Which Door Fall 1995

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

The Soul of Politics by Jim Wallis (Orbis, 1994 and Harvest/Harcourt Brace, 1995), 327 pp.

The New World Order by Pat Robertson (Word, 1991), 319 pp.

Though Jim Wallis and Pat Robertson occupy opposite ends of the evangelical political spectrum, they actually have much in common. Pat Robertson, of course, is founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, the 700 Club, Regent University in Virginia Beach, and the Christian Coalition, and is the hero and leader of the large and politically influential evangelical right. Wallis is founder of Sojourners, an "intentional community" located in Washington, DC, and editor of a magazine of the same name. He is the hero and facilitator of the small and almost politically irrelevant evangelical left.

Beginning with Mark Noll's discussion of evangelical political reflection in The Scandal of the

Evangelical Mind, however, I want to suggest that these ideological differences, profound as they appear, should not obscure what the two have in common. Like twins separated at birth, they share a striking family resemblance.

Noll calls our attention to the famous "Cross of Gold" speech by that great evangelical Williams Jennings Bryan in the platform debate at the 1896 Democratic national convention. Bryan did not hesitate to employ the most sacred of Christian symbols: "If protection has slain its thousands, the gold standard has slain its ten thousands," and "You shall not press down upon the brow of labor this crown of thorns, you shall not crucify mankind upon a cross of gold." "Never before in the history of the country," declared Bryan, "has there been witnessed such a contest" as that taking place over....

Over what? Monetary policy.

No major group of twentieth-century evangelicals has shared ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.