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 If there is one book that can change every
previous association you have made between religion and politics, Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne
and Chris Haw is it. This stands especially true for those of us raised in
cities like Panama City, where “Bible belt” is in a constant state of rubbing
shoulders with the military. Our churches have the American flag not only on
display outside the buildings, but on the platform. We make sure to honor our
veterans, support our troops, and proudly recite the pledge of allegiance
(making sure to include the disputed line, “one nation under God”) in our religious
services at least a couple times a year. But how many of us have taken the time
to question whether patriotism and Christianity really belong together? Even if
you have never given thought to it, after reading this book you will not be
able to stop.
My first thought upon seeing the book, Jesus for President was how beautiful
the cover is; upon opening the book I found how beautifully the pages are designed,
filled with photos, sketches, and other creative elements. It was not until I
began reading the book that I found how beautiful it really is. Though the book
may be completely radical in the face of what we are already taught about the
Bible and war, it is a book filled with love for God and man, it is a book of
hope.
In Jesus
for President, the authors have not only questioned the association between
religion and politics, but they have given well thought out and firmly
supported answers as well. The authors analyze scripture, discuss the actions
of world leaders, share touching personal stories, and make sure to back
everything up citing both scripture and the works of highly respected
theologians. While the ideas put forth in the book are well supported, they are
still controversial. It is essentially Gospel versus government and that is
just not something we are used to. For example, the authors openly encourage
leaving the military. As Americans the leaders of our government and military
like to say that God is on their side, that they are doing his work;
unfortunately, terrorists are known for saying the same things, and the authors
of Jesus for President delve into
this area of debate as well.
I feel confident in saying that Jesus for President is one of the most
remarkable books I have ever read, and will ever read. More than questioning
the relationship between our belief system and our political system, it causes
us to question ourselves. Question how we practice our faith, question how we
live our lives day to day, and question patriotism. It is a very good and
necessary thing to question ourselves on these subjects. Upon reading this
book, be prepared to have your toes stepped on, be prepared to question
yourself, even argue with yourself. It may wake you up, it may get you angry,
the one thing it will definitely do is get you thinking.
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