Honoring God in Red or Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason - Softcover

Politics isn’t a  four-letter word.

Everyone’s been at that dinner party. The conversation takes a political turn. The arguments start, the atmosphere grows tense, and all that remains is a hopeless stalemate and an awkward silence. Makes you wonder . . . is thoughtful and productive dialogue about politics even possible?

In Honoring God in the Red or Blue, Dr. Amy Black addresses the debaters as well as those intimidated or annoyed by the debaters; political junkies and the contented uninvolved.  She explains the purposes and limitations of our system and helps readers create realistic expectations for government. While God’s truth is perfect, human application of it is not, a reality that shouldn’t deter us from engaging in debate and staying informed. Rather, it should challenge us to raise our standards for how we speak about the issues—and those in office. 

It’s time to approach political divides with an extra measure of grace. Success begins with seeking God’s honor first and foremost, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. Don’t limit yourself to chatting about the weather.

“Millions of believers nationwide have grown weary of the hyperbole, distortions, and bitter attacks—from both sides of the aisle—that have come to characterize political ‘discourse’ in this nation. It was refreshing to read a perspective that so thoughtfully and effectively balances the importance of standing for biblical truth while at the same time being considerate, compassionate, and, yes, even loving toward those with whom we disagree. Both of those ingredients are essential. We can’t emphasize either to the exclusion of the other and claim to be living a consistent Christian witness.”  —James Daly, president Focus on the Family

Amy E. Black is associate professor of political science and chair of the department of Politics and International Relations at Wheaton College (IL).  Dr. Black earned her Ph.D. in Political Science at M.I.T.  In 2000-2001, Dr. Black served as an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Representative Melissa A. Hart.

Her books include Religion and American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, edited with Douglas Koopman and Larycia Hawkins, and Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics. Amy is married to Wheaton theology professor Daniel Treier, and they have one daughter, Anna.