one another to gain access to limited resources on earth, we learn to share in the hope that the economies of God will always be more abundant. 

"Rethinking the Police" (Daniel Reinhardt)

TITLE: Rethinking the Police: An Officer's Confession and the Pathway to Reform
AUTHOR: Daniel Reinhardt
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (224 pages).
 

The general perception of the Police force has taken a beating these days. From Michael Brown to Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude to George Floyd, instances of police brutality on minority communities are becoming far too common. Those who claim that the issue is due to individual racists will have to explain why in 2023, five African American policemen killed Tyre Nichols, a black. According to author Daniel Reinhardt, the problem is beyond individuals. It is embedded in a system that nourishes systemic discrimination. In other words, if the perpetrators are guilty, the environment that breeds them is worse. As a 24-year-veteran of the police force, Reinhardt knows the system from the academy to street patrols. The question remains. If law enforcement agencies, courts, the federal agencies are aware of the problem, then why is there so little progress for better policing? Reinhardt puts his finger on the lack of changes from the inside out. With so much attention on external factors, internal factors have unwittingly been minimized. These factors refer to culture, worldview, and "implicit social structures." He goes on to describe the three key cultural factors: "Social distance," "Unchecked power," and "social structures." 

"Pentecost" (Emilio Alvarez)

TITLE: Pentecost: A Day of Power for All People
AUTHOR: Emilio Alvarez
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (144 pages).
 

What is Pentecost? What is the meaning of the word "Pentecostal?" Why do Christians celebrate this event? Has this event any connection to the Old Testament? What is the significance of such an event? These questions are dealt with in this book. Pentecost Sunday is one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. Celebrated 50 days after Easter, it commemorates the day the Holy Spirit came down upon believers in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 2. With the coming of the Holy Spirit witnessed by thousands, the full identity of the Trinity has been revealed to all. The key events in the Church Calendar are Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. This book focuses on the latter, to show us the significance and provides us basic things we ought to know about Pentecost. Calling it a "Day of Power," author Emilio Alvarez takes time to unwrap the meaning of what Pentecostal power means. It is not a power about race to the top echelons of society but about the grace of God given to all believers. It is about that spiritual renewal that we need. Pentecostal power proclaims the work of Christ and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Alvarez asserts that believers should see themselves as pilgrims rather than tourists when celebrating Pentecost. What's the difference? One is about entitlement and the other is about growing in spiritual experience. Beginning with the meaning of the Pentecost festival, Alvarez shows us how Pentecost and the Old Testament are connected through three festivals: Festival of Weeks, First Fruits, and Harvest. He tells us that we do not have to wait until the Day of Pentecost to celebrate. We can be celebratory in the days leading up to the Day itself. 

"Kingdom and Country" (Angie Ward, ed.)

TITLE: Kingdom and Country: Following Jesus in the Land that You Love (Kingdom Conversations)
AUTHOR: Angie Ward
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: Tyndale House Publishers, 2022, (208 pages).
 

Is there a difference between patriotism and nationalism? What about our allegiance to God and country? Are they the same? Thanks to social media, people are starting to be vocal about the state of politics, in the country. For Christians, it is about practicing their faith in an increasingly secular world. Some might even say that our world is increasingly becoming anti-Christian. Recognizing the deep splits and contentious divisions in the country, several authors, teachers, pastors, and theologians have come together to share about what it means to follow Jesus in the country. Kicking off the discussion is Rod Wilson who laments at how politics had affected a typical small group discussion. Just like how Donald Trump had become a contentious President, mere mention of his name in any group setting could spark a wave of arguments. Wilson challenges us to begin with the example of Jesus and then learn how to cultivate quality conversations with humble curiosity while managing our heart-felt convictions. Karen Wilk shows us a vision of the kingdom of God and how we ought not promote human agendas in its name but to join in God's will as He leads. That means when prompted inside, we need to manifest the kingdom of God outwardly, especially those outside of our comfort zones. Ryan Tafilowski takes us back to the early centuries and Old Testament times to remind us how our predecessors had fared under the threat of persecution and hardship. Christians need to live with integrity even when it means being bullied or tortured by the powers that be. Derek Vreeland shares how the people of God in the Old Testament lived under different authorities. From theocracy to living under autocratic governments, he cautions us against taking the law into our own hands and throwing away any trust in God. Instead, the main role for God's people is more subversive rather than combative. Sean Palmer looks at the meaning of allegiance and the difference between allegiance to God and to country. The best way forward is for Christians to hold the state accountable to God rather in the virtues of grace and love to one another. Michelle Ami Reyes looks at the narrative of what it means to be American and what it means to be Christian. She debunks the false narrative of seeing America as a "Christian nation" when it is clearly not. She then provides a new multilayered guide to understanding a new narrative. Tina Boesch reflects on the status of what it means to be a stranger in a foreign land. It takes first-hand experience of what it means to be treated like a foreigner before one appreciates the privileges of citizenship. Between dominion and disengagement from society, the overriding attitude to the land we are living is to practice discipleship within the local community we live in. Alejandro Mandes urges us to look beyond all kinds of multicultural differences to become citizen-disciples. Juliet Liu notes how many Christian leaders got carried away with politics, nationalism, and Trump, and urges pastors to preach the gospel instead. Mandy Smith implores believers to humble themselves and pray. She calls us all to pledge ourselves in a new creed that proclaims God above all human allegiances. 

"The Life We're Looking For" (Andy Crouch)

TITLE: The Life We're Looking For
AUTHOR: Andy Crouch
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Convergent Books, 2022, (240 pages).
 

As more people live and work online, the age-old question of what are we looking for remains unanswered. What are we searching for whenever we are at an Internet search engine? Are we dependent on personalization algorithms to tell us what we need or do we already know what we want? During our times of loneliness, what are we looking for to fill that relationship vacuum? Clearly, there is a growing problem. Research continually reveals that the problem of loneliness is growing. Technology was supposed to be the relationship saviour, but alas, it might have worsened the problem instead. The key is not to let technology lead us but to recognize our unique personhood. Unfortunately, our modern lifestyle is not just impersonal, it reduces relationships to transactions. Just like cashiers going through the motion of collecting money for purchases without even looking at their customers. Worse, in an Internet age, transactions are increasingly conducted without having to talk to a human face or person. The framework of the book is as follows. First, the author highlights the growing problem of living in an increasingly impersonal world. Aided by technology, this trajectory is poised to get worse. If it is not recognized or addressed, we might be paying a deep price for the cost of technological and scientific advancement. Crouch asserts that every human person is a "heart-soul-mind-strength complex designed for love." The heart arouses our desire. The soul drives the depth of ourselves. The mind influences our quest for knowledge. The will emboldens our energy toward actions. Our chief goal is love. 

"Rich Thanks to Racism" (Jim Freeman)

TITLE: Rich Thanks to Racism: How the Ultra-Wealthy Profit from Racial Injustice
AUTHOR: Jim Freeman
PUBLISHER: Ithica, NY: Cornell University Press, 2021, (308 pages).

Mention the name "George Floyd" and immediately people would think of systemic racism, social injustice, Black Lives Matter, and protests against any form of inequality and inequity. The trouble is, when the demonstrations are active and widespread, public media pay attention and join in the chorus against hate and systemic inequity. Once the demonstrations die down, many revert to the "normal" they are used to. So, what is the point of protesting if the results are mere short-term? Is it even possible to eradicate systemic racism? Can BLM provide enough impetus to ensure all races and all ethnic groups can be treated fairly? This book aims to look at how we can join in this long-term effort at rebuilding society into a fair and just one. The phrase "systemic racism" cannot simply be left to anybody's imagination. It needs to be defined clearly and that expectations are communicated justly. More importantly, we need to know the root of it all. As a justice advocate and a long-time civil rights lawyer, author Jim Freeman learns that systemic racism that most of us are saying comes from something far more sinister: "Strategic racism." Many of the efforts to bring about greater equality and eradication of poverty fail eventually. That is because programs alone are never bigger than policies. Solutions alone are not any bigger than strategies. If reforms are only made after vigorous demonstrations and protests, such reforms too are not sustainable. The Freeman starts noticing several patterns. Behind the bad policies are the same few hands that feed the problem. These organizations are profiting from the policies that are encouraging systemic racism in the first place! These are the ultra-wealthy, the powerful, the influencers, and the profiteers. Seeing such things made the author reconsider the words of the late civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr who famously said that "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." After examining the contexts of systemic racism, Freeman laments that current contexts point to this moral "was being forcibly bent toward injustice." Strong words. How could that be? How is that so? What could one do about it? These questions are dealt with in this remarkable book about a perennial problem in American society, and maybe many others too. 

"After Trump" (Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith)

TITLE: After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency
AUTHOR: Bob Bauer and Jack Goldsmith
PUBLISHER: Washington DC: Lawfare Press, 2020, (436 pages).

The office of the US Presidency needs to be reconstructed. Whether it is due to the events with Trump over the past four years or not, reforms still have to be made. In fact, one should not simply blame Trump. Whether he was President or not does not eliminate the need to reform. Trump didn't create the problems. He merely exposed the weaknesses. The authors write: "Some of Trump’s excesses, and some flaws in presidential regulation, had been emerging in prior presidencies. But Trump’s particular brand of executive action has added significantly to past problems in ways that now demand comprehensive treatment." Key to this reformation is an adequate and appropriate accountability for the most powerful seat in the country. Such a seat needs to withstand whimsical personal misuses and blatant abuses. They propose four principles to guide any reforms:

1. Strong Presidency checked by constitution
2. Review Norms and Laws of the Presidency
3. Implementing the Golden Rule to Minimize Hypocrisy
4. Learn from History

"When Narcissism Comes to Church" (Chuck DeGroat)

TITLE: When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse
AUTHOR: Chuck DeGroat
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 2020, (208 pages).

Self-love is not entirely a bad thing. After all, Jesus did tell us to love our neighbour as ourselves. So, what is the problem when it comes to self-love? The one word answer is: Narcissism. Self-love beomes bad when all the focus, or most of the focus is on ourselves. Someone has said that love is not love until it is given away. Narcissism fits that description of the kind of love that is not given away. How do we recognize it when it arrives? This is what this book is about. Chuck DeGroat has pointed out the major prognosis: It must start with the leadership, in particular, the pastor. The Church of today is swimming in the cultural waters of narcissism. Whether it is a #MeToo or #ChurchToo taglines, many are increasingly impatient about matters pertaining to their needs. More astutely, the author takes us to a deeper level of understanding the roots of narcissism. Taking a leaf from Christopher Lasch's definition of narcissism as "the longing to be free from longing," it is a critical look at narcissism as an unhealthy desire to be dehumanized superhumans. In other words, narcissism makes us "less human." Written over a period of twenty over years, DeGroat shares his experiences with people who had gone through brokenness, pain, and healing. We need to be careful not to carelessly apply labels on people. While we are all capable of narcissistic behaviour, it would be inappropriate to call anybody a narcissist. I think that makes sense. Keeping it as an adjective is more redeemable. Some of the observations about narcissism in the church do offer food for thought. These include:

"Awaiting the King" (James K.A. Smith)

TITLE: Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology (Cultural Liturgies)
AUTHOR: James K. A. Smith
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2017, (256 pages).

What has theology got to do with politics? What has Church got to do with State? Is there a better way forward in public engagement without having to police the boundaries of such relations? For author James K A Smith, it is essentially about societal and human flourishing. Whether it is in the political or public sphere, we need to redeem them. Borrowing heavily from Oliver O'Donovan's works and Augustine's thoughts on "City of God," Smith seeks to present a Christian approach to active engagement in the public square, to see it as a calling and not simply something to be shunned or be afraid of.

The political arena today is strewn with bipartisan politics not just in Washington DC but also in various theological circles. What is the relationship today between Christ and Culture? The Church herself is a cultural center that could influence the world. With this in mind, in a nutshell, it is about cultivating a posture of theological engagement rather than policy formulation. Calling it "part diagnosis and part prescription," Smith believes that the Church plays that very vital role in adopting "Augustinian principles for public participation." At the same time, using O'Donovan's works on a "missionary order," which is putting the needs of society before government, we are able to develop a series of postures to help us think, re-think, and reform our public theology. Our main posture is patience and optimism in the coming kingdom. Let me try to summarize some of the postures advocated by the author.

"The Power of Presence" (Neil T. Anderson)

TITLE: The Power of Presence: Becoming Fully Alive
AUTHOR: Neil T. Anderson
PUBLISHER: Oxford, England, Monarch Books, 2016, (144 pages).

When I think of Neil Anderson, I would be reminded of his passion and conviction about spiritual deliverance and freedom in Christ, the latter having a double meaning. Freedom in Christ is a ministry set up by Anderson back in 1989 when he was a professor of practical theology at Talbot School of Theology in California. From spiritual warfare to being freed in Christ, Anderson shows us that we can break free from the powers of evil because Christ has already freed us at the cross, being an atonement for the sins of the whole world. One would have thought that such themes of triumphalism would carry over to all parts of his life, including this book. I was wrong. After 45 years of pastoral ministry, Joanne, his wife of over 50 years, was diagnosed with agitated dementia, leaving Anderson the arduous task of caring and constantly sitting by her side. Instead of "coming down" to her level, Anderson sees the opportunity as "going up" to her level, a sign of how much he treasures his wife. As he gets more involved with caregiving of her deteriorating state, his priorities change. No longer is he doing things mainly for himself but for her. No more vacations, day trips, movies, and all those ordinary outdoor activities, but more home time. Through the experience grows the author's awareness of the power of presence. This book is borne out of that deep reflection of life through the golden and gray age.

"Living in the Light of Money, Sex & Power" (John Piper)

TITLE: Living in the Light: Money, Sex and Power
AUTHOR: John Piper
PUBLISHER: Purcellville, VA: The Good Book Company, 2016, (144 pages).

God has created this world for good, but sin had tarnished it in so many ways. Thus, good people no longer simply do good works. They are tempted to sin and can be deceived into turning good things into bad. How then do we live in our modern world of infatuation with things regarding money, sex, and power? Two words essentially surround this book's message about money, sex, and power: Corruption and Redemption. At the end of it all, Piper asserts that not only can God redeem these three areas of life, God is glorified when these are wisely stewarded and used for the benefit of all.

Money is simply a form of valuation, a cultural symbol of value that becomes a moral issue on how it is used. If the use of money is the surface, then the motivation behind its use or abuse is the underlying forces that we need to deal with. Sex is much broader than mere erotic stimulation. It is a good gift to be cherished and protected. Power is the capacity to get what we want. The common thread through these three is this: It is a God-given means of showing what we value. The root problem is the condition of the human heart that seeks to place idols above God. Using Romans 1 as the key Bible passage, readers learn of how light becomes darkness, idols become enthroned, and how power elevates self above all others.

"Truth Speaks to Power" (Walter Brueggemann)

TITLE: Truth Speaks to Power: The Countercultural Nature of Scripture
AUTHOR: Walter Brueggemann
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013, (176 pages).

This book essentially focuses on this main theme. Truth speaks. Not power. Truth must show any use of power the way. Power must not subvert truth or be used to manipulate people for its own purposes. In an age where political agendas are high and personal vendettas are prevalent, even truth can become a means to an end. Whether one tries to justify it on the greater good or something more beneficial for society, when truth is not allowed to speak or manifest its entirety, we will become impoverished in every possible way. In other words, God cannot be reduced to human agenda. Neither can anyone use the Word of God and reduce it for their own purposes. According to Brueggemann, power used in society tends to be wielded by people in influential positions, the elites, and those who have massive resources at their disposal. The danger is when these people use their power and influence to control and manipulate truth. Brueggemann makes an observation of the "cartesian kind" of knowledge and over-knowledge that can be used to impose their power and exert control over others. Interestingly, Brueggemann affirms the "common opposition" of the three masters of suspicions of seemingly "established truth." All three, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Friedrich Nietzsche contest the "primacy of the object," where the ends justify the means. Learning from Marx, there is a need to connect ideal with reality. Learning from Nietzsche, truth needs to be interpreted and continually understood. Learning from Freud, we learn to question the status quo. Learning from Michael Foucault, we notice how truth and power can so easily become enmeshed with each other. Brueggemann believes that the Bible speaks to counter the culture and is often subversive of the world. There are many ways to voice truth. There are also many ways to manipulate truth. What is necessary is to let truth be truth and all other ways be subject to the Truth Giver through the Bible. The rest of the book shows the way how.

Beginning with Jesus' engagement with Pontius Pilate on their various understanding of power and authority, Brueggemann highlights the story of Moses and Pharaoh  where the latter wields power of food and control over the helpless Israelite slaves. Readers get to understand how the power of Pharaoh is forced to deal with the mighty Truth of God's Hand and Purpose. The narrative for the Church is to recognize the cries of the world, fight for an alternative worldview, live out the alternative, and lead people to freedom.

The second narrative is about Solomon's reign and power. Is Solomon a bearer of truth simply because of the riches and power he holds? Maybe, the story of Solomon is one of irony rather than affirmation of his power or use of power. Quickly, Solomon rises to the glorious heights, and quickly he falls to devastating humiliation. Brueggemann even alludes to Solomon being another form of Pharaoh, through his taxation, his boastfulness, his excesses, and his womanizing lifestyle.  Positive piety in the building of the temple does not negate the requirement to keep on being faithful like his father David. The irony of Solomon's reign is that we learn NOT to compromise on steadfast faithfulness, justice, and righteousness. The way the narrative of Solomon's life is written shows us in the modern world, that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. More importantly, truth stands forever.

With the continuing fall of Israelite kings and princes, the Lord raises up prophets. One of them is Elisha that the Lord raises in the midst of a terrible Ahab reign. Continuing the work of the prophet Elijah, we read about how the power of the kings are countered by the truth telling by the prophets. It is a classic truth subverting the power of the land at that time. Truth speaks out for the needy, while power hangs on without appropriate regard for the poor. Truth gives life, while power takes life. Truth is true power. Worldly control is impending doom. Brueggemann makes a sharp observation that "established power specializes in explanations. But Gospel truth does not wait for that. It rushes on to new life."

Fortunately, in Josiah, we have hope of a good king. Primary to this truth and power at work is in the obedience to the Scriptures. The great reform is focused on the Deuteronomic teachings. Indeed, the book of Deuteronomy is about "social responsibility and public policy." It reminds us of the blessings, the curses, and the proper use of power. Lest we, together with the very power we hold, get cut off.

The final chapter consolidates and highlights the role of the Church and disciples. It encourages believers that God's truth will rise up from humble grounds. We cannot let modern ideologies dictate or direct our view of truth. We need to let God's Word guide and lead us in letting the biblical worldview shape everything else. We need to be ready to tell the truth in love, to stand up for the truth, and to speak out for truth. In conclusion, we need to obey God rather than earthly powers.

My Thoughts

Brueggemann's writings have always been inspiring and thought provoking. He is well read and very perceptive of the world reality. At the same time, he is steep in the tradition of Scriptures, in particular, the Old Testament, and sense how God has moved in the hearts of the kings, the prophets, the priests, the people, and even showing us that truth subverts everything. Whether it is in the Old or the New Testament, God is sovereign. Whether it is through evil powers held by Pharaoh or ungodly kings, or whether it is through temporary success and power in Solomon, truth will stand firm to the end. I like the way Brueggemann integrates Old Testament narratives, the New Testament teachings, and his observations of the political powers in different eras, to drive home this single point: It is truth that speaks to power, and not vice versa. The essence of truth is in obedience to God more than man. It is to grow gradually from the richness and fertility of God's Word, rather than the temporal deceitfulness of the world. It is to stand up for truth, regardless of power or powerlessness, riches or poverty, fame or unknown. Truth subverts simply because the world that we know, will always want to protect and to consolidate their power and authority at all costs, even subverting truth.  Eventually, truth wins.

Rating: 5 stars of 5

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.