Book Review: God’s Politics

God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It by Jim Wallis

This book explains how Republicans have failed to address the Christian missions of avoiding war and ending poverty. It explores the current political climate that has led to the torture of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, the theft of retirement savings at Enron, and 36 million Americans in poverty.

In making the case that Bush cooked up the reasons for going to war, Wallis cites The Price of Loyalty by Paul O’Neill, Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward, and Against All Enemies by Richard Clarke. I haven’t read these books, but I think it’s telling that we have multiple witnesses from among those closest to the president.

It’s not just the Republicans that concern Wallis, however. He believes that Democrats have downplayed or ignored the role of faith and family, and that this has hurt the party. He also introduces the concept of a "consistent life ethic" for those who are uncomfortable with both the death penalty and abortion.

Wallis mentions the environment, but doesn’t say much about overpopulation, except a prediction that "Wealthy countries will become inundated with immigrants unless the North/South economic divide is faced."

Wallis takes a conciliatory approach for the most part, saying, "When either party tries to politicize God, or co-opt religious communities for their political agendas, they make a terrible mistake." I recommend this book for Republicans and Democrats. Greens are already saved. Just kidding. ; )