Exiles by Preston Sprinkle Book Review

About the Book:

A thoughtful exploration of the intersection of faith and politics, Exiles asks: What if we considered ourselves “exiles in Babylon” and turned to Scripture, not political parties, to shape our most passionate values?
 
Politics are dividing our churches like never before. New York Times–bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle reminds us that the first-century church was not an apolitical gathering, where Christians left their Roman politics at the door. It also wasn’t a place where Christians mounted a Roman flag next to—or above—a Christian one. Church was a place where God’s plan for governing the world was revealed, where one could witness what it means to follow the Creator’s design for human flourishing.
 
In this timely book, Preston explores why:
 

• Israel’s exile to Babylon profoundly shaped the political identity of God’s people—and still does today.

• Christians should see themselves as foreigners in the country where they live.

• The gospel of Jesus’ kingdom was politically subversive.

• The church today should view its political identity as fundamentally separate from the empire.

 
Total allegiance to a political party dilutes the church’s witness. Discover a more biblical, powerful way to live in a secular world. Discover what it means to live in exile.

You can watch the book trailer here. This book releases March 5, 2024.

My Review:

How does the church engage the world? Sprinkle argues the exile in Babylon is an example of how Christians are to be in this world. He gives us much to think about in living under God's rule in a Babylonian world, exiles in a foreign empire. He explores three approaches: detachment, transformation, and prophetic witness.

We are encouraged to soak ourselves in Scripture and let it be the lens as to how we view earthly politics. Our views are to be formed by what God says on matters rather than trying to put a Christian-ish rational on already formed political opinions. “Whatever involvement Christians have with the kingdoms of this world, we must live as people who belong to a different kingdom empowered by sacrifice, forgiveness, reconciliation and enemy love.” (143)

“We don't see the church resisting empire by collaborating with who they think are the best rulers of the empire.” (149) Sprinkle notes that when the church has become too enmeshed with the state's power, it has not gone well. (158) Also, Christians should be nauseated when we hear one political party dehumanizing another. (176)

I highly recommend this book. Sprinkle gives Christians much to think about in how we engage our world, especially politics. This would be a good book for a church adult education class. It would stimulate much personal reflection and lively discussion. He left me with the hope that this November, whoever gets elected in the USA, Christ is still king.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

About the Author:

New York Times–bestselling author Dr. Preston M. Sprinkle has written more than a dozen books. He serves as the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender and the host of the Theology in the Raw podcast.

David C Cook, 225 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)