What does it mean to be simultaneously a devout Christian and an American citizen? Are such dual allegiances even possible? In this book, Mouw – a scholarly, religious expert on the Christian’s place in the (American) public square – offers a case that these domains can be compatible with each other… for the most part. He does so in a way that sides neither with the left nor the right, but instead welcomes warm-hearted debate and constant “wrestling” for essential truths. This timely message is presented in a way that churches and individuals can reflect together in healthy discussion.
The tone of this book is strongly pastoral, not political. That may put off some. But understand that Mouw was a president of a well-known evangelical theological seminary (Fuller in Pasadena, California) for two decades. That is, he trained people to be pastoral leaders. Therefore, this book’s tone, though bordering on patronizing, is authentic to Mouw’s voice. As in his past role as seminary president, he seeks to offer pastoral advice to a diverse American churchgoing populace about how to handle politics.
He also writes as a scholar who has studied this topic formally since a graduate student at the University of Chicago in the 1960s. Thus, he tightly weds pastoral guidance with a scholar’s objectivity. Sometimes, I just wanted Mouw to take a stand and deliberate the pro’s and con’s of an issue; however, he steadfastly resists this impulse. He tries to find the ideological and emotional core to complex issues and admonishes us to treat each other with, of all things, compassion. This brings forth unique sentiments towards rich, complex issues.
His central argument is that patriotism – the love of one’s country – overlaps with the Christian ideal of love of one’s neighbor. Many Christians and evangelicals (his intended audience) have pulled back from society in an attempt to remain pure. Mouw seems to argue that we should engage in the lives of our fellow citizens while wrestling (internally and in discussion) with the ethics of Jesus and of the Bible. Although the title makes this book seem to fit in a “how to” genre, its contents do not. Until the final few pages, he avoids easy, broadly applicable admonishments. Instead, as a scholar, he presents issues to wrestle with, albeit in an evangelical American (and Reformed Protestant) style.
I’ll readily admit that recent election cycles has brought much disappointment with my fellow Christian churches on matters of politics. I sincerely think we have not come close to living up to Jesus’ high ethical demands as recorded in the Christian Scriptures. Mouw, a seasoned, sophisticated evangelical, may be just the voice to right this ship a bit. To allude to another famous metaphor, “What good is salt if it has lost its saltiness?” Mouw offers a theological framework for Christians to approach these issues that does not adhere to one political perspective alone. Readers can only be enriched by contemplating through this book.
How to Be a Patriotic Christian: Love of Country as Love of Neighbor
By Richard J. Mouw
Copyright (c) 2022
InterVarsity Press
ISBN13 9781514004029
Page Count: 160
Genre: Religion, Theology
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