David T. Koyzis

What you believe about politics matters. The decades since the Cold War, with new alignments of post–9/11 global politics and the chaos of the late 2010s, are swirling with alternative visions of political life, ranging from ethnic nationalism to individualistic liberalism.Political ideologies are not merely a matter of governmental efficacy, but are intrinsically and inescapably religious: each carries certain assumptions about the nature of reality, individuals and society, as well as a particular vision for the common good. These fundamental beliefs transcend the political sphere, and the astute Christian observer can discern the ways—sometimes subtle, sometimes not—in which ideologies are rooted in idolatrous worldviews.In this freshly updated, comprehensive study, political scientist David Koyzis surveys the key political ideologies of our era, including liberalism, conservatism, nationalism, democracy, and socialism. Koyzis gives each philosophy careful analysis and fair critique, unpacking the worldview issues inherent to each and pointing out essential strengths and weaknesses, as well as revealing the "narrative structure" of each—the stories they tell to make sense of public life and the direction of history. Koyzis concludes by proposing alternative models that flow out of Christianity's historic engagement with the public square, retrieving approaches for both individuals and the global, institutional church that hold promise for the complex political realities of the twenty-first century.Writing with broad international perspective and keen analytical insight, Koyzis is a sane and sensible guide for Christians working in the public square, culture watchers, political pundits, and all students of modern political thought.

The quest to escape authority has been a persistent feature of the modern world, animating liberals and Marxists, Westerners and non-Westerners alike. Yet what if it turns out that authority is intrinsic to humanity? What if authority is characteristic of everything we are and do as those created in God's image, even when we claim to be free of it? What if kings and commoners, teachers and students, employers and employees all possess authority?This book argues that authority cannot be identified with mere power, is not to be played off against freedom, and is not a mere social construction. Rather it is resident in an office given us by God himself at creation. This central office is in turn dispersed into a variety of offices relevant to our different life activities in a wide array of communal settings. Far from being a conservative bromide, the call to respect authority is foundational to respect for humanity itself.

LO QUE CREES SOBRE LA POLÍTICA IMPORTAEn las últimas décadas se han multiplicado las visiones alternativas de la vida política, desde el nacionalismo étnico hasta el liberalismo individualista , visiones que han irrumpido en los titulares de los periódicos de innumerables formas.Las ideologías políticas no son una mera cuestión de eficacia gubernamental, sino que son intrínsecas e ineludiblemente cada una de ellas conlleva ciertos supuestos sobre la naturaleza de la realidad, los individuos y la sociedad, así como una visión particular del bien común. Estas creencias fundamentales trascienden la esfera política, y el observador cristiano astuto puede discernir las formas -a veces sutiles, a veces no- en que las ideologías políticas están arraigadas en cosmovisiones idólatras.En este exhaustivo estudio, el reconocido politólogo evangélico David Koyzis pasa revista a las principales ideologías políticas de nuestra época, entre ellas el liberalismo, el conservadurismo, el nacionalismo, la democracia y el socialismo, analizando detenidamente cada una de ellas, y ofreciendo una crítica erudita e imparcial. El Dr. Koyzis concluye proponiendo modelos alternativos de política que surgen del compromiso histórico del cristianismo con la esfera pública por siglos.Características principales“Visiones e ilusiones políticas es un texto absolutamente indispensable escrito por el teórico político evangélico más significativo de nuestros días”Bruce R. AshfordLa primera edición de este excelente libro mostraba, con una prosa viva y erudita, cómo las ideas bíblicas sobre la idolatría iluminan nuestra vida política. Esta edición ampliada aumenta su alcance y delinea los nuevos desafíos a los que nos enfrentamos. Sin duda es una lectura indispensable.Paul Marshall, Profesor de Libertad Religiosa Jerry y Susie Wilson, Universidad de BaylorDAVID T. KOYZIS (PhD, Universidad de Notre Dame). Ha sido profesor de ciencias políticas durante treinta años. El Dr. Koyzis es autor de varios libros y es considerado el más importante teórico político evangélico de los tiempos modernos.

How can Christians live as citizens of God's kingdom while also fulfilling their responsibilities as citizens of political communities? David Koyzis, author of Political Visions and Illusions, offers a brief, practical guide on political engagement and citizenship.During numerous conversations with students and readers of his books in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Chile, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, Koyzis has heard the same questions repeated. Can Christians participate in the public square without buying in to political illusions—ideologies that become idolatrous? Is it better to avoid politics than risk ethical compromise or division among believers? In Citizenship Without Illusions, Koyzis presents a case for political engagement as a way to love our neighbors that doesn't require our full devotion to parties or ideologies. He explores key topics such the responsibilities of citizenshow to votemobilizing for political actioncitizenship under less-than-ideal circumstancesthe importance of both local and global engagementthe role of the church in societyUsing examples from various eras and places, Koyzis guides readers to make the best of their own political situations, make thoughtful decisions, and promote societal diversity while respecting those who disagree. With clear understanding and confidence in their ultimate allegiance, Christians can employ their citizenship for the greater good.