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Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies

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What you believe about politics matters. The decades since the Cold War, with new alignments of post–9/11 global politics and the chaos of the late 2010s, are swirling with alternative visions of political life, ranging from ethnic nationalism to individualistic liberalism.Political ideologies are not merely a matter of governmental efficacy, but are intrinsically and inescapably religious: each carries certain assumptions about the nature of reality, individuals and society, as well as a particular vision for the common good. These fundamental beliefs transcend the political sphere, and the astute Christian observer can discern the ways―sometimes subtle, sometimes not―in which ideologies are rooted in idolatrous worldviews.In this freshly updated, comprehensive study, political scientist David Koyzis surveys the key political ideologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy, and socialism. Koyzis gives each philosophy careful analysis and fair critique, unpacking the worldview issues inherent to each and pointing out essential strengths and weaknesses, as well as revealing the "narrative structure" of each―the stories they tell to make sense of public life and the direction of history. Koyzis concludes by proposing alternative models that flow out of Christianity's historic engagement with the public square, retrieving approaches for both individuals and the global, institutional church that hold promise for the complex political realities of the twenty-first century.Writing with broad international perspective and keen analytical insight, Koyzis is a sane and sensible guide for Christians working in the public square, culture watchers, political pundits, and all students of modern political thought.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This second edition of David's great book is a gem. The brighter light he now shines on his assessment of modern ideologies comes from an in-depth assessment of the story each tells and the idolatry exhibited in each one. This also pushes Christians to examine the extent to which we may be compromising our dedication to God by bowing (even unconsciously) to other gods for political guidance. In this day of heightening nationalism, racism, terrorism, and sheer ignorance, the message of this book could not be more urgent or important. Read and discuss it carefully even if it takes weeks to do so. The multiple forces at work in our homelands and around the world will not be thwarted or redirected by one election or one major event. Christian love of God and neighbor demands responsible civic service and that requires the kind of understanding provided by Political Visions and Illusions." -- James W. Skillen, president (now retired) of the Center for Public Justice

"Politics involves the acquisition and use of power. It always has a moral dimension, always offers a chance to do good, and always carries the risk of idolatry. Updating his original work in this second edition, Koyzis has written a superb overview of modern politics, ideologies and the state, and their intersection with Christian faith. Rich in scholarship, perceptive and engaging in its analysis, and 'merely Christian' in its importance for all followers of Jesus Christ regardless of their tradition, it's an indispensable resource." -- Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia

"David Koyzis introduces readers to the range of political theories that have emerged and competed for dominance since classical times. He carefully and respectfully separates wheat from chaff in each of them in terms of a Christian worldview, and in a style that is clear, irenic, and persuasive. The second edition helpfully updates the first in terms of major political events of the past two decades. In an increasingly polarized world, this kind of book is essential reading for concerned citizens of all political and religious leanings." -- Mary S. Van Leeuwen, professor emerita of psychology and philosophy, Eastern University

"Political Visions and Illusions is an absolutely indispensable text written by the most significant evangelical political theorist of our day. In it, Koyzis skillfully unmasks the idolatry in modern political ideologies before offering a compelling nonideological vision for politics and public life. Its relevance extends beyond political science to the disciplines of public theology, ethics, and philosophy―highly recommended." -- Bruce Riley Ashford, provost/dean of the faculty, professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Few could have anticipated the major political upheavals witnessed since this book first came out in 2003. Yet Koyzis's book has stood the test of time, ranking, in my opinion, as the best introduction to modern political thought from a Christian perspective. This updated edition is welcome in its inclusion both of newer literature and fresh examples to recent political developments. As a politically engaged theologian, I'm especially thrilled to see the addition of the 'Concluding Ecclesiological Postscript' that could very well serve as kind of theo-political compass for church leaders wanting navigational guidance on how churches should―and should not―engage in political action." -- David Guretzki, executive vice president and resident theologian, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

"Koyzis offers an accessible, compelling, and deeply researched introduction to the major political ideologies at work in the world today. Throughout the book Koyzis serves the reader as a faithful and thoughtful Christian guide through the many competing political voices active in the public square. I've been assigning Political Visions and Illusions in my courses on faith and politics for years now, and I'm so grateful for a new and updated edition. It is a true gift." -- Matthew Kaemingk, assistant professor of Christian ethics, associate dean, Fuller Theological Seminary, Texas

"The first edition of this excellent book showed in lively and erudite prose how biblical insights into idolatry illuminate our political life. This expanded edition increases its scope and delineates the newer challenges we face. It is indispensable reading." -- Paul Marshall, Jerry and Susie Wilson Professor of Religious Freedom, Baylor University

"Although the first edition of Political Visions and Illusions has already been praised in Brazil as an invaluable tool of Christian political formation, from young students and clergy to federal prosecutors and career politicians, the new edition confirms itself as a classic. The author deepens the conversation of ideology and idolatry, recovering the central role of narrative for ideology. He greatly enhances his explanation and extracts the equivalents of the biblical creation/fall/redemption/consummation narrative ingrained within the core stories of liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democratism, and socialism. Dr. Koyzis also updates his approach by engaging novel critiques of those ideologies, such as Patrick Deneen’s on liberalism; listening to relevant Christian political thinkers, such as David L. Schindler; and introducing new insights of his own, such as his theory of authority. The new edition of Political Visions and Illusions carries the promise to be an even greater blessing for the Christian political mind. I hope we will have it in Portuguese soon." -- Guilherme de Carvalho, L'Abri Fellowship Brazil

Review

"Although the first edition of Political Visions and Illusions has already been praised in Brazil as an invaluable tool of Christian political formation, from young students and clergy to federal prosecutors and career politicians, the new edition confirms itself as a classic. The author deepens the conversation of ideology and idolatry, recovering the central role of narrative for ideology. He greatly enhances his explanation and extracts the equivalents of the biblical creation/fall/redemption/consummation narrative ingrained within the core stories of liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democratism, and socialism. Dr. Koyzis also updates his approach by engaging novel critiques of those ideologies, such as Patrick Deneen’s on liberalism; listening to relevant Christian political thinkers, such as David L. Schindler; and introducing new insights of his own, such as his theory of authority. The new edition of Political Visions and Illusions carries the promise to be an even greater blessing for the Christian political mind. I hope we will have it in Portuguese soon."

-- Guilherme de Carvalho, L'Abri Fellowship Brazil

Review:

4.6 out of 5

92.50% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Let an Idealogy Be Your Idol

A. · January 20, 2021

Not the easiest of reads but a thorough review of the main idealogies in play today and their origins. Contains many helpful references and attempts to refocus us on that which is supremely important.

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Book for Christians!

A. · November 24, 2020

An excellent survey of the current political ideologies, through a biblical lens, with care to identify their idols and their strengths.

4.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly read, putting political views in perspective

T. · February 20, 2021

This is an intellectual study, and as such, is pretty difficult reading. But if you’re able to parse the text - and I’m not completely sure I was successful - there are some eye-opening and thought-provoking truths here.Most importantly for those in the United States is the conclusion that the political parties are fighting from the same side of the fence. This helps explain the fierceness of the fight, as each side are, in reality, so close together.At least, that’s what I gathered, even if that wasn’t the author’s intent.

5.0 out of 5 stars Objective truth

D. · September 7, 2020

Not a light read but truly helpful in establishing some bottom lines for different ideologies. Recommend

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Non-Partisan Primer for Christian Political Engagement

R.C. · November 13, 2019

This is an excellent resource for providing Christians with a Non-Partisan Primer for political engagement.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book

J. · November 25, 2020

Perfect condition

5.0 out of 5 stars A Biblical Understanding of Politics

A. · May 18, 2021

What do you believe about politics? Does it really matter? In Political Visions & Illusions, David T. Koyzis takes us on a survey and Christian critique of contemporary ideologies.The thesis of this book is that ideologies are modern manifestations of idolatry. They have their own soteriology and eschatology. We can assess them from a Christian standpoint to see their positive features and what they can teach us. God remains faithful to his creation despite our idolatry of ideologies.Interestingly, Koyzis dislikes the terms “left” and “right” and prefers “progressive” and “conservative.” By focusing on political ideologies, Koyzis looks at politics and its place in human life – specifically about how the community, citizens, and government go about doing and maintaining justice.Liberalism, Conservatism, and NationalismLiberalism holds to the sovereignty of the individual. We see that no ideology remains static, and adherents of the same ideology frequently find themselves opponents of each other. Human autonomy and the freedom to govern themselves is the basic principle of liberalism. Koyzis identifies five stages of liberalism, beginning with Hobbesian Commonwealth and ending with the Choice Enhancement State. Liberalism fails because it offers a false salvation rooted in a fundamentally religious assertion of human autonomy against external authority. Also, it is unable to distinguish adequately the state as an authoritative community irreducible to the voluntary consent of its constituent individuals.Koyzis acknowledges that conservatives may be prone to profess Christianity because it is part of the Western cultural heritage. Conservatism looks to history as a source of norms. Koyzis’ words cut and sting when he says that perhaps conservatives wish to conserve their own power and privilege in society. Conservatism fails as political theory because there is nothing inherently Christian about it, and it offers nothing in the way of a coherent view of the state as a specialized, differentiated community within human society.Nationalism recognizes that people seek their identities in communities, which make claims on their loyalties and demands personal sacrifice for their collective well-being. Christian nationalism fails because it unduly applies biblical promises intended for the body of Christ as a whole to one geographic people, it imperfectly identifies and applies norms from and for a specific period of time, it gives homage to a nation instead of God, and it sees the nation as unlimited.A Biblical Understanding of PoliticsWhat Koyzis is able to do exceptionally well is frame the story of each ideology. And while he makes generalizations (”Many conservatives dislike pop or rock music and prefer, say, the baroque pieces of Bach or Telemann.”) – I can understand in most instances how it is necessary for his work. The book actually claims that there is overlap between the different ideologies.Democratism, socialism, and a look at pluralism are also included. All are idolatrous and fail to live up to God’s standard. Koyzis presents us with an alternative ideology, arguing for a biblical understanding of politics – which looks at creational and redemptive aspects. He proposes a government that seeks to do justice but also one that calls on and empowers individuals to seek it out in all spheres of life – including “families, churches, businesses, labor unions, schools, and so forth.”In a Concluding Ecclesiological Postscript, Koyzis surprisingly looks to the power of preaching and the pulpit to communicate truth to God’s people who will live out Gospel justice and truth in their communities. The church as an institution can also address political governments and policies while still being proper and ultimately focused on God’s people. As politics continues to play an important and powerful part in our society, God’s people can be sure that we are governed ultimately by God’s Word as we live out lives of true and authentic worship.I received a media copy of Political Visions & Illusions and this is my honest review.

3.0 out of 5 stars Dense and academic

J.H. · January 21, 2021

I have a degree in political science and a Master of Divinity and I struggled to remain interested. It probably is a better resource than overview of political ideology and faith.

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Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies

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