Overview

"A unique, timely, and wide-ranging book that formulates and applies an ethic of Jesus to the realm of global politics.Since the fourth century, Christians have wrestled with how they should interact with political authority. The most common view holds that while their ultimate loyalty rightfully belongs to God, Christians also have allegiance to their countries and a moral responsibility to transform their political systems. In The Global Politics of Jesus, Nilay Saiya provides a normative critique of this conventional view and advances an alternative approach. While it may seem natural for the church to fervently engage in political life and cultivate a close relationship with the state, Saiya argues that such beliefs result in a ""paradox of privilege."" As he shows, when the church yields to the seduction of political power when enjoying the benefits of an alliance with the state, it struggles to adhere to its tenets, and when it resists the allure of state power, it does its best work. This unique and wide-ranging book examines the paradox of privilege in some of the most important areas of global politics and considers its implications for the church itself."

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9780197638842

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Reviews

This book skillfully counters the global rise of religious nationalism by deftly analyzing the founding mission of Christianity. It shows that by politicizing itself, Christianity has lost its prophetic voice, urgently needed to advance human rights and peace everywhere. This book will be a light for Christians and a template for religious social activism around the world. -Mark Juergensmeyer, author of God at War This remarkable book shows how state privilege both harms Christianity and undermines global peace and democracy. In contrast, independent Christian communities that live by the radical ethic of Jesus promote human rights, dignity for the poor, women's empowerment, and peace & reconciliation. Beautifully written and cogently argued. -Allen Hertzke&R, author of Freeing God's Children Tracing the theology and charting the history of churches across the globe, Nilay Saiya lays bare the startling realization that whenever the church attains a privileged status with the state, true Christian practice withers and dies. This book couldn't be more timely. It is a significant contribution to the study of the church in society. It cannot be ignored by anyone who cares about the politics of Jesus Christ in our time. -David Fitch, BR Lindner Chair of Theology, Northern Seminary, Chicago

Author Information

Nilay Saiya is Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is author of Weapon of Peace: How Religious Liberty Combats Terrorism (2018).

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