The Liturgy of Politics

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.