Key Takeaways
1. Political engagement is unavoidable and deeply formative
Political participation has a unique ability to inspire idolatry in people precisely because it so often involves promises of protection and provision, requires sacrifices, legitimizes authority, and inspires submission and worship.
Politics is inescapable. Every aspect of our lives is touched by political decisions and systems, from the neighborhoods we live in to the food we eat. Even when we try to avoid politics, we are making a political choice.
Political engagement forms us. Our political participation shapes our loves, loyalties, and ultimate values. It affects not just our views on specific issues, but our fundamental orientation to the world and understanding of what is good and true.
- Ways politics forms us:
- Media consumption habits
- Political discussions and debates
- Campaign events and rallies
- Voting and civic participation
Political idolatry is a constant danger. Because politics touches on fundamental questions of identity, community, and the good life, it can easily become an idol that demands our ultimate allegiance. Christians must be vigilant to keep politics in its proper place.
2. False gospels compete with the true gospel for our allegiance
Our political participation is at unique risk of idolization precisely because it is so tangled up with these idols.
Competing narratives. Several false "gospels" vie for our loyalty and shape our political engagement in subtle ways:
- The prosperity gospel: Wealth and success indicate God's blessing
- The patriotic gospel: America has a special role in God's plan
- The security gospel: Safety and protection are ultimate goods
- The gospel of white supremacy: Racial hierarchy is natural/good
Powerful formation. These false gospels shape our loves and loyalties through:
- Captivating narratives and origin stories
- Rituals and symbols (e.g. national anthems, pledges)
- Promises of salvation and fulfillment
Distorted priorities. When embraced, these false gospels lead to:
- Moral compromises for the sake of wealth or power
- Uncritical nationalism and xenophobia
- Fear-based politics and militarism
- Racial injustice and white Christian nationalism
3. The church is called to be a counterculture for the common good
The church is political not because she is isolated from the earthly nation she inhabits but because she refuses to entirely abdicate the realm of political action and formation to the state.
An alternative community. The church is called to be a distinct people shaped by the gospel, not the values of empire:
- Centered on worship of the true King
- Practicing radical hospitality and equality
- Resisting idolatry and injustice
For the life of the world. The church exists not for itself, but as a witness to God's coming kingdom:
- Seeking the flourishing of all people
- Pursuing justice and shalom
- Offering a prophetic critique of unjust systems
Political without being partisan. The church should:
- Speak truth to power
- Work for the common good
- Avoid being co-opted by any political party
4. Scripture shapes our political imagination and engagement
When we read Scripture with the needs and burdens of other people in mind, it changes our perspective.
Community-centered reading. Scripture is best understood in the context of the church community, both local and global:
- Public reading and teaching
- Discussion and application
- Learning from diverse perspectives
Whole-Bible approach. We need to engage the full narrative of Scripture:
- Creation, fall, redemption, restoration
- Old and New Testament
- Diverse genres (law, prophecy, gospels, epistles)
Prophetic critique. Scripture offers a powerful critique of unjust systems and calls us to pursue justice:
- Care for the vulnerable (widows, orphans, immigrants)
- Economic justice and generosity
- Peacemaking and reconciliation
5. The church's practices form us as political beings
Our corporate worship trains us in a story and then sends us with that story into our various manifestations of worship—in our stewardship of earthly resources, in our care for the vulnerable, in our cultural creativity, and in our responsibility to the communities we live in.
Sacraments as political acts. Baptism and communion shape our identity and loyalties:
- Baptism as citizenship in God's kingdom
- Communion as an alternative economic practice
Church calendar. Following the liturgical year orients us to God's story:
- Advent: Longing for Christ's return and justice
- Lent: Repentance and solidarity with the suffering
- Easter: Hope for resurrection and new creation
Worship practices. Regular rhythms form our loves and imaginations:
- Music and singing
- Corporate prayer and confession
- Preaching and teaching
6. Spiritual disciplines have profound political implications
When we understand that our consumption practices implicate others, we should find ourselves advocating for more responsible regulation of resources and more aid to the structurally disadvantaged.
Prayer. Shapes our priorities and dependence on God:
- Praying for leaders and those in authority
- Intercession for justice and the common good
- The Lord's Prayer as a political manifesto
Sabbath. Reorients our relationship to work and rest:
- Resisting the idolatry of productivity
- Creating space for justice and community
Hospitality. Cultivates love for neighbor and stranger:
- Welcoming the marginalized
- Breaking down social barriers
Fasting and feasting. Reshape our economic practices:
- Solidarity with the hungry
- Generosity and celebration
7. Christian eschatology impacts our political engagement
Our work on earth is changed—both in content and in motivation—by the end we have in mind.
New creation, not escape. The biblical vision is for the renewal of all things, not abandonment of the earth:
- Bodily resurrection
- Redemption of culture and creation
- The New Jerusalem as a redeemed city
Present implications. This vision shapes our engagement now:
- Environmental stewardship
- Cultural creativity and innovation
- Working for justice and flourishing
Revelation as political resistance. The book of Revelation offers a powerful critique of empire:
- Exposing the idolatry of power and wealth
- Calling the church to faithful witness
- Offering an alternative vision of the good life
8. The kingdom of God offers an alternative vision of power and flourishing
God does not defeat the powers of sin and darkness by human understandings of power or victory, but by self-sacrifice and suffering.
Power through weakness. The cross redefines true power:
- Servant leadership
- Nonviolent resistance
- Solidarity with the marginalized
Shalom as the goal. The kingdom aims at holistic flourishing:
- Justice and righteousness
- Reconciliation and peace
- Creativity and cultural renewal
Prophetic imagination. The church is called to embody and proclaim this alternative:
- Resisting the dominant narratives of empire
- Offering hope in the face of injustice
- Practicing the ways of the kingdom here and now
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FAQ
What's The Liturgy of Politics about?
- Intersection of faith and politics: The book explores how spiritual formation and political engagement intersect, urging Christians to consider how their faith influences their political actions.
- Active political participation: Kaitlyn Schiess argues that Christians should engage thoughtfully in politics for the sake of their neighbors, rather than remaining apolitical.
- Historical overview: It provides a historical context of evangelical political involvement, particularly focusing on the emergence of the Religious Right and its implications for contemporary politics.
Why should I read The Liturgy of Politics?
- Relevance to current issues: The book addresses pressing political and social issues, making it a timely read for Christians seeking to understand their societal role.
- Encourages critical thinking: Schiess challenges readers to examine their political beliefs and the influences shaping them, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith.
- Fresh perspective: It offers a new approach to integrating faith and politics, encouraging readers to view political engagement as an extension of their spiritual life.
What are the key takeaways of The Liturgy of Politics?
- Spiritual formation's importance: The book argues that spiritual formation is crucial for political engagement, shaping the character and values of individuals and communities.
- Community's role: Schiess emphasizes the church as a training ground for political engagement, where believers learn to love and serve their neighbors.
- Political engagement as a calling: Christians are called to participate in politics to seek justice and promote human dignity, not as a means of power.
What are the best quotes from The Liturgy of Politics and what do they mean?
- “Politics is not often safe.”: This highlights the inherent risks in political engagement, especially for Christians navigating complex moral landscapes.
- “Our politics cannot improve in a lasting way unless we become a different kind of people.”: Schiess emphasizes that true political change requires personal and communal transformation rooted in faith.
- “The church cannot have an inner life without having at the same time a life which expresses itself outwardly.”: This underscores the necessity for the church to engage with the world, reflecting its faith through action.
How does The Liturgy of Politics define spiritual formation?
- Holistic development: Spiritual formation is described as becoming more like Christ, involving both personal piety and communal practices.
- Influence on political engagement: The book argues that spiritual formation shapes how Christians engage with politics, informing their values and priorities.
- Community-centered: Schiess emphasizes that spiritual formation occurs within the church, where believers learn to love and serve others.
How does The Liturgy of Politics address the relationship between faith and politics?
- Interconnectedness: Schiess argues that faith and politics are not separate realms; they influence and shape each other significantly.
- Call to action: The book encourages Christians to engage actively in political discourse and action as an expression of their faith.
- Moral responsibility: Christians have a moral obligation to advocate for justice and the common good in their political lives.
What role does the church play in political engagement according to The Liturgy of Politics?
- Training ground: The church equips believers for political engagement, teaching them to love and serve their neighbors.
- Collective witness: Schiess emphasizes that the church collectively bears witness to the kingdom of God, influencing broader culture through its actions.
- Moral authority: The church provides moral guidance, helping believers navigate complex political issues with a biblical perspective.
How does The Liturgy of Politics connect worship and political action?
- Worship as resistance: Schiess posits that worship is a form of resistance against oppressive political systems, centering lives on God to challenge the status quo.
- Liturgical practices: Practices like Communion embody political values, reminding congregants of their identity as citizens of the kingdom of God.
- Community engagement: Churches are encouraged to engage in their communities through acts of service and justice, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.
What historical context does The Liturgy of Politics provide about evangelical political involvement?
- Religious Right origins: The book discusses how the Religious Right emerged in response to cultural shifts, particularly around issues like abortion and civil rights.
- Misconceptions about apolitical stances: Schiess challenges the notion that evangelicals were once apolitical, revealing deep historical roots in political engagement.
- Impact on contemporary politics: The author connects past evangelical political movements to current dynamics, illustrating how history shapes present beliefs and actions.
How does The Liturgy of Politics address social inequalities?
- Critique of church practices: Schiess critiques how churches often reflect societal divisions, particularly regarding race and class, calling for more inclusivity.
- Economic justice: The book discusses the early church's practices of sharing resources, arguing that modern Christians should advocate for economic justice.
- Call to action: Readers are encouraged to actively engage in addressing social inequalities within their communities, involving awareness and practical steps.
What challenges does The Liturgy of Politics identify for the church?
- Cultural conformity: Schiess identifies the challenge of cultural conformity, where churches may reflect societal values rather than biblical principles.
- Political idolatry: The book warns against political idolatry, where allegiance to political parties or ideologies supersedes commitment to Christ.
- Need for repentance: Schiess calls for collective repentance within the church for failing to live out kingdom values, essential for faithful political engagement.
How does The Liturgy of Politics propose to reform political engagement?
- Holistic approach: Schiess advocates for integrating faith, worship, and community action to align political actions with kingdom values.
- Critical reflection: The book encourages examining political beliefs and practices to ensure alignment with Christian values.
- Empowerment of the church: The church is seen as a transformative community, embodying justice and compassion to influence the political landscape.
Review Summary
The Liturgy of Politics receives mostly positive reviews for its thoughtful examination of how Christians should engage politically. Readers appreciate Schiess's nuanced approach, drawing on theological and historical perspectives to challenge problematic political narratives in evangelical Christianity. The book is praised for its insights on spiritual formation, liturgical practices, and their connection to political engagement. Some reviewers found it dense and academic, while others wished for more practical applications. Overall, it's considered a timely and important contribution to discussions on faith and politics.
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