Public Faith in Action
How to Think Carefully, Engage Wisely, and Vote with Integrity
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Celebrated Theologian Offers Wisdom for Civic Engagement
Christian citizens have a responsibility to make political and ethical judgments in light of their faith and to participate in the public lives of their communities--from their local neighborhoods to the national scene. But it can be difficult to discern who to vote for, which policies to support, and how to respond to the social and cultural trends of our time.
This nonpartisan handbook offers Christians practical guidance for thinking through complicated public issues and faithfully following Jesus as citizens of their countries. The book focuses on enduring Christian commitments that should guide readers in their judgments and encourages legitimate debate among Christians over how to live out core values. The book also includes lists of resources for further reflection in each chapter and "room for debate" questions to consider.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Mixing faith and politics can be tricky, but Volf, founder and director of Yale Center for Faith and Culture, and McAnnally-Linz, an associate research scholar there, have assembled a helpful, concisely written guide to help Christians through this election season. Working on the premise that Christian faith must naturally spill over into public discussion, they offer insight into making informed decisions around candidates and political issues. Aptly subtitled, the book asks readers to consider issues from a biblical perspective and then to take action in a courageous but respectful and humble manner, working to influence society while representing Christ well. Political hot potatoes such as immigration, debt, same-sex marriage, abortion, and affordable health care are explored. The authors draw conclusions without pushing an agenda and suggest that moral issues don't always have to trump the law. Christians, for example, can be in favor of a law that grants equal right and protections for all people marrying while maintaining traditional biblical beliefs that oppose same-sex marriage on moral grounds. For readers who don't agree with their conclusions, they offer "Room for Debate" sections with questions for reflection as well as additional resources for deeper study. The book, which got its start in posts on Facebook, is a must-read for anyone contemplating debating the issues during this election cycle, and especially those who want to do what is right without being "unfriended" along the way.
