Beyond Good Intentions: A Biblical View of Politics (Turning Point Christian Worldview Series) (Paperback)

by Doug Bandow (Author), Marvin Olasky (Series Editor) "Religion and politics have been intertwined throughout recorded history..." (more)
Key Phrases: Body of Christ, Soviet Union, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Beyond Good Intentions brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the question of how Christianity and politics interrelate. Author Doug Bandow believes the key lies in the correct use of the Bible in addressing public policy issues. Too often Christians either ignore or misapply the Bible in the political arena. Beyond Good Intentions is a much-needed corrective which takes the Bible seriously yet avoids proof-texting and questionable interpretive methods.

"Doug Bandow succeeds brilliantly where others have failed. He explains how Christianity and politics should intertwine and how they shouldn't. Both Left and Right are bound to wince. His book is highly readable, fundamentally sound, and utterly persuasive." --Fred Barnes, The New Republic

"Beyond Good Intentions is a wide ranging and hard hitting examination of Christian responsibility in the public square. Readers will find here much to affirm, and much to argue with. In short, it is a book that jostles preconceptions and invites further thought, which is no little achievement." --Richard John Neuhaus, The Center on Religion and Society

"With Beyond Good Intentions Doug Bandow has made a timely and clear-headed contribution to the forging of a responsible evangelical public philosophy. Refreshingly original, Bandow's ideas constitute a path-breaking discussion that cannot be ignored as evangelical Christians grapple with the political implications of their faith." --Dean C. Curry, Cairman, Department of History and Political Science, Messiah College

"Bandow has done a fine job of distinguishing between those areas where we have clear Biblical command and those where Christians simply act prudentially. This book will be extremely valuable to all of us struggling with exactly how we can be salt and light in the world of politics." --P. J. Hill, George F. Bennett Professor of Economics, Wheaton College

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (July 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891074988
• ISBN-13: 978-0891074984
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,065,795 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful consideration, December 13, 2001

By A Customer

Bandow clearly does believe there is a biblical view of politics, but he recognizes the complexity of applying Biblical principles to the modern state. For example, there is no doubt the Bible calls for assistance for the poor, but there is no explicit biblical statement about whether this should be solely a matter of private charity or also a matter of state assistance. Bandow sets forth several criteria for applying Scripture to the modern state, but also offers biblical criteria for Christians to think on particular issues when there is no explicit biblical principle. The book is a little dated now published in 1988), but still worthy of consideration.

9 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Skip This Book ... And Vote for a Good Christian Politician, May 27, 2000

By	Ricardo Davis "ricardo_c_davis" (Atlanta, USA) - See all my reviews

Caveat Emptor!

Considering Bandow's political views, the book could have been much shorter. Essentially, Bandow claims there really isn't a biblical view of politics.

If you are really interested in an explicitly Biblical book on politics, try George Grant's "The Changing of the Guard" or his "The Patriot's Handbook".