
Christians and the Common Good
How Faith Intersects with Public Life
Charles Gutenson(Author)
Brazos Press, Div of Baker Publishing Group
Published on 1. April 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-1-58743-287-3 (ISBN)
Description
Christians across the spectrum have soured on religious involvement in politics, tempted either to withdraw or to secularize their public engagement. Yet the kingdom of God is clearly concerned with justice and communal well-being. How can Christians be active in public life without getting mired down in political polarization and controversy?
For too long, the question of faith in public life has centered on what the Bible says about government. Charles Gutenson, a theologian respected by both evangelical and mainline Christians, argues that we should first ask how God intends for us to live together before considering the public policies and institutions that would best empower living together in that way. By concentrating on the nature of God, we can move past presuppositions regarding the role of government and engage in healthy discussions about how best to serve the common good. This lucidly written book includes a foreword by bestselling author Jim Wallis.
For too long, the question of faith in public life has centered on what the Bible says about government. Charles Gutenson, a theologian respected by both evangelical and mainline Christians, argues that we should first ask how God intends for us to live together before considering the public policies and institutions that would best empower living together in that way. By concentrating on the nature of God, we can move past presuppositions regarding the role of government and engage in healthy discussions about how best to serve the common good. This lucidly written book includes a foreword by bestselling author Jim Wallis.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
ISBN-13
978-1-58743-287-3 (9781587432873)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/2011
1st Edition
Baker Publishing Group
€13.99
Available for download
Persons
Charles E. Gutenson (PhD, Southern Methodist University) is the chief operating officer of Sojourners in Washington, DC. He formerly served as associate professor of philosophical theology at Asbury Theological Seminary and has worked as a pastor and a corporate executive. He is the author of Considering the Doctrine of God and coauthor, with Jim Wallis, of Living God's Politics.
Content
1. Introduction
2. Reading Scripture
3. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus
4. Biblical Vignettes
5. Human Governance and a Kingdom Agenda
6. Public Policy and a Kingdom Agenda
2. Reading Scripture
3. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus
4. Biblical Vignettes
5. Human Governance and a Kingdom Agenda
6. Public Policy and a Kingdom Agenda