Description
How should Christians be faithful disciples in the political turbulence of Trump and Brexit? Christopher J H Wright unpacks the Biblical theme of idolatry and connects it to discipleship in today's world. As Christians, we desperately need to name and expose the false gods and idols that we are tempted to bow down to - 'Here are your gods!' The Bible challenges the idols of political power and nationalism. The Biblical story is filled with hope that the kingdom of God will ultimately triumph over all human empires. How then should we live as followers of Jesus, the Messiah, Saviour, Lord and King? Part One is adapted from chapter 5 of Wright's The Mission of God, 'The Living God Confronts Idolatry'. Parts Two and Three bring the Bible to bear on contemporary politics in the UK and USA, and for all Christians seeking to make sense of the changing world we live in.
Be equipped for following King Jesus in times of political idolatry
About the Author
Christopher J H Wright is International Ministries Director of the Langham Partnership International. Previously he taught at Union Biblical Seminary in India, and acted as Academic Dean and then Principal of All Nations Christian College, UK. He travels widely, is married to Liz (also from Northern Ireland), and they live in London.
Reviews
Fearless, provocative, clear, direct, sharp, urgent, wide-horizoned: it was all those things when he wrote it. But in light of subsequent events, by the time it's published it is a tract for the times. -- John Goldingay * Senior professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, author of Old Testament Ethics *
Christopher Wright has given us a powerful and incisive analysis of the nature of idolatry both in biblical times and today. He spares no punches as he exposes the dangers of political idolatry, which has tempted many contemporary Christians. Importantly, he not only diagnoses the problem, he gives us the remedy. This book should be must reading for Christians as they engage with the political process. * author of The Bible and the Ballot: Using Scripture in Political Decision *
Wright's careful dive into Scripture on the meaning of idolatry packs a punch for our times-an important reminder that idols, including political idols, are false gods that we create in our image, capable of great harm and destruction but ultimately ciphers within the true created order. * Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis *
The biblical warning to 'keep yourselves from idols' hones in on the source of spiritual, social, moral, and existential ruin. Chris Wright's fine study on idolatry in Scripture and his application of it to our Western world shines a bright light to help us see more clearly what is at stake. Although the West has been shaped by many (now-fading) biblical ideals, we are witnessing a culture shot through with a host of idolatrous tendencies to put our trust in the wrong places-in that which is not-God. Whatever our political views as Christians may be, Wright offers correctives for all of us, exhorting us to be guided by biblical priorities and Christ-centered discipleship, which will ultimately lead to our flourishing as God's image-bearers. * Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, coauthor of Introduction to Biblical Ethics *
Chris Wright's excellent 'Here are your gods' is wonderful. It's not for the faint of heart, because it challenges personal and cultural idolatry, as Wright applies Scripture to the issues of the day. I don't believe that anybody could possibly read this book and not be unsettled - and driven back to the Bible. As you would expect from Chris Wright, it then ends with a reminder that Christian Scripture is about mission and our role in God's mission. I wish I'd read his insights into how we should read the Bible years ago! -- Gordon Showell-Rogers, facilitating networks and partnerships globally. Formerly Associate Secretary General WEA
Book Information
ISBN 9781789742312
Author Christopher J. H. Wright
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Inter-Varsity Press
Publisher Inter-Varsity Press
Be equipped for following King Jesus in times of political idolatry
About the Author
Christopher J H Wright is International Ministries Director of the Langham Partnership International. Previously he taught at Union Biblical Seminary in India, and acted as Academic Dean and then Principal of All Nations Christian College, UK. He travels widely, is married to Liz (also from Northern Ireland), and they live in London.
Reviews
Fearless, provocative, clear, direct, sharp, urgent, wide-horizoned: it was all those things when he wrote it. But in light of subsequent events, by the time it's published it is a tract for the times. -- John Goldingay * Senior professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, author of Old Testament Ethics *
Christopher Wright has given us a powerful and incisive analysis of the nature of idolatry both in biblical times and today. He spares no punches as he exposes the dangers of political idolatry, which has tempted many contemporary Christians. Importantly, he not only diagnoses the problem, he gives us the remedy. This book should be must reading for Christians as they engage with the political process. * author of The Bible and the Ballot: Using Scripture in Political Decision *
Wright's careful dive into Scripture on the meaning of idolatry packs a punch for our times-an important reminder that idols, including political idols, are false gods that we create in our image, capable of great harm and destruction but ultimately ciphers within the true created order. * Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis *
The biblical warning to 'keep yourselves from idols' hones in on the source of spiritual, social, moral, and existential ruin. Chris Wright's fine study on idolatry in Scripture and his application of it to our Western world shines a bright light to help us see more clearly what is at stake. Although the West has been shaped by many (now-fading) biblical ideals, we are witnessing a culture shot through with a host of idolatrous tendencies to put our trust in the wrong places-in that which is not-God. Whatever our political views as Christians may be, Wright offers correctives for all of us, exhorting us to be guided by biblical priorities and Christ-centered discipleship, which will ultimately lead to our flourishing as God's image-bearers. * Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics at Palm Beach Atlantic University, coauthor of Introduction to Biblical Ethics *
Chris Wright's excellent 'Here are your gods' is wonderful. It's not for the faint of heart, because it challenges personal and cultural idolatry, as Wright applies Scripture to the issues of the day. I don't believe that anybody could possibly read this book and not be unsettled - and driven back to the Bible. As you would expect from Chris Wright, it then ends with a reminder that Christian Scripture is about mission and our role in God's mission. I wish I'd read his insights into how we should read the Bible years ago! -- Gordon Showell-Rogers, facilitating networks and partnerships globally. Formerly Associate Secretary General WEA
Book Information
ISBN 9781789742312
Author Christopher J. H. Wright
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Inter-Varsity Press
Publisher Inter-Varsity Press
