This world or the next? In the world but not of it? Prophetic vision or grubby engagement with the world as it is?
These are the tensions Nigel Oakley grapples with as he shows how Christians can, indeed must, engage with politics and with political debate. He demonstrates, in chapters on Augustine, Liberation theology, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Stanley Hauerwas how these tensions exist in every strand of Christian political thinking; and then he applies those tensions to case studies varying from today’s highly charged debates on sexuality to the war on terrorism. In every case, he demonstrates that non-involvement is a non-option. This book is both an intelligent introduction to the difficult world of Christian political theology and to some of the key debates that are shaping our times.
‘It is a happy occasion to comment on this book by Nigel Oakley who … offers a constructive Christian position for the more difficult challenges facing us in our world today.’
Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School, North Carolina
‘This book will be an important tool for individuals and churches who are prepared to open their eyes to God’s reality, their minds to his multi-faceted but integrated truth, and their hearts to his compassion for a world greatly beloved but greatly afflicted.’
N.T. Wright, Bishop of Durham
‘Nigel Oakley binds the wisdom and practice of the past to the issues and dilemmas of the present in a most creative and stimulating way. This hugely informative book will rescue Christians from simplistic or monochrome answers to the biblical, theological and ethical complexity of wrestling with political realities.’
Christopher J.H. Wright, International Director, Langham Partnership International
‘Engaging Politics demonstrates that, far from being incompatible, Christianity, social justice and political engagement are inseparable. A thought-provoking, stimulating and action inducing read.’
Steve Chalke MBE, Founder of Oasis Global and Faithworks
Nigel Oakley is World Development Officer for the Anglican Diocese of Durham, UK. He has a PhD from the University of Durham in political theology.
Tags: Book, Book launch