Written by: Eric Basye on April 5, 2023

Dr. David Koyzis received a PhD in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame, where he taught for more than thirty years at Redeemer University College. As stated on Global Scholars Canada, Koyzis’ mission statement is

to disseminate to the larger world the riches of a Reformed Christian worldview, especially as it impinges on social and political life. More specifically, I aim:

1. 1. to expose the idolatrous religious nature of political ideologies and their implications for our shared public life;

   2. to affirm the role of authority in human flourishing; and

   3. to connect our political cultures with the institutions they nurture.[1]

To fulfill this mission, Koyzis leans heavily on two major works, We Answer to Another and Political Visions & Illusions, the focal point of this blog. The book critically examines contemporary ideologies from a Christian perspective and specifically addresses liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, socialism, and feminism. The author then provides a Christian critique of each ideology, citing the strengths and weaknesses and how they fall short of a biblical understanding of humans and our purpose in society. Ultimately, the author argues that each of these ideologies is flawed and unsustainable in that they provide a worldview that is ultimately incompatible with the Christian faith and thus leads to a distorted view of human nature, society, and politics. Some critics have suggested that this Christian framework has been too simplistic and a weakness, whereas others see this as a strength.[2]

The author states, “it seems best to begin, not with anthropology, but with cosmology or, more properly, basic worldview. This worldview is rooted in the redemptive historical narrative found in Scripture.”[3] With this framework in mind, Koyzis address the accusation that Christians are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good. He says,

For the biblically astute Christian, however, there are no “sacred” or “secular” occupations, only obedient and disobedient ones. The obedient farmer or carpenter is as much in full-time Christian service as the pastor or missionary. The same can be said of the civil magistrate, whose calling Calvin esteemed in the highest terms.[4]

Concluding this expansive volume, Koyzis exhorts the following:

The assurance of God’s ultimate victory means, not that we are excused from the hard work of fleshing out the command to do justice, but that we know the end of the story in advance. We do not know how the twists and turns in the ongoing plot will contribute to the final chapter, despite some Christians’ efforts to seek such knowledge. We cannot know how soon Christ will return to bring his kingdom to its promised plentitude. It may be tomorrow. It may be a thousand years from now. Nor can we know the extent to which our own fallible labors will contribute to its advance. But we do know that the finale will come and that God sees fit to use our own frail efforts for his own purpose and glory. In short, every act of doing justice, whether in the political or other realms, is a signpost to the coming of God’s final reign of justice over the new heaven and earth.[5] (bold print mine)

Upon my first read of Political Visions & Illusions, I found the book overwhelming by its exhaustive discourse. However, in reading various academic reviews of Koyzis’ work, I have a greater appreciation of this masterpiece. In particular, Koyzis’ confidence (and reminder) that we know the end of the story – Christ IS victorious, and His kingdom is coming. While we may not know the final hour, we can live and engage with the courage to do works of justice, knowing that even our most vain efforts will be used by Him to fulfill His purpose for His glory. In conclusion, Koyzis’ final words seem most fitting, “Soli Deo gloria! To God alone be the glory!”[6]

[1] “David Koyzis,” n.d., accessed March 26, 2023, http://www.globalscholarscanada.ca/about/gsc-scholars/david-koyzis-2/.

[2] David W. Hall, “Review of ‘Political Visions and Illusions: A Survey and Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies’ by David T. Koyzis,” Journal of Markets and Morality 7, no. 1 (2004), accessed March 26, 2023, https://www.proquest.com/docview/1438892172/abstract/ED56E20F354E4BDBPQ/1.

[3] David Theodore Koyzis, Political Visions & Illusions: A Survey & Christian Critique of Contemporary Ideologies, Second Edition. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2019), 191.

[4] Ibid., 192.

[5] Ibid., 273.

[6] Ibid.

About the Author

Eric Basye

Disciple, husband, and father, committed to seeking shalom.

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