Preaching and Politics

Today's culture war raises questions about pulpit ministry; the answers to which are often assumed but rarely thought through. Drawing on his transatlantic studies of both politics and theology, scholar-pastor Tim Trumper weighs the various homiletical approaches to political engagement. In doing so, he eschews the predominant apolitical and party-political tendencies of the day, preferring a mediating biblical-political approach that upholds the sanctity of the preacher's calling and the expository method of preaching. The result is a tract for our times, one that calls for the sermonic pre-eminence of the Kingdom of Heaven and the prophetic application of its lessons to the church and to the world. ""In this book Dr. Trumper has done a superb job of identifying the crucial questions that a preacher must consider with respect to the relationship between preaching and the political process. Not only that, Dr. Trumper has provided clear Scriptural guidance to all Christians--preachers and non-preachers alike--who genuinely desire to honor their Lord by living according to the unchanging Word of God in the rapidly changing world that we now inhabit. And, as with any good sermon, Dr. Trumper provides concrete examples, which bring his analysis to bear with biblical force both on those with Republican leanings and on those with Democratic leanings. This is an outstanding book!"" --Samuel T. Logan Jr., International Director of the World Reformed Fellowship Tim J. R. Trumper (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is Senior Minister of Seventh Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan (www.7thref.org). Previously he taught systematic theology at Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia, and has pastored in South-East Pennsylvania.