Public Faith in Action

Starred review from May 23, 2016
Mixing faith and politics can be tricky, but Volf, founder and director of Yale Center for Faith and Culture, and McAnnally-Linz, an associate research scholar there, have assembled a helpful, concisely written guide to help Christians through this election season. Working on the premise that Christian faith must naturally spill over into public discussion, they offer insight into making informed decisions around candidates and political issues. Aptly subtitled, the book asks readers to consider issues from a biblical perspective and then to take action in a courageous but respectful and humble manner, working to influence society while representing Christ well. Political hot potatoes such as immigration, debt, same-sex marriage, abortion, and affordable health care are explored. The authors draw conclusions without pushing an agenda and suggest that moral issues don't always have to trump the law. Christians, for example, can be in favor of a law that grants equal right and protections for all people marrying while maintaining traditional biblical beliefs that oppose same-sex marriage on moral grounds. For readers who don't agree with their conclusions, they offer "Room for Debate" sections with questions for reflection as well as additional resources for deeper study. The book, which got its start in posts on Facebook, is a must-read for anyone contemplating debating the issues during this election cycle, and especially those who want to do what is right without being "unfriended" along the way.