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Christianity, Politics, & Public Life

An Exploration of Current Political Positions and Cultural Challenges from a Christian Perspective

Curated by Bruce Ashford
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Introduction

  • Bruce Ashford – Course Overview

  • Bruce Ashford – Introduction to Christianity, Politics, and Public Life

Locating Politics within the True Story of the Whole World

  • Bruce Ashford – Locating Politics within the True Story of the Whole World

Assignment
  1. Watch the intro video, above.
  2. Read One Nation Under God (c. 1)

Recommended Books
Recommended Videos
Michael Goheen on Worldview

Michael Goheen, co-author of The Drama of Scripture, presents a comprehensive biblical worldview in four parts. Intermediate.

  • Part 1

  • Part 2

  • Part 3

  • Part 4

  • Albert Wolters – Neo-Calvinism

    An interview with Albert Wolters, author of Creation Regained, in which Wolters discusses the history and “genius” of neo-Calvinism. Intermediate.


  • SpreadTruth – Worldview Summary

    A short animated video containing the basics of a Christian worldview produced by SpreadTruth. Beginner.


Choosing between Four Competing Views of Public Life (Or, The Gospel as Public Truth)

  • Bruce Ashford – Choosing between Four Competing Views of Public Life

  • Bruce Ashford – What Hath Nature to Do with Grace?

Assignment
  1. Watch the intro video “Choosing between Four Competing Views of Public Life.”
  2. Watch the video lecture “What Hath Nature to do with Grace?”
  3. Read Justin Taylor’s short summary of the video lecture with an infographic here.
  4. Read the course textbook One Nation Under God (cc. 2-3).

Recommended Books on Christianity and Culture
Recommended Books on Christianity and Politics
  • The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public LifeVincent Bacote

    A very helpful little introduction to Christianity, politics, and public life. Beginner.

    A very helpful little introduction to Christianity, politics, and public life. Beginner.


  • Evangelicals in the Public Square: Four Formative Voices on Political Thought and ActionJ. Budziszewski

    This intermediate-to-advanced book describes the way four theologians—Carl Henry, Abraham Kuyper, Francis Schaeffer, and John Howard Yoder—approached the public square. My view is closest to Kuyper’s. Intermediate.

    This intermediate-to-advanced book describes the way four theologians—Carl Henry, Abraham Kuyper, Francis Schaeffer, and John Howard Yoder—approached the public square. My view is closest to Kuyper’s. Intermediate.


  • Five Views on the Church and PoliticsAmy Black

    This book is primarily about the relationship of “religion” and politics and only secondarily about the relationship about church and state. It provides five viewpoints, four of which are similar to the views I present in the instructional video and in One Nation Under God. The views are listed as The Anabaptist/Separationist View (Thomas W. Heilke), the Lutheran/Paradoxical View (Robert Benne), the Black Church/Prophetic View (Bruce L. Fields), the Reformed/Transformationist View (James K. A. Smith), and the Catholic/Synthetic View (J. Brian Benstad). My view is closest to Smith’s. Intermediate.

    This book is primarily about the relationship of “religion” and politics and only secondarily about the relationship about church and state. It provides five viewpoints, four of which are similar to the views I present in the instructional video and in One Nation Under God. The views are listed as The Anabaptist/Separationist View (Thomas W. Heilke), the Lutheran/Paradoxical View (Robert Benne), the Black Church/Prophetic View (Bruce L. Fields), the Reformed/Transformationist View (James K. A. Smith), and the Catholic/Synthetic View (J. Brian Benstad). My view is closest to Smith’s. Intermediate.


Recommended Audio
  • James Anderson – Can Universities Do without God?Runtime: 73 min

    In “Can Universities Do without God?” James Anderson, associate professor of theology and philosophy at Reformed Theological Seminary, argues that if there were no God, there could be no university. Intermediate. Source: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92012123367

Relating Church and State

  • Bruce Ashford – Relating Church and State

  • Russell Moore – Onward: Engaging the Culture without Losing the Gospel (Page Lecture Series)

    In this sermon on 2 Chronicles 7:14, Russell Moore exhorts evangelicals not to confuse the United States with Israel, nor the state with the church.


Assignment
  1. Watch the intro video, above.
  2. Watch Russell Moore’s video “Onward.”
  3. Read One Nation Under God (c. 4).
  4. Read Onward (c. 7).

Recommended Books
  • Political Church: The Local Assembly as Embassy of Christ’s RuleJonathan Leeman

    A helpful scholarly treatment of the political nature of the local church. Drawing upon covenant theology and contemporary political science, Leeman critiques modern political liberalism and explores the Bible’s account of the church as an embassy of Christ’s rule.

    A helpful scholarly treatment of the political nature of the local church. Drawing upon covenant theology and contemporary political science, Leeman critiques modern political liberalism and explores the Bible’s account of the church as an embassy of Christ’s rule.


  • Abraham Kuyper: A Short and Personal IntroductionRichard J. Mouw

    An excellent little introduction to Kuyper’s life and thought.

    An excellent little introduction to Kuyper’s life and thought.


Recommended Video
  • Russell Moore – Is America a Christian Nation?

    Russell Moore answers the question: is America a Christian nation? He suggests that the answer depends on what one means by a Christian nation. Beginner.


Recommended Audio
  • Mark Dever – Jesus Paid TaxesRuntime: 68 min

    A sermon by Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, on Christians and the state. Beginner. Source: http://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/sermon/jesus-paid-taxes/

Doing Politics in a Post-Christian Country (Or, Christian Witness as a Prophetic Minority)

  • Bruce Ashford – Doing Politics in a Post-Christian Country

Assignment
  1. Read One Nation Under God (c. 5)
  2. Read Onward (cc. 1-2, 10)

Recommended Books
  • Pluralisms and Horizons: An Essay in Christian Public PhilosophyRichard J. Mouw & Sander Griffioen

    An unpacking of the problem of political consensus in a pluralist environment, which includes a helpful comparison and contrast of major thinkers on the topic, including John Rawls, Robert Nozick, and Richard John Neuhaus.

    An unpacking of the problem of political consensus in a pluralist environment, which includes a helpful comparison and contrast of major thinkers on the topic, including John Rawls, Robert Nozick, and Richard John Neuhaus.


  • The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America.Richard John Neuhaus

    A very influential and well-argued text on the place of Christian conviction in public political discourse.

    A very influential and well-argued text on the place of Christian conviction in public political discourse.


  • The Gospel in a Pluralist SocietyLesslie Newbigin

    A Reformed treatment of how the gospel relates to societies that are characterized by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism. Intermediate.

    A Reformed treatment of how the gospel relates to societies that are characterized by religious pluralism, ethnic diversity, and cultural relativism. Intermediate.


  • Justice as FairnessJohn Rawls

    This book is a classic modern statement advocating for a naked public square. It is the view against which I argue in this module.

    This book is a classic modern statement advocating for a naked public square. It is the view against which I argue in this module.


Cultivating Wisdom and Public Virtue

  • Bruce Ashford – Cultivating Wisdom and Public Virtue

  • SEBTS – Casual Conversations: How Would Jesus Vote?

    A Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary forum, “How Would Jesus Vote?” Bruce Ashford moderates this panel discussion with Hunter Baker (political scientist), Jonathan Leeman (political theologian), and Steven Harris (public policy expert). The conversation covers a number of topics at the intersection of Christianity, politics, and public life, but addresses several items related to wisdom and public virtue.


Assignment
  1. Watch the intro video, above.
  2. Watch the video “How Would Jesus Vote?”
  3. Read One Nation Under God (c. 6).
  4. Read Onward (c. 9).

Recommended Books
  • Political EvangelismRichard J. Mouw

    This little book coaches readers on how to be a witness in politics and public life. Beginner.

    This little book coaches readers on how to be a witness in politics and public life. Beginner.


  • Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil WorldRichard J. Mouw

    An argument that Christians should bring not only their Christian convictions to the public square, but also their Christian virtue—especially the ability to be civil in the midst of debate and discussion. Beginner-Intermediate.

    An argument that Christians should bring not only their Christian convictions to the public square, but also their Christian virtue—especially the ability to be civil in the midst of debate and discussion. Beginner-Intermediate.


Recommended Audio
  • Johnathan Wolff – On John Rawls' Theory of JusticeRuntime: 19 min

    In an interview, British philosopher, Johnathan Wolff discusses the key ideas John Rawls. Rawls’ ideas are influential in American liberal politics and are deeply flawed (One Nation Under God, p.48). Source: https://secure-hwcdn.libsyn.com/p/f/3/6/f3677a5c92658ba6/Jonathan_Wolff_on_John_Rawls_A_Theory_of_Justice.mp3?c_id=1779689&expiration=1465998537&hwt=d198d9f0839ccf2db5cff933e543e8d7

Evaluating Modern Political Ideologies

  • Bruce Ashford – Critiquing Modern Political Ideologies and Proposing a Non-Ideological Alternative

  • Gospel and Politics

    Summit Church Forum on “Gospel and Politics.” At this forum, Pastor JD Greear begins with a brief discussion about the relationship between church and politics. Afterwards he moderates a panel discussion with Bruce Ashford, Chris Pappalardo, and Walter Strickland. The conversation ranges across a number of topics at the intersection of Christianity, politics, and public life, but comes back several times to the question of modern political ideologies and political parties.


Assignment
  1. Watch the 2 videos, above.
  2. Select and read 3 of the following long articles.
  3. Listen to the Mohler & Horn debate “Can a Christian be a Libertarian” on Moody Radio.

Recommended Books
  • Political Visions & IllusionsDavid T. Koyzis

    This excellent book, written from within the Augustinian and Kuyperian tradition, surveys and critiques modern political ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, and socialism.

    This excellent book, written from within the Augustinian and Kuyperian tradition, surveys and critiques modern political ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, and socialism.


  • The Revenge of Conscience: Politics and the Fall of ManJ. Budziszewski

    This book shows how humanity suppresses the knowledge of right and wrong, and how this suppression hurts individuals and society. He critiques liberalism, conservatism, and communitarianism. Intermediate.

    This book shows how humanity suppresses the knowledge of right and wrong, and how this suppression hurts individuals and society. He critiques liberalism, conservatism, and communitarianism. Intermediate.


A Christian View of Life and Death

  • Bruce Ashford – A Christian View of Life and Death

  • Peter Kreeft – Pro-life Logic

    Boston College philosopher and author provides an extended philosophical argument in favor of the pro-life view.


  • Peter Kreeft & David Boonin – The Philosophy of Abortion: A Debate

    In April 2010 at the University of Minnesota, Boston College philosopher Peter Kreeft (Christian, pro-life) debated University of Colorado philosopher David Boonin (pro-abortion) on the morality of abortion.


Assignment
  1. Watch the video intro by Dr. Ashford
  2. Watch one of the two videos “Pro-life Logic” and “The Philosophy of Abortion: A Debate.”
  3. Read One Nation Under God (c. 7).
  4. Read Onward (c. 6).

Recommended Books
Recommended Videos
  • Paige Comstock Cunningham – Majority Witness: Opening Statement

    Paige Comstock Cunningham is the executive director of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. This appearance before The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives includes an argument to protect the unborn and against the view that the dead fetus can be donated by those who participated in the abortion. Beginner.


  • Russell Moore – A Conversation with the Man Behind the Undercover Planned Parenthood Videos

    The president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Russell Moore, and president of Focus on the Family, Jim Daley, in conversation with David Daleiden who produced the video exposé of Planned Parenthood. Beginner.


  • Gianna Jessen – Testimony before Congress

    In “Gianna Jessen Asks Congress ‘If abortion is about women’s rights, then what were mine?’” two abortion survivors testify before a House Judiciary Committee. Beginner.


A Christian View of Marriage and Sexuality

  • Bruce Ashford – A Christian View of Marriage and Sexuality

  • Rosario Butterfield – Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert

    Russell Moore moderates this interview with Rosario Butterfield. Conversation centers on Butterfield’s story; she was a tenured English professor, self-described as feminist and actively homosexual, who found Christ mid-career, and left her former lifestyle to marry a Christian pastor.


  • SEBTS – Casual Conversations: Gender Identity

    Ethicist Mark Liederbach moderates this panel discussion with Sam Williams (psychologist and biblical counselor), Daniel Heimbach (ethicist and author of True Sexuality) and Rosario Butterfield (English professor).


  • Sam Williams – A Christian Psychology of and Response to Homosexuality

    In this talk, psychologist Sam Williams analyzes the psychology of same-sex attraction and homosexuality, then provides a Christian evaluation.


Assignments
  1. Watch the course video by Dr. Ashford.
  2. Watch 1 of the 3 following videos.
  3. Read One Nation Under God (c. 8).
  4. Read Onward (c. 8).

Recommended Books
Recommended Videos
  • Wesley Hill – Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality

    Wesley Hill, assistant professor of biblical studies at Trinity School for Ministry and author of Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality, speaks at a Wheaton College chapel on the rewards of leaving everything, including fulfillment of sexual desires, to follow Christ. Beginner.


  • Ryan Anderson & Piers Morgan – Debate on Gay Marriage

    On the cusp of the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision to guarantee the right for same-sex couples to marry, Ryan Anderson was involved in a televised debate with an overtly hostile host, guest and audience. Aside from whether one agrees with everything Anderson says, he manages to articulate his point without resorting to insult demonstrating restraint and Christian civility. Beginner.


  • Kevin DeYoung – What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality

    Kevin DeYoung, pastor of University Reformed Church and author of What does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?, argues that we should look to the authority of the scripture over the authority of experience. Beginner.


A Christian View of Racial Diversity and Race Relations

  • Bruce Ashford – A Christian View of Racial Diversity and Race Relations

  • SEBTS – Panel Discussion on Racial Diversity

    Walter Strickland moderates this panel discussion with Norman Peart (sociologist, pastor), James White (pastor), Edgar Aponte (theologian), and Danny Akin (seminary president) on racial diversity and race relations in relation to God’s people.


  • John Perkins – The Civil Rights Movement after 50 Years

    ERLC President Russell Moore interviews John Perkins about race and race relations in the fifty years after the Civil Rights Movement.


Assignment
  1. Watch the 3 videos above.
  2. Read One Nation Under God (c. 11).

Recommended Books
Recommended Videos
  • John Piper – Bloodlines

    John Piper’s impassioned plea to repent from racism. Piper openly tells his story of growing up racist in the South during segregation. Beginner.


  • Let Justice Roll On: The Life & Legacy of John M. Perkins

  • John M. Perkins – Justice Conference Address

  • John M. Perkins – What is Justice?

  • John M. Perkins – On the Gospel, Community, and the Neighborhood

  • John M. Perkins – Future Church

A Christian View of War and Peace

  • Bruce Ashford – A Christian View of War and Peace

  • Michael Walzer – Just War Theory

    Michael Walzer explains the basics of a “just war theory” and comments on some recent objections. Beginner.


Assignment
  1. Watch “A Christian View of War and Peace,” above.
  2. Read One Nation Under God (c. 13).

Recommended Books
  • Between Pacifism and Jihad: Just War and Christian TraditionJ. Daryl Charles

    A very helpful treatment of just war theory in relation to Christianity. Written by an evangelical. Intermediate.

    A very helpful treatment of just war theory in relation to Christianity. Written by an evangelical. Intermediate.


  • Just War Tradition and the Restraint of War: A Moral and Historical InquiryJames Turner Johnson

    Johnson is the world’s leading just war historian, and this book comprehensively explains and analyzes the tradition. The author is not evangelical and often overlooks how the Bible influenced just war thought, but this book also offers much valuable insight. Advanced.

    Johnson is the world’s leading just war historian, and this book comprehensively explains and analyzes the tradition. The author is not evangelical and often overlooks how the Bible influenced just war thought, but this book also offers much valuable insight. Advanced.


  • Holy War in the Bible: Christian Morality and an Old Testament ProblemHeath A. Thomas, Jeremy Evans & Paul Copan

    A very helpful collection of essays on the topic of holy war in Scripture. Written by respected scholars representing different points of view. Intermediate-advanced.

    A very helpful collection of essays on the topic of holy war in Scripture. Written by respected scholars representing different points of view. Intermediate-advanced.


  • Arguing about WarMichael Walzer

    A fascinating book by a widely respected expert on just war ethics. Walzer is not a Christian but respects Christians. In this book he deals with a number of hard issues (e.g. terrorism, humanitarian intervention) and analyzes several recent wars (e.g. Kosovo, Afghanistan). Intermediate.

    A fascinating book by a widely respected expert on just war ethics. Walzer is not a Christian but respects Christians. In this book he deals with a number of hard issues (e.g. terrorism, humanitarian intervention) and analyzes several recent wars (e.g. Kosovo, Afghanistan). Intermediate.


  • Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations, 3d ed.Michael Walzer

    After a defense of just war theory, Walzer illustrates it by providing commentary on a number of armed conflicts throughout history. Intermediate.

    After a defense of just war theory, Walzer illustrates it by providing commentary on a number of armed conflicts throughout history. Intermediate.


Conclusion

  • Bruce Ashford – Conclusion


Recommended Reading

One Nation Under God (Conclusion)