Customer Reviews

Red Letter Christians: A Citizen's Guide to Faith and Politics

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(6)

 

 

Campolo and his Red Letter Christians base their political views on interpretations of the teachings of Jesus. They believe Jesus, if he voted today, would be neither a Republican or a Democrat; his vote would depend on the issues. I love how Campolo's opinions as well as the opposition's are explained with all due respect... no insults or rude comments or arrogance! His view on the pro-life issue is especially radical... just like Jesus.

Coming from a Massachusetts Northeast liberal, a book by a Evangelical Baptist Minister might not be a perfect read. Yet Tony Campolo has put together a remarkably adept book that puts faith into perspective when addressing political action. The result is a powerful book that may best be summed up by Campolo's opening statement: "when people ask a Christian are they a Democrat or a Republican, you should reply: what's the issue?"

Clearly the Bible has been subverted too often to satisfy the needs and agenda of a small minority. Campolo carefully examines the words of Jesus to present a powerful argument that faith based politics is neither the exclusive realm of Democrats or Republicans. His arguments are so well reasoned, in almost every case, he is able to present two sides of the issue convincingly, the lone exception being capital punishment (which he argues Christ would be adamantly against.) Further, Campolo argues that the focus should be on the "Red Letter" words of Christ as Jesus often contradicted (realigned might be a better word) edicts that were found in the Old Testament (example, Jesus countermanded Moses approval of polygamy).

Too often it seems, evangelicals seem to base their political choices and ideas on elements found within the Old Testament while simultaneously professing their adherence to the teachings of Christ. Campolo makes a valid argument that the focus ought to be on the words and actions of Jesus, rather than the events that happened in the Old Testament. This isn't to say he rejects the Old Testament, early in his book, he affirms it as the written word of God, but he does move the focus onto the relevancy of the New Testament.

For Christians such as myself, this is a wonderful book because it focuses on the importance of the words of Jesus and his teachings and exposes the duality of many elements of the Old Testament. Evangelicals who would condemn homosexuality based on Leviticus seem keen to ignore the fact that slavery and polygamy run rampant through the Old Testament. "Picking and choosing" issues isn't an option for Red Letter Christians, Christ's words are right there and what he says about the poor, foreigners, the sick, the helpless and the underprivileged are in bright red. This book is sure to offer a new perspective for anyone interested in faith-based politics.

I've been using this book with a weekly gathering of eight people who meet to discuss our Christian
faith and how to live it out in practical ways. This book gives a perspective about modern issues in politics and sociology that is often overlooked in the more typical focus on Christian morality.
I recommend it as a good springboard to shaping a broader perspective on Jesus' mandate to love God and love your neighbor.

Tony Campolo's political views are compassionate and based on the words of Jesus. I finally feel that I am not alone.

Anyone who is looking for a balanced view of the issues of faith and politics should be a little nervous when the book they are going to read holds the endorsements of Shane Claiborne, Brian Mclaren, and Jim Wallis, three of the most far left activists in American Christianity. Put that with the author's own reputation as the patriarch of the Religious Left, and expectations for balance are all but gone. However, Tony Campolo's Red Letter Christians is one of those rare exceptions where, despite the author's own political bias, the reader is treated to a balanced, charitable, and scripturally supported treatise on Christian civic engagement.

Campolo has long been an advocate of social justice and a progressive political agenda. But in Red Letter Christians he widens his focus to address a myriad of topics, ranging from war and Palestine to gun control and campaign finance reform. The title is taken from a growing movement on the Religious Left to redefine themselves as "Red Letter Christians," indicating their marching orders come from the words of Jesus (usually printed in red) in the New Testament. While the implication is clearly that their political opponents do not listen to Jesus--as Wallis and Claiborne have often stated--Campolo's tone is neither accusatory or condescending, with the only exceptions being the chapters on gun control and gay rights where his ideology clouds his ability to present a balanced argument.

It is precisely the issue of balance, however, that leaves the reader with an uplifting and beneficial experience. Perhaps the clearest example of this is Campolo's chapter on the war in Iraq. Instead of participating in the shallow mudslinging of calling George W. Bush the anti-Christ, Campolo shows a great deal of charity towards the former president, while still maintaining a stance of opposition to the invasion. It is in such a manner throughout the book that Campolo is able to argue for a liberal political agenda, but in a manner that is uplifting and God-honoring.

After a careful reading a few discrepancies in his political philosophy will emerge. As with many social justice proponents, his advocacy for the global poor is at times contradictory to his protectionist position on the domestic economy. And his support for "creation care" and protecting forests does not seem to mesh with his concern for the global poor, many of whom are finding that cutting down trees can lead their families out of poverty. Many would find his support of a flat tax to be contrary to his emphasis on protecting those in poverty, but here Campolo cleverly argues that a flat tax would allow the government to more fairly tax the population, thus bringing in more tax revenue, thus creating the opportunity for increased funding of social programs. It is precisely this refusal to be pinned down to a strict leftist agenda that makes Campolo so persuasive.

The main purpose of the book, however, cannot be boiled down to issues analysis or legislative advocacy. Rather, at its heart, Red Letter Christians is a call for Believers to engage politics in a manner that represents the glory of our Savior. Campolo refuses to divorce social advocacy from spiritual activity, instead arguing that, "both the salvation of individuals and the transformation of society are Kingdom non-negotiables." Anyone looking for a thoughtful, left-leaning perspective on faith and politics will find Campolo's arguments intriguing to say the least.

-Kolburt Schultz
faithfulpolitics.org

Tony Campolo is an E Coast pastor with a heart for the less fortunate, the people in uncomfortable situations, the people with conflicted consciences. He points out how far we have gotten from how Jesus would have ministered to those people and how we can get back to the kinder, gentler ways without having to compromise our own values.

Highly recommended.

Campolo has proven once again that when we Christians actually pay attention to the teaching and message of Jesus the voices of the status quo will come along and say, enough with these "platitudes." We American Christians push Jesus off to the side and carefully keep him marginalized. The Romans disliked his message so much they killed him.

Campolo's work asks us to take the teaching of Jesus and put it in the middle of the culture in which we exist. We don't know if it will work because we've never really tried it.

As always, Campolo's effort here is filled with sit and wisdom. It is a remarkable call from an evangelical to the USA to "follow" Jesus.

Good Book....Excellent for discussion groups, the issues in this book are issues many of us are interested in and a sharing of views and experiences is really helpful.

Tony Campolo has provided a fair guide to the questions of today in light of the the words of Jesus. Those on the left and right must remember the words of Jesus and act accordingly. Too often the agenda is set and a bible text is supplied-but, what did Jesus say? A very good book that makes you think.

Tony Campolo gets it right. It refreshing to read an intelligent, honest Christian perspective about the important political issues of today. So much more thoughtful than those ultra-conservative right-wing wackos who act more like pharisees than Christians. Thank you, Mr. Campolo!