Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies [Paperback]

David T. Koyzis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 16, 2003

Named Best Book (Culture) in the 2004 Word Guild Canadian Writing Awards! The end of the Cold War has brought about more than the triumph of some political ideologies and the disappearance of others. In fact, the collapse of communism has created a vacuum quickly being filled by various alternative visions, ranging from ethnic nationalism to individualistic liberalism. But political ideologies are not merely a matter of governmental efficacy. Rather, political ideologies are intrinsically and inescapably religious--each carries certain assumptions about the nature of reality, individuals and society, as well as a particular vision for the common good. These fundamental beliefs transcend the political sphere, and the astute Christian observer should thus discern the subtle ways in which ideologies are rooted in idolatrous worldviews. In this comprehensive study, political scientist David Koyzis surveys the key political ideologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy and socialism. Each philosophy is given careful analysis and fair critique, unpacking the worldview issues inherent to each and pointing out essential strengths and weaknesses. Koyzis concludes by proposing alternative models that flow out of Christianity's historic engagement with the public square, retrieving approaches that hold promise for the complex political realities of the twenty-first century. Writing with broad, international perspective and keen analytical insight, Koyzis offers a sound guide for Christians working in the public square, culture watchers, political pundits and all students of modern political thought.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Thankfully it is now common for Christians to believe that the gospel should shape our view not only of the goals but also of the nature of our politics, and that the theme of idolatry is key to understanding not only our personal but also our political life. But until David Koyzis's Political Visions and Illusions, this understanding has remained largely vague, tentative and intuitive. This book shows clearly and in detail how biblical insight into idolatry and ideology illuminate the most concrete dimensions of political life in a way rarely grasped by more secular political scientists." (Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow, Center for Religious Freedom, Washington, D.C. )

"David Koyzis not only helps us to see the basic worldviews that give shape to a variety of political perspectives, he also makes a solid case for a uniquely Christian perspective on these matters. This excellent book is a much-needed 'discerning' tool for understanding the basic issues of political life." (Richard J. Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary )

"David Koyzis has produced a truly original book illuminating the landscape of modern political ideologies. His approach is distinctively Christian, giving him a standpoint from which to cririque liberal as well as totalitarian ideologies. Moreover, the book is up to date with the post-Cold War world. This is the place to start for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of ideological conflict in the world today." (James W. Skillen, President, Center for Public Justice )

"Political nostrums fly thick and fast in contemporary life--from print, radio, TV, pulpits and (perhaps most of all) casual conversation. David Koyzis's welcome effort uses wise biblical reasoning as well as the hard-won experience of Dutch Calvinists to winnow through the modern world's blizzard of competing politcal claims. Koyzis's analysis is both an effective survey of the world's contemporary political options and an encouraging Christian word on how to discern the critical differences. This book's combination of readable theory and wise Christian thinking is a first-order contribution to Christian political thought in its own right." (Mark A. Noll, McManis Professor of Christian Thought, Wheaton College )

About the Author

Koyzis (Ph.D., University of Notre Dame) is professor of political science at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario.

Product Details

• Paperback: 281 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (May 16, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830827269
• ISBN-13: 978-0830827268
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #385,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read fior Christians in Politics, February 21, 2010

By 

Bill Rusin (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (Paperback)

There are too many Politicians who are Christians who seem to have a simplistic view of politics whose default position seems to be philsophically liberal democratically inclined based on the autonomy of the individual except in issues of personal morality. In modern pluralist societies, imposition of these values, though understandable, do not serve the Christian community well in its witness to the wider community.
He provides a critique of the dominant political theorists/movements and shows both their strengths and weaknesses and how each one ultimately does not and cannot stand up to the scrutiny of Scripture.
I only wish that Christians would encourage those in politics to read this book, even though they might disagree with what Koyzis has to say.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction, February 5, 2004

By 

Robert M. Lindsey (Pittsburg, Kansas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies (Paperback)

This is a terrific book for anyone with a Judeo-Christian outlook that is interested in political theory. This would make a great textbook for classes as well. Although he sets up some straw men, Koyzis has plenty of original insights into the issues and what makes for true govenment, authority, and justice.