Review of “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory”
A Reflective Critique on the Church’s Pursuit of Power and the Quest for a Transformative Path
In “The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory”, readers are presented with a compelling analysis that critically examines the contemporary church’s engagement with political power. This work, rather than outlining a definitive path forward, offers a mirror for the church to contemplate its present condition, marked by a departure from its spiritual mission towards a troubling alliance with the mechanisms of power and dominance.
Almost every reader who is a member of the church in America will be upset with this book, for one reason or another. Your emotional response to this book may betray the theology you ascribe to.
Drawing from a background steeped in national and geopolitics, combined with a career dedicated to global economic development and poverty alleviation, my own engagement with “The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory” was deeply personal and reflective. This book resonated with me not just as an academic exercise but as a mirror reflecting the very issues that have framed much of my studies and professional life. The discussions of power, governance, and the ethical dilemmas these engender are topics I’ve navigated extensively. Moreover, having witnessed firsthand the church’s role in various cultural contexts, especially in societies where it remains a minority, I’ve developed a keen awareness of the church’s potential impact — both positive and negative — on societal dynamics. Thus, this book’s critical examination of the church’s current entanglement with political power struck a chord, prompting me to reflect on the broader implications of such alliances for the church’s mission and the communities it serves.
The Core Analysis
At the heart of this book lies a thorough exploration of the church’s transformation into an entity that mirrors the political interest groups it once stood apart from. The author navigates through historical and contemporary contexts, drawing insights from a wealth of personal experience and primary interviews, to critique the church’s slide into political entanglement. This critical examination serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the divergence from its foundational mission of hope and spiritual guidance.
The Church’s Theological Divergence
My own life and career in Asia, mostly spent in communities in which Christians were a tiny minority of society, lets me extend my critique into the cultural theological realm. We can contrast the vibrant theology of suffering and the cross, prevalent in churches within minority societies, with the dominant theology of victory and power in Western, politically conservative American churches. I believe this divergence signifies a weakened understanding and articulation of the cross’s central message, leading to an overemphasis on worldly victory and forceful power.
The arc of the white American church seems to follow that of any arc found in history; when a previously powerful majority group transitions into minority status, fearing the loss of influence and power that this transition entails, a desperate attempt is made to seize and grasp for the dominance that seems to be slipping away. We’re seeing this trend acted out before us in the American church.
Reflection Instead of Prescription
Notably, the book stops short of prescribing a specific way forward, instead laying the groundwork for readers to construct their own perspectives on the future of the church. This could be seen as a limitation or, conversely, as a deliberate choice to provoke thoughtful reflection and personal responsibility in envisioning the church’s path forward. From my perspective, a call to action emerges from the critique — a call rooted in a deep desire for the church to realign with its mission through practices of accountability, community engagement, and a recommitment to the theology of the cross.
A Theology of the Cross for the Future
The reflection prompted by “The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory” suggests that a transformative path for the church lies in embracing a theology that prioritizes suffering, service, and sacrifice over the allure of power and victory. This perspective, while not explicitly laid out in the book, emerges as a critical response to its analysis, offering a vision for a church that embodies the principles of humility, justice, and unconditional love.
Conclusion
“The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory” stands as a profound analysis of the church’s current predicament, offering no easy solutions but instead compelling readers to confront the complex realities of faith, power, and societal influence. It is a crucial read for those wrestling with the implications of the church’s engagement with political power and its impact on the spiritual mission.
While it may leave readers seeking a clearer roadmap for action, the book’s strength lies in its ability to inspire a deep, introspective examination of the church’s identity and mission. It challenges believers to envision a church that truly reflects the teachings of Christ, marked by a commitment to service, sacrifice, and a theology that embraces the cross’s transformative power. Through its incisive critique, “The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory” ignites a crucial dialogue about the future of the church in an age of political entanglement, inviting readers to reflect on the essence of their faith and the church’s role in a rapidly changing world.
