The Political Teachings of Jesus

June 1, 2007
Conservative thinker Lindberg (research fellow, Hoover Inst.) presents a close, detailed study of the Gospels focusing on Jesus's secular teaching about worldly affairs. Lindberg has chosen not to identify the words of Jesus as Christian but as "Jesusian" (a Jesusian society is one in which the freedom of each person is recognized, influenced, and equalized in his or her interaction with another person). Examining the Gospels, parables, and stories within the New Testament, he illustrates the basic principles of the political thought Jesus reinforced in his life and teachings through examining, e.g., Jesus's interactions with a tax collector and his Sermon on the Mount. Lindberg does make his point that Jesus and his ideals have had a considerable impact on religious, political, and legal teachings throughout the ages; the golden rule of treating others as you would want to be treated is a political standard to be achieved in both liberal and conservative parties. The premise of Jesusian is a high ideal for a very firmly entrenched modern society and may require a miraculous intervention for a return to a world of equality of freedom. More debate is likely. Best suited for academic religious and legal studies collections.L. Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., IA

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