“It is intolerable presumption for us to put our trust in creatures and to ground ourselves upon them, and yet there is no fault more common in all the world. We can say well enough that it is not lawful, and that we ought not to do it, but meanwhile everyone does it. Now, let us remember ourselves, for there is nothing that God holds more dear or whereof he makes greater account than His honor. Neither is it sufficient for us to leave Him the mere title and name of God. He must be known as He is; that is to say, that all power lies in Him; that He is the fountain of all manner of grace and goodness; that it is His proper office to maintain and preserve us; that our life is in His hand along with all things that pertain thereto. When we have thought well upon this, let us take order to gather our wits about us, so that we are not grounded upon creatures.” (John Calvin, Sermon on Deuteronomy 28:49-58)
Daily Archives: September 7, 2011
Defending Constantine
Defending Constantine by Peter J. Leithart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An very good book that challenges much modern thinking on the relationship between politics and the church. It starts slow, as he covers the historical time frame leading up to Constantine appearing on the scene. But the book picks up steam from there. I like that he used John Howard Yoder as a foil. Yoder is a good opponent who provides some solid critiques of just war theory. By using someone as accomplished as Yoder, Leithart’s arguments are strengthened. The final chapter is the best I have read on applying the Sermon on the Mount to politics and giving a biblical view of empire. One of the best books I have read on political theology.
Singing & Slaying 