In this book; Benne describes and analyzes the wrong ways to relate religion and politics and offers a better way.Benne calls the two main bad ways of relating religion and politics “separationism†and “fusionism.†Secular separationists decry all involvement of religion in politics; religious separationists; on the other hand; advocate abstaining from politics in the name of religious purity. Fusionism comes in many types; but the type that most concerns Benne is the use of religion―in this case Christianity―for political ends; which turns religion into an instrument for purposes other than its own main reason for being. Rejecting these bad ways of relating religion and politics; Benne offers a better way that he calls critical engagement which derives from the Lutheran tradition; with a few tweaks to adapt the tradition to deal well with the new challenges of our present situation. As Benne points out; “The question is not so much whether American religion will have political effects. It most definitely will. The more serious questions are: Should it? How should it?†In this book; Benne offers a clear and useful guide to a subject too often characterized by confusion and loud rhetoric.
#703138 in Books Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company 2006-10-05Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 2.38 x 6.58 x 9.26l; 3.52 #File Name: 08028288411020 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An important contribution to American religious historyBy Laura L. ArkseyB.T. Roberts; the founder of the Free Methodist Church; is a 19th century religious figure who deserves to be better known. His advocacy for the abolition of slavery; the needs of the poor; opportunities for women; and a return to forms of worship closer to the practice of John Wesley brought him into conflict with the newly affluent and somewhat secularized Methodist Episcopal Church of his day. Earlier biographies exist; but POPULIST SAINTS: B.T. AND ELLEN ROBERTS AND THE FIRST FREE METHODISTS is now the definitive treatment of the subject; putting the Roberts's lives and influence into the context of the events and culture of the period. Although over 900 pages of fairly small print; I found the book engrossing throughout. Historian Howard Snyder has done a masterful job.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Become a Part of the Free Methodist StoryBy Colleen D.Having recently joined the Free Methodist church and somewhat uncertain why God brought me to this denomination; reading this book opened my eyes and stirred within me such excitement to be a part of the Free Methodist Community. B.T. and Ellen Roberts have such an amazing story. II am committed to carrying out their mission for the church. This book is very detailed; enjoyable; and well written.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Book ReviewBy Orleans SeminaryI recently purchased the subject book; and am pleased with the transaction; both by ; and by the author of the book. That is; I feel they did a very creditable job in covering the subject. My ancestors; who were involved in the founding of the Free Methodists; are covered quite adequately; although brief; as many people were involved. In whole; the book reads well; for a subject that is perhaps of limited interest to most people. B T Roberts officiated at the marriage of my great-grandparents; and with the information presented in the book; I feel a close relationship with him and understand him better. He also wrote the obituary of my great-great grandmother; one of the earliest ladies with a certificate to preach the word in the Free Methodist church. This fact is noted.
