A Theology of Political Vocation

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.

Acknowledgments Introduction: Statecraft in a Machiavellian Age 1. What Is a Political Vocation? 2. Responsibility and Representation 3. Vocation and Formation in Political Space 4. The Moral Ambiguity of Political Space 5. The Journey of Political Vocation 6. The Project of Political Vocation 7. Irony as a Political Virtue 8. Good Political Competition Conclusion: The Possibility of Political Vocation

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