The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life by Michael Wear
/REVIEWER: Martyn Whittock
BOOK: The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life
(Zondervan, 2023) 256pp, paperback, £12.99
Wear addresses how US Christians can respond to the deep polarisation of politics reflected in the Christian community there; and where some of that faith community have contributed to the intense division. He describes a situation where political tribalism causes the ‘othering’ of opponents and the willingness to countenance (or ignore) behaviour threatening the fabric of democracy, in order to achieve partisan goals. Unity and civility have given way to bitter division and negativity. As Wear puts it, ‘we have allowed [political] parties to become brands and sources of identity.’ These ‘identities’ have divided churches, families and communities. With the USA facing another polarised presidential election in November, the need to address this situation is pressing.
Wear frequently references the writings of Dallas Willard (1935–2013) a US philosopher – also known for writing about Christian spiritual development – who was a member of the philosophy department at the University of Southern California. Reflecting on Willard’s thoughts, and exploring contemporary issues from his own perspective, Wear makes the case for a transformational approach to politics if Christian principles are truly applied. This includes asserting God’s love for all people; recognising the unique contribution of Christian faith to the conversation; active community engagement, rather than a privatised faith; graciously dialoguing about difficult social issues; engaging with those with whom one disagrees, not ‘othering’ them; aiming to ‘affirm those you oppose, critique those you support.’
Given the fevered state of current US politics and the Christian community there, I had anticipated a detailed critical engagement with the specific issues currently dividing the US Christian community as it looks at politics through the lens of faith. Or, as it sometimes feels to an observer from the UK, looks at faith through the lens of entrenched politics. Instead, this book looks more at the general principles which should guide political engagement. That is a vital first step. The next step, examining specific divisive policies, will be more contentious. That is urgently needed too.
Reviewer: Martyn Whittock is a Lay Minister in the Church of England, historian, author, columnist and political commentator.
