RULER OF KINGS PB

We are living in an era where the cult of the expert enables the increasing encroachment of civil government into areas of cultural and societal life where it does not belong. This growing statism must be countered by a distinctly Christian response.

But what should a Christian proposal for social order look like? In this book, Joe Boot critiques the world as it is today and provides the critical basis for a Christian response to the socio-political crisis of our time. Ruler of Kings is contextual and current, but its solutions are biblically rooted and therefore enduring.

Portions of this book are excerpted from other works, also by Joe Boot, and published by Ezra Press and the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity:

- For Government: Towards a Christian View of authority (2020)
- For Politics: The Christian, the Church and the State (2021)
- For the Kingdom of God: a Scriptural Response to a Utopian Social Vision (2021)

Using rigorous theological, philosophical and historical analysis, the author challenges traditional Western church leaders' assumptions and responses to Christian participation in cultural, socio-economic and political life. In its place, he sets out a clearly articulated and scripturally grounded political vision.

As reviewed by Stephen McQuoid, GLO Europe General Director

"This book is essentially about a Christian vision of government. Boot is the founder of the Ezra Institute and is well known for his books on politics and culture. In this one he examines the role of the enlightenment in building the foundation for the deification of human wisdom which, during the pandemic was exemplified by the central place given to ‘experts’ whose voice was expected to be listened to. He then focuses on the concept of biblical nationhood and suggests that this notion is itself under threat as a result of utopian visions of globalisation. From here he examines the roots of secularism and the huge influence it has exerted on liberal democracies, especially in the wake of the French revolution.

He concludes that liberal democracy needs a belief system and a moral compass, which secularism cannot provide and warns that Christianity in particular ends up being marginalised in our secular society.

In the final chapter two chapters Boot draws his argument together and notes that throughout history the church and state have had an uncomfortable relationship and often the distinction between the two has been blurred. At times the church has wielded too much power in society, and at times the state has overreached and tried to adjudicate in areas where it should not. However, the Christian calling is to play an active part in the life of the state and of culture and to seek renewal. While he does not flesh out what this should look like in practice, it is a useful reminder that we cannot remain in hiding behind our church walls, but rather we need to engage with culture at large."

Product details
Paperback : 214 pages
ISBN: 9781916121133