God’s Politics:
Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It.
By Jim Wallis
In an age where the formal policies of the United States might be questioned more than previously imagined, surpassing even Vietnam, the Christian voice must be heard. If the Church truly believes that God came as perfect man, not only to save but also to transform, we have no option of shrinking away from the political and social spheres of life. The “voice to be heardâ€? becomes a little more problematic when you consider the current options presentâ€"One much choose between the largely secularized Left, who refuse to allow language of religion into their politics, or the righteous Right, who have hijacked religious jargon and communities to suit their own agenda. Which voice to we put our weight behind? To this question, Jim Wallis responds: “Neither.â€?

In God’s Politics, Wallis declares that it is time for a new option in the landscape of American politics. It is time for the religious voice to be heard as a strong force for the common goodâ€"not for the ego stroking of political allies and policy makers. Drawing on such Biblical writers as Amos, Habakkuk, and Micah, Wallis describes a new relationship between faith and politics that is grounded in the prophetic voice of Scripture. Such practitioners have been found throughout historyâ€"Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Oscar Romero, etc… Wallis points out “history is most changed by social movements with a spiritual foundation (p. 24).â€? As Dr. King lived, we too must have the “Bible in one hand and the Constitution in the other.â€?

Wallis reminds us that “God is personal, but never private (p. 34),� and any religious voice that falls short of that dual nature is incomplete and inconsistent. But like the prophets, the author does well in reminding us that protest is never enough. It is one thing to raise your voice; it is another to offer alternatives. Protest is static and formulaic; transforming ideas are exciting and truly countercultural. So what does a prophetic faith-based political agenda look like? It is conservative on family values, progressive or even radical on issues like poverty and racial justice, looks first to peacemaking and conflict resolution in foreign policy, is not only concerned with abortion but also capital punishment and a consistent view on the ethic of life. The prophetic option is “decidedly pro-poor, for racial reconciliation, critical of purely military solutions, and is a defender of the environment (p. 74).� So what would happen if a candidate presented himself/herself with such moral values? If the same candidate used political language that transcended old division and sought the common good? They would win voters who feel left out of the two-option system. They would rally those who see changing the world as a vocation of faith.

The Religious-Right and its constituents have a hot one on their hands. This book will not allow the followers of such an agenda to sleep well at night and boldly accuses its followers of hijacking the faith for imperial uses not seen since Rome. However, on the other side of the fence, this book cries out to the Secularized-Left, begging for political action to be guided by a moral compass. Whatever side of the line the reader falls onâ€"he/she will be challenged to rethink the vision for faith and politics in the U.S. Just try getting past section subtitles such as: “When Did Jesus Become Pro-War?â€? “When Did Jesus Become Pro-Rich?â€? and “When Did Jesus Become A Selective Moralist?â€? Mad yet? Already angry and bitter? If you read Wallis’ words, you’ll be less apathetic, and more energized to be a “wind-changer. (p. 23)â€?

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