BOOK OF THE MONTH: Jesus and the Powers

JUNE BOOK OF THE MONTH

REVIEWER: Martyn Whittock

BOOK: Jesus and the Powers 
Author: Tom Wright and Michael F. Bird (SPCK, 2024) 160pp, paperback, RRP £12.99   

We live in an age of political turbulence. This book makes a strong argument, based on Scripture and church history, for why Christians should – and must – engage with politics. Designed for the general reader, it is laid out clearly and moves with pace. The writers explore the relationship between God and human political authorities, and between believers and those authorities, in the context of Old Testament Israel, the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the New Testament, and the experiences of the church.

Given the immensity of the timespan and subject, the authors address the key issues succinctly and with clarity. They assert that earthly power and authority comes from God so, in usual circumstances, Christians should obey their government; but if that government contravenes God’s standards, then proportionate refusal to obey is required; only in extreme circumstances should Christians rebel.

Overall, they assert that the Christian objective is ‘not of “building the kingdom” but of building for the kingdom.’ In other words, it is God who will bring it to fruition. There is no New Testament warrant for theocracy, forcing Christian values on a recalcitrant society. Christian ‘dominionists’ (especially in the USA) take note. We are called to witness, not to impose. Neither is there a New Testament basis for ‘Christian nationalism.’

They make an impassioned defence of the virtues of liberal democracy (for all its faults) and why Christians should be active within it, and also in its defence. This is because – at its best – it sets checks on government action, safeguards the rights of citizens (including ones we might disapprove of), and allows citizens to engage with political issues.

We live in dangerous times. And Christians can get drawn into their own versions of ideologies which either oppress others or disengage with society. Read this book. It challenges all Christians to engage with the politics of today.

Reviewer: Martyn Whittock
Martyn Whittock is a Lay Minister in the Church of England, historian, author, columnist and political commentator.