Mike Slaughter and Dr. Charles Gutenson Release Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Divide
Book Calls To Rescue Your Church From The Infiltration Of Partisan Politics
Hijacked is a must-read for anyone who is tired of the partisan bickering that divides not only our political culture, but our churches as well. This is essential reading for Christians of all stripes as we approach the "silly season" of another election that threatens to drive the wedges between people of faith ever deeper. —Jim Rice, editor, Sojourners magazine
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The last 30 years have seen the political discourse grow more rancorous and increasingly uncivil. There has been a growing tendency to conflate theological commitments with political ideology. Partisan politics have infiltrated churches and political commitments are creating unnecessary divisions.
In Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Divide (Abingdon Press, February 2012) Pastor/Author Mike Slaughter and Dr. Charles (Chuck) Gutenson, with Robert P. Jones, explore the nature of the partisan divide over the last 30 years. They provide analysis and polling data regarding the changing relationship between politics and religion and serve as expert witnesses making a case for reforming the way Christians relate to the political culture.
"It is hard to imagine anything more disastrous for the voice of the church than to have it be perceived as little more than a quasi-moral cover for partisan politics," says Slaughter. "I am still hopeful that we can reconsider the errors that brought us to where we are, and that we can learn once again to hold our positions with passion. It is in that hope that this book is dedicated."
Hijacked: Responding to the Partisan Divide explores this phenomenon, offers analysis, and proposes a way forward in chapters focusing on topics such as:
- The Demographic Shift: Uses qualitative analysis, demographic and polling data to reveal the extent of the partisan shift.
- The Logic of Disagreement: Suggests a "logic of disagreement" that advocates civil disagreement over apathy and ignorance.
- Churches Shift in the Political World: Identifies and analyzes the trend of conflating the gospel with political ideology in contemporary American culture.
- Escaping the Ideological Bubble: Lays out concrete steps churches and individuals can take to move beyond partisanship.
- Demonstrating a Way Forward: Proposes strategies for moving churches forward.
Dr. Gutenson adds, "I hope that Hijacked will make some contribution to sharper theological thinking, deeper moral reasoning and more productive deliberations among Christians about the future paths of their churches as they engage public life and politics."
About the authors:
Mike Slaughter is Lead Pastor and Chief Dreamer of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Located in the struggling "rust belt," Ginghamsburg strives to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need from Dayton to Darfur. Under Mike's leadership, the church has grown from 90 worshipers a week to over 5,000. Mike's other books include Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, Change The World, UnLearning Church, and Upside Living in a Downside Economy.
Dr. Charles (Chuck) Gutenson is the former Chief Operating Officer of Sojourners and Founder of CrossWyse, a firm that focuses on writing, teaching/speaking and consulting. He previously served 10 years at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, most recently as the professor of Theology and Philosophy. He received a M.Div. from Asbury in 1995 and a Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology from Southern Methodist University in 2000. Chuck is the author and co-author of five books (one forthcoming) and numerous articles on a variety of theological and philosophical articles.
Robert P. Jones, Ph.D., writes a weekly column for the Washington Post "On Faith" section and is frequently featured in national media stories on religion and politics.
SOURCE Abingdon Press
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