Publisher's Synopsis
Jesus an anarchist? That doesn't sound like the Jesus preached by the political establishment, mega church pastors, or even most small town ministers. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God that makes all other political loyalties inconsequential. In this collection of essays, theologian Cody Cook gives the biblical answer to the question of how Christians are supposed to relate to the state.
Endorsements:"We learn most by engaging thought in community, and Cody Cook's essays are a solid contribution to the discussion over Christian politics, pacifism, and the legitimacy of the state. Readers are challenged with profound arguments for better readings of important biblical texts and reconsideration of traditionally accepted formulations of theology. All will come away with a deeper understanding of how imperative it is for Christians to think in a Christlike manner."
- Doug Stuart, CEO, Libertarian Christian Institute "What is God's alternative to the violent, unjust, and oppressive human systems of government that deform the lives of so many human beings? The answer: the church, a new community of people saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus and living out his kingdom values. So often, however, the church goes badly wrong and ends up mimicking the evil of the world. This book gives glimpses into where we go wrong and how we can do things better."
- Nick Megoran, Professor of Political Geography at Newcastle University and Minister of Wallsend Baptist Church, and author of 2017 Wipf & Stock book Warlike Christians in an Age of Violence "For any politically-minded follower of Jesus the question of one's posture toward power is a fundamental one. To resolve the tension between temporal kingdoms and the King of Kings, Cody offers a thorough yet concise view of the arguments and scripture at hand. In typical fashion Cody has given Christians another even handed treatment of a controversial topic with prayerful consideration, grace, and precision. What Belongs to Caesar? is a perfect entry into a lifetime of the liberty only Christ provides."
- J. A. Dangelo, AntiWarWarVet.com "Christian voters often claim biblical support for their conviction that this or that candidate, or even this or that political party, is to be preferred over the other. Rarely, however, are they as genuinely thoughtful, comprehensive, and rigorous in their application of Scripture to government, politics, and voting, as Cody Cook is in What Belongs to Caesar? Readers may find legitimate fault in and disagree with some of Cook's arguments, but it will not be easy, and it will force them to take a much closer and more careful look at the Bible than they're probably accustomed to doing."
- Christopher M. Date, Adjunct Professor of Bible and Theology, Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary
