Theology of Political Vocation

Power, money, endless competition. A zero-sum game. Politics as usual. Only the hearty or craven need apply. The political actors have lost sight of the politics of a common good. A Theology of Political Vocation takes up the question of public life precisely where most discussions end. Proving that moral ambiguity does not exclude moral possibility, author John Senior crafts a theology of political vocation not satisfied simply by theologies of sin and grace and philosophical theories of power. For Senior, political theology moves beyond merely staking a claim within a public conversation, a move that prizes discursive skills and aims at consensus concerning shared norms and values. Political theology must offer an account of a political vocation. Senior connects political deliberation to moral judgment, explores use and consequence of power, analyzes political conflict and competition, and limns the ethics of negotiation and compromise. In light of this richer understanding of political vocation, Senior develops theological resources appropriate to a variety of ecologiesâordinary citizens, political activists, and elected officials. A Theology of Political Vocation shows how Christian politicians can work faithfully within the moral ambiguity of political life to orient their workâand indeed, their very selvesâtoward the common good.

During a time when the doctrine of vocation is looked upon with suspicion and politics with cynicism, John Senior has crafted a wonderful book that is a thoughtful exploration of vocation and a compelling view of politics. In a lucid and disciplined way, he brings vocation and politics together, not by elevating them beyond belief, but by crafting a theological defense of the unavoidable moral ambiguity of both. He thereby shapes an argument for the operational benefits and moral significance of treating politics as vocation. Mark Douglas, Professor of Christian Ethics, Columbia Theological Seminary, John Senior has brought off an unusual project with great aplomb: a theology for the Christian political actor. Drawing upon a vast array of ancient to contemporary authors he constructs a foundational theological perspective on politics as a vocation. Systematically moving through every facet of political life, Senior offers great insight into what it might mean to be a politician who is at the same time Christian. Robert Benne, Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus at Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia and founder of its Benne Center for Religion and Society, As someone currently called into a political role, I am grateful for the insight that John Senior brings. Given today's political climate, Senior's thesis is an important one: Christians should not shy away from political service, but should engage with a spirit of being about God's work rather than the passionate pursuit of our own political success. -- Bill Haslam, Governor of Tennessee, This book is quite original, with numerous interesting, even profound, insights... Senior's analysis is a helpful one and indeed could beemployed in the service of a more radical politics than his approach seems to imply. This book is well worth reading. -- Murray Jardine, Auburn University -- Journal of Church and State, A timely and needed book. -- Choice

John E. Senior is Assistant Teaching Professor of Ethics and Society and Director of the Art of Ministry Program at Wake Forest University School of Divinity.