A Mucky Business: Why Christians Should Get Involved In Politics

by Tim Farron

Publisher:

IVP

, 2022

Many Christians are nervous about politics - isn't the political world murky and sleazy, a den of deceit and backstairs deals? At the same time, the image of Christians in politics isn’t great either – often seen as judgemental hypocrites, intolerant and hateful control freaks... shouldn't this mean that faith and politics should be kept firmly apart?

In A Mucky Business, Tim Farron, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Party and friends, explore and defend why Christianity and politics should and must work together. If Christians are to love their neighbours, they need to engage with the issues that affect everyone. Why should Christians leave their beliefs at the door when they enter public life? No one else does!

Tim Farron shares his experience as the UK’s best known Christian MP and draws on case studies from across the political spectrum. Many of these case studies come from his successful A Mucky Business podcast. Demonstrating that it’s possible to be both a Christian and to step into the political world with confidence.

A Mucky Business will both inspired and better equip christians to care about politics, pray knowledgeably, and engage with politics effectively.

Contents

About the authors ix

Acknowledgments xi

Introduction: Tim Farron MP xiii

Part 1 WHY CHRISTIANS STEER CLEAR OF POLITICS

1 Because we are scared 3

2 Because we believe things aren’t what they used to be 17

3 Because we don’t speak the language 26

Part 2 WHY CHRISTIANS SHOULD ENGAGE WITH POLITICS

4 Because the Bible is bigger than politics 43

5 Because we are more radical than we think 54

6 Because we need to show up and sit at the table 65

7 Because God’s kingdom is physical as well as spiritual 76

8 Because Jesus didn’t turn away but broke his heart for us 88

9 Because faith is not private and Christians have always engaged 98

Part 3 HOW CHRISTIANS COULD ENGAGE WITH POLITICS

10 By paying attention and praying 115

11 By being the one who shows up 133

12 By daring to pick a side 145

13 By loving our neighbour and standing firm 158

14 By keeping the eternal perspective in mind 167

Conclusion: Don’t panic but don’t duck out 176

Appendix A Why ‘liberalism’ should not be a dirty word 180

Appendix B Who’s who: the nuts and bolts of the people serving in politics 189

Abbreviations 192

Praise for A Mucky Business

'Why should Christians engage in politics? Because Christ calls us to be salt of the earth, light of the world. Love of God and love of neighbour mean we are to get involved. Rooted in Scripture and prayer, this book brilliantly explains what that looks like in practice, how we can be compassionate without compromise in the fundamentals. It is part of a tradition that calls us to be 'the King's good servant, but God's first' (Thomas More).'

'A frank, thought-provoking challenge to Christians to get involved with the world around them, whether through neighborhood projects or national politics.' 

'This book offers a refreshingly honest, brave, insightful and reasoned account of Christian engagement in politics. It avoids being either naive or cynical. It draws on outstanding scholarship and provides practical wisdom. It not only argues that the gospel relates to all of life, including politics, but considers the challenges and opportunities of taking such a claim seriously. Politics is indeed a mucky business, and one in which we must play our part if we are serious about loving God and loving our neighbours as ourselves.'

'A fantastic read, A Mucky Business shows that social injustice should be on the heart of every Christian. Politics and the gospel are entwined in giving the world the good news of Jesus Christ. The different conversations in this book all speak the same language. Tim blends the text in such a way that the reader wants more.' 

'Tim Farron is a hero of mine, and I’m so glad he’s written this book that will help Christians pursue faithfulness in all of life, including politics! I trust this book will be a great encouragement to all who have grown weary of our politics, and I believe it will empower Christians to make a difference for good.'

'Jesus didn’t run away from the muck. He waded straight into it. But in the knowledge that he was doing what his Father was calling him to. If you’ve been trying to keep your feet clean by avoiding the muck of the public square (both online and offline), this is the book for you. It will help you get stuck in but also understand why and for whom you’re suddenly knee-deep.'  

'Tim Farron’s book is a timely antidote both to widespread apathy about involvement in social issues and frustration with the deceptions and intrigues of politicians. Here is an active politician who is honest about his Christian beliefs as well as his own failures and passions. Of course he is not the only one, as is clear from the many case studies. But in this book, he does more than simply offer models of people who have devoted themselves to the ‘mucky business’ of politics. He tackles common objections and concerns head on. He also provides practical paths for others to follow suit. In its quirky, self-deprecating way, this is a book to inspire and encourage, and if a large proportion of readers get involved as a result, that has to be a good thing!' 

'This book has its head in a theological vision for cultural engagement and its feet firmly planted in the mucky business of political life. Like Tim Farron himself, it is ebullient, principled, astute, and hopeful in all the right ways.'

'There are few people better placed than Tim Farron to advise people of faith on the opportunities and perils of political engagement. Tim and his co-authors are realistic about what politics is, but also hopefully that there is good work to be done by Christians in the public square. This book doesn’t offer political theory, but a biblically informed political practice. Any Christian who senses a call to the public life should read it.' 

'With charm, honesty and conviction, Tim Farron explores the tensions that are conventionally though to lie between Christian faith and the practice of politics, and demonstrates that there need be no tension at all.' 

Product Details

• Title: A Mucky Business: Why Christians Should Get Involved In Politics
• Author: Tim Farron
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781789744453, 9781789744446, 178974444X, 1789744458
• Resource ID: LLS:9781789744453
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-04-22T11:12:49Z