James5

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I should be studying for Crim exam in two days time, but I finally got down to reading Jim Wallis’ book God’s Politics and thought I best note this interesting points he makes. I might do a full review of this book later, there are some things that are a bit irritating and unnecessary about it, but I’m about half way through I’m liking it a lot more now then when I bought it.

Class warfare in America

Wallis mentions “class warfare” a lot as something a lot of people don’t like. I’m guessing this a more American then Australian thing. I’ve never heard someone use this phrase as an argument when talking to me, and I wonder if this sentiment exists as widely in Australia. It’s such a strange throwback to a totally different era to try and justify your opposition to something by saying it is “class warfare”.

“Nobody gets to heaven without a reference from the poor!”

A great quote from James Forbes, referring to Matt 25, the sheep and goats. A great phrase to remind us how important poverty is to God.

Protest is good, alternatives are better

Especially with the whole G20 thing descending next week, this point is really sticking in me. I’m convinced that, while powerful, protests must be backed up with authenticity, integrity and a real plan for an alternative. I actually kind of agree with Costello that we should be encouraging this G20 meeting to make some right choices, rather then just trying to stop them entirely.

Christian first, American second

A very important point that may cause a stir in Australia’s current cultural climate. With Muslim’s being told to “assimilate” and ethnicity looking a bit scary, to dare say your anything before you are Australian is controversial. The truth is I’m an internationalist at heart, and Christianity extends beyond our ocean borders. I’ll support Australia when she does right, but I’m not scared to speak out against evil, even if labelled an anti-patriot.

911 shattered America’s false sense of invulnerability

This is probably the most interesting point I have learned so far from the book. I hadn’t heard this perspective on the 911 attacks, but it makes a lot of sense. On that day America joined the Majority World in feeling unsure, not invincible and vulnerable to outsiders. The bad news, rather then learning how to live like most of the world do and using the experience for good, the US government have tried to regain an invulnerability that isn’t going to come back. Now we live under a shadow of a never-ending war.

Christian or not, I really recommend you give this book a read. Especially if you are American. It’ll give new insight into a different Christian perspective then the media will give you and help balance the Right’s usurpation of religion and the Left’s general rubbishing of religion. There is a happy middle!

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