Book Reviewed
By Darold Morgan, Richardson, TX
Faith and Politics
By John Danforth, Viking, New York, 2006
$24.95
John Danforth is well-known in America both as a retired U.S. senator from Missouri and an ordained Episcopal priest. He is also recognized as a conservative Republican, coming from one of Missouri’s foremost families, the Danforths of RalstonPurina fame. He has written an exceptionally timely book which blends biblical foundations with a common sense approach, specifically directed to the “moral values” debate which has savagely and passionately divided American life today.
Frankly, this well-written book deserves a wide audience both from the radical Christian Right which currently dominates the Republican Party (Danforth’s conclusion), and also from the so-called Christian Left which almost automatically challenges any position the other side may present. Both groups in this debate will profit from Danforth’s rational and reasonable approach. There is a strong hint that the Christian Right, probably more than anyone else, needs this advice. His basic appeal boils down to the ultimate values of debate and dialogue in an interesting atmosphere of restraint and respect—something that has rarely occurred in this cauldron of deeply held convictions.
Alongside this welcomed and rare position of balance and reason in the current debate is a refreshingly honest autobiographical collage of a Republican leader whose priest/politician mantle has earned Danforth widespread respect. One senses a gifted intellect, deeply influenced by a solid educational background, a wonderfully supportive and bluntly honest family, combined with a strong biblical perspective which results in insights rarely found today in political or church councils.
The book is worth its price alone for his chapter “Paul’s Primer for Politics,” a solid exposition of the twelfth chapter of Romans. His unique approach to “the debate” results in a defense of a “Moderate Christian” outlook. He quickly expands the values of moderation, usually a denigrated outlook in the wrangles of the day.
Danforth’s conservative moorings are apparent—a defender of the pro-life stance in the abortion issue. One swallows hard when he explains his support of Clarence Thomas in the controversial nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. These are facts which serve to strengthen his historic conservatism posture. Then comes his chapters of the “wedge issues.” He does not dodge the current divisiveness of these flammable issues: abortion, stem-cell research, gay marriage, the Terry Schiavo incident, and family values. Believe it or not, moderation and common sense comes through in each of these provocative chapters. Students of every ilk would do well to study his words. These wedge issues will be around for many years to come.
Danforth’s book is valuable and timely for a number of reasons. He brings substantial biblical approaches to the table. Coming from a prominent politician, this is somewhat of a shock, but it adds weight to the debate. His appeal for mutual respect is long overdue in all political and religious circles. He subtly reminds his own political party to avoid the capture of its councils and policies by the extreme Religious Right. His emphasis to the entire country, as diverse as it is, is the absolute necessity of “Moving Forward Together.” American history is replete with this goal realized in the past. It is imperative in these times of national and international crises to come together again for the ultimate goal of American security and wellbeing.
While Danforth spells it out forcefully that all Christians should speak out clearly, he also focuses on the absolute necessity of reconciliation which he mandates as a biblical prerequisite. “What Christianity brings to the arena of political conflict is a duty to act with mutual affection, a duty to show honor, even when we don’t feel like doing so. It is a duty which extends to our most disagreeable foes.” (p 228)
