Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics [Paperback]

Amy E. Black (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2008

The 2008 U.S. presidential election is already heating up, fueled by debates about religion and politics, and dividing people of faith. Many Christians want to engage in politics but feel underequipped and overwhelmed. Wheaton College political scientist Amy E. Black believes Christians must become politically educated, not stereotyped and polarized. Beyond Left and Right offers a complete guide to the inner workings of American politics, equipping readers to think intelligently and to actively engage politics with their faith. Black is intentionally unbiased and avoids fleeting hot-button issues, ensuring the staying power of Beyond Left and Right, even after the election dust settles. Recommended for Christians and students interested in faith and politics.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Who speaks for God in politics? Many Christians want to be politically active but feel underequipped and overwhelmed. Instead of drawing party lines, political scientist and former congressional fellow Amy Black offers a guide to the inner workings of American politics that encourages readers to make informed, faith-based political decisions. Beyond Left and Right addresses major questions such as: • What does the Constitution really say about church and state? • Is the United States a Christian nation? • What's the difference between a theological conservative and a political conservative? • Can Christians honestly disagree politically? Intentionally nonpartisan, Beyond Left and Right is a much-needed resource for Christians who want to apply their faith to politics. "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 "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) "Beyond Left and Right 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) "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 "This book would be ideal for use in small groups--especially leading up to November 2008."--John Wilson, editor, Books & Culture Amy E. Black is associate professor of politics and international relations at Wheaton College and is president of Christians in Political Science. She is coauthor of the book Of Little Faith and author of From Inspiration to Legislation.

About the Author

Amy E. Black (PhD, MIT) is associate professor of Politics & International Relations at Wheaton College and is president of Christians in Political Science. She is the coauthor of the book Of Little Faith and author of From Inspiration to Legislation. She lives in Wheaton, Illinois.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Reprinted edition (February 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106726X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801067266
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #505,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars perceptive and fact-based, February 24, 2008

By 

Richard J. Stanislaw (Ocean City, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics (Paperback)

Well written and well reasoned Christian approach to political divisiveness. No easy answers, but good principles for what and when to compromise or hold steady.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, accessible study guide, October 4, 2008

By 

RD (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics (Paperback)

Book was used as a study guide in church school class of 30 adults. Sections on history and organization of government are enlivened with interesting examples. Guidance to Christians emphasizes need for mutual respect and understanding in dealing with different opinions. Black's writing style, level of detail, and use of sidebars make the book quite readable as well as thought-provoking.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful resource, November 15, 2008

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Matthew J. Soerens - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics (Paperback)

I found this book to be a very helpful tool for Christians to engage thoughtfully and biblically in our American political system. Amy Black provides an informed perspective that is intentionally non-partisan and biblically informed.