A Fascinating Read

I've begun reading a book from Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) that I think my readers would enjoy, and I'll be quoting from it periodically. "Church, State and Public Justice -- Five Views" is a compendium of essays and responses regarding Christian public engagement. Represented are the Roman Catholic Church's classic social teaching, the traditional separatist/Baptist, the Anabaptist (think Mennonite, for example), the Reformed "Principled Pluralist," and the "mainline" social justice views. I've just finished the Catholic CST view and, while I left the Catholic Church shortly after coming to Christ in 1981, I found much to commend. So far, I think the book is a valuable contribution to a theology of Christian socio-political involvement. Get ready for selected quotes on Prevailing Winds -- some of which I agree with, others of which I won't.

Sigh.

While there's probably good reason for me to read popular fiction -- ummm, I can't think of one, but I'm sure it's there -- I just gravitate toward politics and theology. I find that IVP produces some truly valuable works; I'm just as aware that the IVP imprimatur guarantees that some will automatically ignore a book. Pity. Anything that gives five different perspectives on something important, and all from devout, high-Scripture thinkers, is inherently valuable, and I'd invite you to pick up a copy.