Honoring God in Red or Blue: Approaching Politics with Humility, Grace, and Reason

About the Author DR. AMY E. BLACK is Associate Professor of Political Science and chair of the department of Politics & International Relations at Wheaton College (IL). Prior to joining the Wheaton faculty in 2001, she taught at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A specialist in American Government, her research interests include religion and politics and Congress. Her books include Religion and American Politics: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives, edited with Douglas Koopman and Larycia Hawkins (Pearson Longman, 2011), Beyond Left and Right: Helping Christians Make Sense of American Politics (Baker Books, 2008), From Inspiration to Legislation: How an Idea Becomes a Law (Prentice Hall, 2007), and, with Douglas Koopman and David Ryden, Of Little Faith: The Politics of George W. Bush¿s Faith Based Initiatives (Georgetown, 2004). She and her husband, Wheaton theology professor Dan Treier, live in Wheaton with their daughter Anna. Politics isn?t a  four-letter word.Everyone?s been at that dinner party. The conversation takes a political turn. The arguments start, the atmosphere grows tense, and all that remains is a hopeless stalemate and an awkward silence. Makes you wonder . . . is thoughtful and productive dialogue about politics even possible?In Honoring God in the Red or Blue, Dr. Amy Black addresses the debaters as well as those intimidated or annoyed by the debaters; political junkies and the contented uninvolved.  She explains the purposes and limitations of our system and helps readers create realistic expectations for government. While God?s truth is perfect, human application of it is not, a reality that shouldn?t deter us from engaging in debate and staying informed. Rather, it should challenge us to raise our standards for how we speak about the issues-and those in office. It?s time to approach political divides with an extra measure of grace. Success begins with seeking God?s honor first and foremost, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. Don?t limit yourself to chatting about the weather.  Review In a day increasingly filled with soundbite rants and angry voices, Amy Black offers an alternative-one based on Christian civility. Honoring God in Red or Blue will help Christians learn how to maintain their convictions with grace, and press their arguments with love and respect.Greg Wheatley, Radio host of Inside Look with Greg WheatleyAmy Black?s combination of practical political experience, scholarly insight, and Christian wisdom is all too rare. If only she were running for president!John Wilson, editor, Books & CultureA concise, easy-to-read introduction to how politics works and how Christians should engage it.  Amy Black is a sophisticated, gifted political scientist who knows how to make complicated topics clear and understandable.  Honoring God in Red or Blue is a helpful contribution to the growing body of thoughtful evangelical reflection on political engagement.Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social ActionProfessor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy atPalmer Seminary at Eastern UniversityHumility, balance, insight, patience, discernment, civility, faithfulness--these are qualities too often lacking in contemporary American politics.  Sadly, they are also often missing as Christian believers talk about politics and engage in political action.  Amy Black's well informed book points to a better way.  The strength of its good sense is matched by the broad accessibility of its prose and the thought-provoking quality of its Christian wisdom.  It should be a great help in this, and succeeding, election seasons.Mark Noll, Author, co-editor, "Religion and American Politics:  From the Colonial Period to the Present"For Christian citizens who are weary from the fighting that too often characterizes current engagement in politics, and looking instead fora God-honoring approach, Black's book is a healing ba