Product Description

David Gushee argues convincingly that there is in U.S. politics an evangelical center of voters who do not identify with the politics and religion of either the right or the left. Although evangelical Christians are portrayed by the media as conservatives, Gushee claims that the evangelical movement includes nearly even numbers of voters on the right, in the center, and on the left of the political spectrum. He provides portraits of the major figures in each of the three camps, outlines the core convictions of the adherents, and analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each group's positions. He suggests that the evangelical center is poised for growth; this book could be its manifesto.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #334807 in Books
• Published on: 2008-01-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 275 pages

Review
In this important book David Gushee gives the lie to the sorry myth that Evangelicals are all right-wing extremists. Not only does he show that many are politically progressive, but also that most of them are actually or potentially political moderates with a strong biblical conscience. --George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

In this important book David Gushee gives the lie to the sorry myth that Evangelicals are all right-wing extremists. Not only does he show that many are politically progressive, but also that most of them are actually or potentially political moderates with a strong biblical conscience.
--George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

In an election year, we badly need this careful, reasoned reflection on how Christians should confront the pressing moral issues of our time. Gushee offers a refreshingly balanced point of view.
--Philip Yancey, Author and editor-at-large of Christianity Today

The Future of Faith in American Politics offers a cogent review of contemporary political engagement among evangelical Protestants. David Gushee s description of an;emerging evangelical center; displays the diversity of this engagement, while his advocacy for such a center reveals its vitality. This book deserves to be taken seriously by evangelicals and non-evangelicals alike.
--John C. Green, Senior Fellow in Religion and American Politics, PEW Forum

The Future of Faith in American Politics challenges Jim Hightower's famous maxim that the only things in the middle of the road are yellow stripes and dead armadillos. Gushee offers here a cogent and balanced agenda for evangelical activism, a most welcome addition to this important conversation.
--Randall Balmer, Professor of American religious history at Barnard College, Columbia University

Gushee offers a valuable survey of Evangelical subgroups and their varied responses to some of the most significant and divisive ethical issues of our time. It is a timely response to questions that demand informed and immediate attention in the academy and the pulpit.
--Bill J. Leonard, Dean and Professor of Church History, Wake Forest University Divinity School

Will there be a kinder, gentler, wiser Evangelical ethos in the future - less strident, rigid, politically entrenched, and reactive, and more thoughtful, robust, politically independent, and constructive? If so, I believe it will develop in large part because of David Gushee and the new/renewing identity articulated in this important book.
--Brian D. McLaren, Author(brianmclaren.net)

Excellent. Carefully researched, lucidly argued, urgently important. A must read; for anyone interested in American evangelical political engagement today.
--Ronald J. Sider, President, Evangelicals for Social Action

Gushee makes a strong case for an emerging evangelical middle; in American politics. For that middle to become more than an occasional, aggregate voice, however, its constituents will have to take more seriously than they do now the responsibilities of citizenship and government. Today, that middle lacks leaders in government and the political process with the comprehensive agenda Gushee advocates.
--Jim Skillen, President, The Center for Public Justice

You must read this book. Why? It not only explains who the players are in an evolving religious and political awakening occurring within the evangelical world, but it also explains the ideas, conflicts, and controversies that are making news. ----Richard Cizik, Vice President for Governmental Affairs, National Association of Evangelicals

The Future of Faith in American Politics offers a cogent review of contemporary political engagement among evangelical Protestants. David Gushee's description of an emerging evangelical center displays the diversity of this engagement, while his advocacy for such a center reveals its vitality. This book deserves to be taken seriously by evangelicals and non-evangelicals alike. --John C. Green, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Akron

About the Author
David P. Gushee (Ph.D. Union Theological Seminary) is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University.

Customer Reviews

Important book for understanding the evangelical landscape
If you only have time to read one book, and you want to get caught up on what's been going on with evangelicals who are politically engaged, then choose this one. It's very easy to read. Though it isn't comprehensive with regard to every issue, it does give a glimpse of the big picture. It's detailed, but not tedious. Descriptive, but not polemical--though Gushee is unambiguous about letting the reader know where he personally stands. In fact, I commend the writer for being forthcoming, revealing his personal history and explaining his involvements that have shaped his point of view. He really doesn't try to pull a fast one on anybody. On the contrary, he encourages evangelicals to become more astute and less naive. On another note, I appreciate how consistent Gushee is in exhorting evangelicals to be more protective of children. Overall, I loved this book. I'm not convinced by all of Gushee's arguments for standing in the center as opposed to the right or left, but I am very grateful for his commentary. Moreover, I agree with his thesis that we, as Christians, are called to follow Christ--and that is very differnt from aligning ourselves uncritically with Republicans or Democrats or any political candidate we might vote for.