Next, Drew moves into chapter four, explaining what Scripture means by designating Christians as “Sojourners and pilgrims.” The crucial point of this chapter is that as Christians, we must remember that we have a sociopolitical identity that is beyond and above any national or party coalition we may side with. Reclaiming and being reclaimed by this reality changes and lessens the ultimacy of the present agenda we may personally espouse.
The author, in chapters five, six, and seven, unpacks Jesus’ directive to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God. Drew begins by rehearsing the notion that as Christians we have a double allegiance, the ultimate to the reign of Christ, and the penultimate to our nation. But our one-off commitment is neither blind nor idealistic. After this he focuses on what it means to give to Caesar, and finally examines what it means to give to God.
Finally, in the last two chapters of Body Broken Drew tackles various approaches for encouraging social and political change without necessarily turning the heat up. There are five tracks he posits, filled with examples, considerate ideas, and a few surprises. The value of these two chapters will quickly become obvious to the caring and serious reader.
One of the ways that Body Broken will be useful is that each chapter concludes with a series of “Making It Personal” questions. The questions will be beneficial for individual, group, or congregational readings of the book. These urge the reader to remember what they have read and then to think through ways the principles can be fleshed out in their situation.
Body Broken by Charles D. Drew is a readable book that presents a wholesome approach to national politics and social issues within the Christian Church. The author’s carefully reasoned method will guide the Christian reader to a more sensible, levelheaded manner, and can help churches stay focused on the real issues without compromising convictions. I highly recommend the book.
(Reviewed by Rev. Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views)
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