3 books, 2 authors, 1 trip to Washington D.C.
This week we are tasked with writing a different sort of blog post, in preparation for our week in Washington D.C. Firstly, let’s dive into Jim Wallis’ book. In God’s Politics: Why the Left Gets it Wrong and the Right Doesn’t Get it, Wallis lays out his vision for a political ecosystem according to Kingdom principles. He frames his approach in the prophetic nature of the Christian faith which inherently calls us to walk in integrity and compassion and advocate for justice.
There were two points in particular that I found to be pivotal. First, he argues that a government’s economic policies should be evaluated based on their affect upon a society’s most vulnerable.[1] This recall’s sociologist Rob Henderson’s discussion of what he calls “luxury beliefs”, a term he coined. He explains the tendency of those who are well-off to hold seemingly progressive ideals, but that they are actually insulated from the consequences of those policies. It is often the most vulnerable who suffer the worst of the effects from these misguided policies.[2]
The second important point that struck me in Wallis’ book is the subject of chapter 5. He advocates for creation care as a Biblical mandate and a responsibility of every Christ-follower.[3] Unfortunately, in our current political culture it is too often reduced to a talking point or a political battleground between the right and the left. There are faith-based organizations dedicated to creation care, but their voices are too often minimized.
Wallis ends by painting a picture of an America made great (again?) by becoming an ethical leader on the world stage that prioritizes the well-being of all people.[4] That brings me the question that I hope to ask Jim Wallis. I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering, “What would you say to us now, 26 years after God’s Politics was published?” So much has changed since 2008, so I wonder if Wallis would nuance his message at all. Perhaps add or subtract some points? I’m looking forward to hearing his response.
Moving now to the first of two books by Brett Fuller. In High Ceilings: Women in Leadership Fuller argues that the Bible outlines a hierarchical relationship between a husband and his wife, but that those restrictions do not extend into the realm of church service and leadership. In other words, women as well as men may express their God-given gifts in church leadership without constraint. However, in the home there are “limitations and allowances that are non-negotiable.”[5] While I have plenty of thoughts on this topic, we are tasked with formulating a question for the author. Mine is as follows: How then is a female church leader (pastor, rector, priest, elder, etc.) to negotiate the spiritual authority she has over her congregation when a member of that congregation may well be her husband? Is she still a spiritual authority over him? Or is she to be fully submissive to her husband as her authority in all things? This question came to mind because I recently visited the church where my college roommate is the rector, and her husband attends the church but is not serving in ministry. I’m curious to hear what Brett Fuller would advise in this situation.
In Fuller’s second book, Dreaming In Black And White, he states his purpose clearly. “This book is largely written to help the black reader build a bridge to the white, and visa versa.”[6] He encourages us as church leaders, particularly white leaders, with these words: “As a pastor to the broader community, you must develop the ability to feel the pain of your entire community, not just the part of it with which you ethnically identify. You need to care about something bigger than yourself and the folks who look like you. You’ve got to understand that black folks are tired, in pain, and white folks haven’t been listening. But if you’re ready to go beyond where you’ve been before, I’ll help you.”[7] And he does exactly that. He goes on to offer challenging and paradigm-shifting guidance. I look forward to hearing him articulate more in Washington D.C. The specific question I want to ask him is about his proposal to establish a monument called The National Enslaved Americans Memorial.[8] I would like to know what sort of response he has received to this proposal and if the idea has been able to move forward.
I’m also looking forward to reading the many excellent questions that other members of our cohort are preparing for these authors. See you all in D.C.!
[1] Wallis, Jim. God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It. New York: Harper San Francisco, 2008.Ch. 3.
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/10/opinion/campus-protests-progressive-henderson.html
[3] Wallis, Jim. God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It. New York: Harper San Francisco, 2008.Ch. 5.
[4] Ibid., Ch. 7.
[5] Fuller, Brett. High Ceilings: Women in Leadership. Independently published, 2021. 42.
[6] Fuller, Brett. Dreaming In Black And White. S.L.: Bookbaby, 2021. Kindle location 202.
[7] Ibid., Kindle location 1509.
[8] Ibid., Kindle location 1063.
About the Author
Kim Sanford
9 responses to “3 books, 2 authors, 1 trip to Washington D.C.”
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Kim, I’m curious to know how Fuller’s different camps (complementarian, egalitarian, egalitarian-complementarian) break down in the community/culture where you serve in France. Is this a question that (ever?) takes place or are some things just “assumed” (or nuanced)? I have a different question regarding Jim Wallis’s book — Who would be having the Jim Wallis type of argument around religous values…in France, or is the debate around socio-political issues framed quite differently?
Your first question is easy – the egalitarian-complementarian issue is still at the forefront in many denominations in France. For example, the denomination our church plant project is situated in is conservative and even the churches within that group represent a wide spectrum. Among the most conservative of that group is a nearby church where women are not permitted to lead a mid-week Bible Study in mixed company. But I suppose, like in the US, it depends on the denomination.
Your second question is harder, or maybe it’s just outside of my personal experience. My best guess is that because the evangelical church is so small in France that they don’t expect to have influence on the political scene. The focus is more on personal discipleship and I suppose I do hear people talk about taking a stand on social issues, but I would say it’s more about moral stances and less about political ones. I’m going to keep thinking about this question.
Hi Kim,
In discussing God’s Politics you used two words that got me, “misguided policies,” I wonder what would happen if policies were created that actually solved the problem rather than wasting a lot of money on something that creates more negative consequences. Fuller mentioned something like this in his book when he wrote, “we are using solutions that address the effects of our systemic issues, not the systemic issues themselves.”(page 159) Maybe our politicians need better NPO statements. I’m looking forward to seeing you in DC!
Kim,
Great question: How then is a female church leader (pastor, rector, priest, elder, etc.) to negotiate the spiritual authority she has over her congregation when a member of that congregation may well be her husband? Is she still a spiritual authority over him? Or is she to be fully submissive to her husband as her authority in all things?
As I commented on Jen Vernam’s post, my husband has always been a member of the congregation(s) I serve as pastor. And while it has led to some conflict at home it was because he wanted to support me and I didn’t really want his “support.” We worked through it and thanks to therapy are much better at navigating these sorts of situations. However, we never ever subscribed to a complementarian model of marriage. It has always been fully equal. I think it would be especially difficult for a married couple to navigate this situation if they subscribed to a complementarian model of marriage. Thank you for asking that question.
Hi Kim,
I am interested in hearing what Fuller has to say in regard to your question about ceilings.
My wife and I just took a marital class and it was refreshing to see that the issues we deal with, “were common to man” (1Cor10:13).
After my time in Ukraine, two books comes to mind.
1) Stay In Your Lane: worry less, love more, and get things done Paperback – April 20, 2023
by Kevin A Thompson, and
2) Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits For Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead, by Marcus Warner, Jim Wilder
The first book cautions me about focusing my emotional, physical and spiritual capital on the tasks God has set before me.
The second reminds me that God has prepared me for work in Eastern Europe and the joy I experienced being back there should serve a reminder to stay focused.
A return to “tunnel vision” perhaps. But I am wrestling with this thought these days.
Shalom..
Hey Kim…great post. Like you, I am curious to know what Jim Wallis would be saying now…although much of his current writing is on very similar themes as God’s Politics with seemingly many more examples of dysfunction! That leaves me wondering…how is he persevering?! Things seems to have gotten decidedly more dysfunctional since 2005, and I wonder what keeps him engaging rather than moving up to Canada! I’ll be curious to hear his answer…
Haha, that’s the best question I’ve seen yet!
That’s a good question concerning females in leadership and how that overlaps at home. I’m curious what he says about that and I also wonder if he has shifted his views at all on that over the years. Looking forward to hearing from these people in person! See you soon!
Hi Kim!
I enjoyed reading your writing. It was brilliant. I highlighted what you wrote, “How then is a female church leader (pastor, rector, priest, elder, etc.) to negotiate the spiritual authority she has over her congregation when a member of that congregation may well be her husband? Is she still a spiritual authority over him? Or is she to be entirely submissive to her husband as her authority in all things?
I resonate with your thoughts. When I read Fuller’s review of the marriage relationship, I thought he still legitimized the hierarchical and subordinative relationship between husband and wife. My NPO is about marriage enrichment, and in my research, much literature supports that the marriage relationship in Christianity is equal between husband and wife, where Christ is the head.
I look forward to seeing you in DC. Blessings!