Amy E. Black - Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics

At a time when the mixture of religion and politics seems to generate much more heat than light, Amy Blacks primer is a most welcome exception. Her books account of political complexity and Christian responsibility is clear, thoughtful, calm, and brimming with insight. For Christian believers who want to understand contemporary American politics, and for those who wish to take part, there is no better place to begin than Beyond Left and Right.

Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History,
University of Notre Dame

Puzzled by politics? This clear, easily understood introduction by an expert on politics is what you need.

Ronald J. Sider, president, Evangelicals for Social Action;
professor of theology, holistic ministry, and public policy,
Palmer Theological Seminary; author, The Scandal of the
Evangelical Conscience and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

For those of you have been frustrated or disappointed by the behavior of some Christians in the political arena, Amy Black may provide some insights into how you can work to avoid those mistakes and actually serve as a positive voice in the process.

Imagine people watching you in the political arena and observing, Wouldnt I love to have the character and frame of mind of that person! What do they have that I might want? The answer is, The confidence that were all created in the image of God and that were learning from each other, through the lens of Christ, why hes put each of us where we are and how we can serve him.

The challenge Amy offers each of us is to exhibit humble behavior in an environment in which humility is a scarce commodity.

Pete Hoekstra, U.S. Representative (R-MI)

Amy Blacks Beyond Left and Right reveals the touch of a gifted teacher. She interprets competing points of view with clarity, fairness, and insight, respecting her readers ability to arrive at their own conclusions. Her book will be an inspiration and a helpful guide to those seeking to relate their faith to the complexities and challenges of politics.

David Price, U.S. Representative (D-NC)

A wise voice sounds through the pages of Amy Blacks primer for Christian participation in American democracy. It is uncommon to hear calm pleas for civility and respect for complexity in this age of instapundits. This call to temper political zealotry with love of God, neighbor, and enemy will be of use to churches and academies alike.

Jason Byassee, assistant editor, The Christian Century

At a time when overheated rhetoric about Christians and American political life can be heard everywhere, Amy Black has written a superb primer, informed by careful scholarship and firsthand experience of the political process. This book would be ideal for use in small groupsespecially leading up to November 2008.

John Wilson, editor, Books & Culture

An enormously helpful and timely introduction to important principles of Christian political participation, to the nature of the American political system, and to the role of Christians in contemporary American politics. Christians of all political stripes and colors can learn and benefit from its discussion and analysis.

Corwin Smidt, director, the Paul B. Henry Institute for the
Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin College

Professor Black has written an excellent primer on American politics for serious Christians. It will be invaluable for novices, but even experienced citizens will learn something from this brief, informative, and insightful book.

John C. Green, distinguished professor, political science;
director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics,
University of Akron

BEYOND
LEFT AND RIGHT

HELPING CHRISTIANS MAKE SENSE

OF AMERICAN POLITICS

AMY E. BLACK

2008 by Amy E. Black

Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com

Printed in the United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Black, Amy E.
Beyond left and right : helping Christians make sense of American
politics / Amy E. Black.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-8010-6726-6 (pbk.)
1. Christianity and politicsUnited States. I. Title.
BR516.B5155 2008
261.70973dc22 2007036399

Scripture is taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

For Daniel,
with gratitude for his wisdom and love

Contents

1. Who Speaks for God in Politics? Where We
Begin

2. When Its No Sin to Compromise: From Black-and
White to the Real World

3. Is Liberal a Bad Word? Understanding Political
Labels

4. Is the United States a Christian Nation? Separating
Truth from Myth

5. Are All Christians Republican? Christians and
Voting

6. Good Guys and Bad Guys? Understanding
Our Two-Party System

7. Who Does What? The Branches of Government
and Their Powers

8. Does the Church Have Any Business in Politics?
What the Constitution Really Says

9. Applying Faith to Politics: Some Different Christian
Approaches

10. My Way or the Highway? Toward Constructive
Political Dialogue

11. Can Christians Honestly Disagree? Tackling Tough
Issues

12. Behind the Curtain at the Voting Booth: A
Decision-Making Guide

13. Beyond the Ballot Box: Other Ways Faith Can
Inform Politics (with Jennifer L. Aycock)

14. Can We All Get Along? Politics and the Great
Commandments

Many wonderful friends, students, and colleagues contributed to this book. It seems only fitting to first acknowledge Mark Amstutz, whose enthusiasm for Wheaton students and our department convinced me to apply for my current job. I would not be at Wheaton if not for his insistent recruiting, and I would not have written this book without the opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth my Wheaton position has provided.

In much the same way, I am indebted to my students, especially those who have shared the journey of the political science capstone seminar on Christianity and politics. Their questions keep me constantly on my toes, their energy is infectious, and their insights inspire me. Much of the material in this book grew directly out of my experiences talking with Wheaton students about how our faith can inform our political lives.

This book would not have been possible without the particular encouragement of Bob Fryling, who first asked me to teach an adult education course on Christianity and politics and then convinced me that the course should be expanded into a book. I am privileged to count Bob and his wife, Alice, as cherished friends and spiritual mentors.

As is so often the case, current and former Wheaton colleagues were great resources. Thanks to Mark Noll, Tim Larsen, and Vince Bacote for their willingness to read and comment on chapters in progress. I am indebted to Steve Spencer for his insights and voluminous library, both of which helped me write chapter 9. Despite my colleagues many efforts to keep me focused, there may be some remaining mistakes, for which I accept all responsibility.