The Political Disciple: A Theology for Public Life

Book Reviews

Dennis Nicholson Student Fellow, Center for Apologetics & Cultural Engagement, Liberty University

As pilgrims living in a radically pluralistic age, how are Christians called to bear witness to Christ in their political engagement? David VanDrunen embarks on the difficult quest of addressing this question in Politics after Christendom. His response is no new political theology but instead an old one, anchored in the truth of Scripture and the Reformed tradition. Taking inspiration from Francis Turretin's two kingdoms theology and Augustine's two cities, VanDrunen draws a detailed map of the political landscape for pilgrims and exiles who are called to seek the welfare of the earthly city while looking toward the heavenly one.

Part 1 of Politics after Christendom defends VanDrunen’s central argument that the Noahic covenant, which God made with all of creation, should serve as the orienting compass for understanding what Scripture says about government. Under this covenant, God ordains the rulers of the world to rule over all people, but their rule is not lasting, and they are called to judge according to His standards of justice. These standards of justice are modest, concerned with preserving the natural order of creation rather than manifesting the salvific order of new covenant grace. Consequently, Christians must reject Christendom. Instead, as dual citizens of heaven and earth, they should stay the course to the heavenly city, seeking to instill a measure of common peace in their political communities as they go on their way.

Part 2 outlines just what this dual citizenship entails in the down-to-earth details of political life. VanDrunen tackles religious liberty, family, economics, justice, law, and right authority, concluding with an analysis of the merits of progressive, liberal, conservative, and nationalist ideologies under the Noahic covenant.

In general, Politics after Christendom provokes reflection and topples idols. Some might wish for a more redemptive, eschatological view of politics than what they find here. However, they will be hard-pressed to square their desires with VanDrunen's rigorous exegesis and argumentation. They may even be inclined to ponder the place of politics in their own hearts: do they seek among the kingdoms of the world what God has already provided for them in His church? In either case, VanDrunen's work proves itself to be insightful and deeply applicable. For political scholars seeking Scriptural direction or laymen seeking political orientation, Politics after Christendom is a worthy guide.

VanDrunen, David, Politics after Christendom, Zondervan Academic, 2020. 400 pages.