The Spirit of Our Politics - by Michael R Wear (Paperback)

About the Book

In The Spirit of Our Politics, Michael Wear, president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, draws on the writings of Dallas Willard to offer us hope and direction for making a difference in public life while breaking free of the toxic, partisan mode of political engagement ravaging our country, churches, and families today.

Book Synopsis

For those discouraged and exhausted by the bitterness and rage in our politics, Michael Wear offers a new paradigm of political involvement rooted in the teachings of Jesus and drawing insights from Dallas Willard's approach to spiritual formation.

When political division shows up not only on the campaign trail but also at our dinner tables, we wonder: Can we be part of a better way? The Spirit of Our Politics says "yes," offering a distinctly Christian approach to politics that results in healing rather than division, kindness rather than hatred, and hope rather than despair.

In this profound and hope-filled book, Michael Wear--a leading thinker and practitioner at the intersection of faith and politics--applies insights taken from the work of Dallas Willard to argue that by focusing on having the "right" politics, we lose sight of the kind of people we are becoming, to destructive results. This paradigm-shifting book reveals:

• Why we need to reframe how we view our political involvement as Christians
• How as Christians we can reorient our politics for the good of others
• The crucial connection between discipleship to Jesus and political involvement
• A different way of talking about politics that is edifying, not stomach-turning
• How to navigate political strife in churches and small groups
• Why who we are in our political life is not quarantined from who we are in "real life"
• Why gentleness is entirely possible in our political discourse

The Spirit of Our Politics is for readers of any political perspective who long for a new way to think about and engage in politics. That new approach begins with a simple question: What kind of person would I like to be?

Review Quotes

A must-read for American Christians. Michael Wear leads us away from the intractable right-left disagreements and toward a far more important question: How is American politics shaping us spiritually? No matter where you are on the political spectrum, this book will help you move away from being discipled by your political party and toward being discipled by Jesus. Justin Whitmel Earley, business lawyer; author, The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People

From the very first sentence, I knew this was the book I'd been waiting for. In The Spirit of Our Politics, Michael Wear not only diagnoses the root of the problem that has led us here but also offers a compelling way forward. This book is essential reading for anyone who takes seriously the commission of Jesus to go out and be the salt and light we are called to be. Christine Caine, founder, A21 and Propel Women

I know many people I respect as spiritually mature. I know many people who know politics from the inside out. I don't know very many who fit both of those categories. Michael Wear does. This book shows a smart, bold, hopeful way forward, paying attention to what Dallas Willard would tell us is the real conspiracy--the inbreaking kingdom of God. If you have never thought spirituality and politics belong in the same sentence, this is the book you must read. Russell Moore, editor-in-chief, Christianity Today

If you are exhausted by and exasperated with politics, this book is for you. The Spirit of Our Politics won't try to drum up your enthusiasm for our broken political system; it will draw your attention to a greater and truer story--and the way that story should then shape our common life together. Michael Wear has given us the gift of diagnosing the deeper spiritual problems underneath our divisions and disagreements--and proposing a better path forward. Kaitlyn Schiess, author, The Ballot and the Bible

It's rare to find a book so wise and helpful that I want to put it in the hands of every pastor, parent, and future leader I know. The Spirit of Our Politics is such a book. Michael Wear weaves together his expertise on American politics and Dallas Willard's vision for the centrality of discipleship in the Christian life. In doing so, he accomplishes the rare feat of merging political theology and spiritual formation in ways that are profoundly necessary yet virtually absent in the current political discourse both in the church and in broader society. This book opens a window, letting a new, hopeful breeze blow into the dark, airless room of American politics. The Spirit of Our Politics should be required reading for every Christian in America. Tish Harrison Warren, author of Liturgy of the Ordinary and Prayer in the Night

Liberal democracy depends on virtuous citizens who are committed to its survival, yet it often fails to inculcate these virtues. Michael Wear outlines the role of Christianity in helping to lay the foundations for virtuous civic engagement in an era when the faith is arguably in jeopardy of becoming a victim of vituperative culture wars. Based on a sensitive reading of Scripture and deep experience working in contemporary politics, Wear offers a vision of Christian politics rooted in service and compassion, not conquest or domination. This is a crucial book for thinking about the future of American Christianity. Elizabeth Bruenig, staff writer, The Atlantic

Michael Wear has clarified and focused our attention on the gaping divide between the beliefs that so many of us profess and the contemptuous politics that so many of us practice. People of faith have a long way to go to align the calling to love one another with the actions to create a politics grounded in that love. Wear offers countless selections from Scripture and scholars alike to help us in that urgent path of discipleship. Tim Shriver, cofounder, Unite

Michael Wear has written an important book at an important time. The work of self-government is challenging when the world makes partisanship a religion. We might have important disagreements on public policy, but as brothers in Christ, Michael and I share the same calling--to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. As Christians work to build something more constructive, Michael gives us worthy reflections on a complicated topic. Ben Sasse, president, University of Florida; former US senator from Nebraska

Michael Wear is a trusted voice to a generation of Christ followers looking to express their faith in every area of culture, including politics. The Spirit of Our Politics is the book that is needed today, to help us to separate what needs to be separate and integrate that which will make us whole--individually and as a nation. Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author, That Sounds Fun

Most books we read force us to explore either society and culture or a personal interior journey. Both are good, but they really belong together. The Spirit of Our Politics gets right to the heart of what it takes to be effective, loving, and joyful in public life. It's the book I wish I had written myself as a practical, informed, realistic, visionary, and wise guide to spiritual formation for civic renewal in our generation. James Catford, founding chair, the Center for Christianity and Public Life; literary advisor to the Dallas Willard Estate; ministry team member, Renovare

The Spirit of Our Politics gets to the heart of our current divided politics. Michael Wear has written a powerful call that affirms the agency each citizen has to contribute to a healthier and more just politics and society. As a Christian, I found here an inspiring path to return to the heart of our faith and build a culture of engaged, faithful service. Our politics would be dramatically healthier if The Spirit of Our Politics was our guide, and I encourage my colleagues, and all readers who seek a positive future for our politics, to read it. Chris Coons, US senator from Delaware

The Spirit of Our Politics is one of the most important books of our time. In this brilliant text, Michael Wear draws on Dallas Willard's insights to argue that our personal character deeply influences our political landscape. While Wear delves into the complexities of how our politics reached its current state, this book isn't merely an analysis of the past; it radiates with a visionary outlook for the future. Instead of merely lamenting what has been, Wear offers a thoughtful and constructive path forward. Every reader, regardless of their political inclination, should take up the invitation contained in this essential reading. Through it, we are prompted to reflect, What kind of person would I like to be--and how can my conclusion shape a better political tomorrow? Joshua DuBois, CEO of Values Partnerships; former executive director, The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships

The Spirit of Our Politics is the most urgently needed and clearly articulated discussion of faith and politics I have ever read. If a large number of people were to read and embody the moral and political knowledge available here, it would immeasurably enhance our country--not to mention the church. John Ortberg, founder, Become New; author, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat