Political Gospel Book Review

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Political Gospel is one of the latest books by author, pastor, and professor, Patrick Schreiner. The book begins by considering what Schreiner refers to as political discipleship. In the Introduction, Schreiner helpfully explained, “Politics is simply how we partner together for the flourishing of humanity and the world. We must open the horizon of politics past partisanship and allow God to have his say again. Christian politics concerns how we integrate our confession that Jesus is Lord with our call to love our neighbors,” (pg. 6).

Throughout Political Gospel, Schreiner makes the distinction between politics and partisanship and also between submission and subversion. I enjoyed reading about these distinctions because I believe they are necessary for Christian conversations about politics. A lack of distinction in political conversations seems to create a quick path toward conflict and establishing distinctions creates a context where understanding flourishes. I believe the practice of establishing distinctions is incredibly helpful and is likely to encourage Christians to partner together and reach for common goals rather than talk past each other in political matters.

In the footnote on page 14, Schreiner wrote, “A chasm separates historical studies and political theology (at least in my field). It’s time to build a bridge across this abyss. We should look at how Jesus and early Christians responded to the Roman Empire and then draw principles from their interaction for our own political formation and public witness.” He uses the rest of the book to do this and does it well.

On page 62 he explained, “Typically, political ‘discipleship’ is being told what to think about certain issues (abortion, immigration, climate change) rather than beginning with the foundational principles of political theology. This is backwards. We have to work up from the foundation rather than down from the issues.”

One page over Schreiner boldly asked, “. . . if governing authorities are God’s servants, what does it look like to honor and obey in the modern era?” and he helps readers created a biblical framework for answering that question. He even boldly addressed some issues that occurred during the pandemic that conflicted Christians. I appreciate his boldness and his apparent love and reverence for God’s word.

While this book is serious in nature, Schreiner included some humorous remarks throughout. The anecdote about him needing a hipster fade made me laugh because my husband is equally passionate about receiving one. I also laughed while coming across the comment about serving in the Lord’s army, and enjoyed the reference to John 21:25 regarding gospel centered titles. I highlighted much of this book and have been greatly helped by it. Political Gospel is a book I will be thinking about for a while and I highly recommend it.

If you’re a Christian who’s hoping to understand the intersection of faith and politics, I strongly encourage you to read Political Gospel.