Unlike many books on religion and politics that have flooded the market recently, this one is a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the history of Christian political involvement in America that examines both its strengths and weaknesses.
In the first of three parts Noll, a professor of history at Wheaton College, shows how the course of religious involvement in American politics was set even before there was an America. When English Protestants fled their native land during the reign of Catholic Queen Mary, they went to countries controlled by "Reformed" Calvinist Protestants. There they witnessed energetic efforts to reshape their culture in accordance with Reformed understandings of the Bible. This approach to public life left its mark on the Puritans, for when they came to this country they used their religious passion in renovating society.
In the second part the author examines several episodes in which American Christians have followed this Reformed pattern, for good and for ill, in their efforts to shape the course of American life. This includes the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, the campaign of 1800, the fight against slavery, Prohibition, the civil rights movement, and the recent rise of the Christian Right.
The third and final section summarizes the historical material and suggests on that basis four criteria for Christian political involvement today. "The first . . . suggestion is to distrust the 'obvious' meaning of the Bible if such a meaning works mostly to support my interests, my power, or my economic stake in a particular situation." "Second, it is well to remember that the political arena belongs to all... not just to right-thinking Christians (those who agree with me)."
"Third, it is very important for believers to examine alternatives to their political positions, especially those proposed by other Christians, but also from the world as a whole. ... It will not do to dismiss public politics simply because they come from someone who lacks religious credentials, nor to embrace policies because they come wrapped in God-talk."
"Fourth, Christian political action must be responsible. It deserves to be more cautious than it has often been in American history." One should realize "that all simplistic answers to basic questions are bound to be false."
The challenge today, says Noll, is "to promote the good of society while preserving the integrity of the faith." What we need is "better activism, not an end to activism."
Pastors, laymen, teachers, and students concerned about their responsibilities in society will find this to be a very readable and informative book.