Render unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life

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Render unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life

by Charles J. Chaput

4.26 · rating details · 77 ratings · 23 reviews

“People who take God seriously will not remain silent about their faith. They will often disagree about doctrine or policy, but they won’t be quiet. They can’t be. They’ll act on what they believe, sometimes at the cost of their reputations and careers. Obviously the common good demands a respect for other people with different beliefs and a willingness to compromise whene...more“People who take God seriously will not remain silent about their faith. They will often disagree about doctrine or policy, but they won’t be quiet. They can’t be. They’ll act on what they believe, sometimes at the cost of their reputations and careers. Obviously the common good demands a respect for other people with different beliefs and a willingness to compromise whenever possible. But for Catholics, the common good can never mean muting themselves in public debate on foundational issues of human dignity. Christian faith is always personal but never private. This is why any notion of tolerance that tries to reduce faith to private idiosyncrasy, or a set of opinions that we can indulge at home but need to be quiet about in public, will always fail.”
—From the Introduction

Few topics in recent years have ignited as much public debate as the balance between religion and politics. Does religious thought have any place in political discourse? Do religious believers have the right to turn their values into political action? What does it truly mean to have a separation of church and state? The very heart of these important questions is here addressed by one of the leading voices on the topic, Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Denver.

While American society has ample room for believers and nonbelievers alike, Chaput argues, our public life must be considered within the context of its Christian roots. American democracy does not ask its citizens to put aside their deeply held moral and religious beliefs for the sake of public policy. In fact, it requires exactly the opposite.

As the nation’s founders knew very well, people are fallible. The majority of voters, as history has shown again and again, can be uninformed, misinformed, biased, or simply wrong. Thus, to survive, American democracy depends on an engaged citizenry —people of character, including religious believers, fighting for their beliefs in the public square—respectfully but vigorously, and without apology. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the nation’s health. Or as the author suggests: Good manners are not an excuse for political cowardice.

American Catholics and other persons of goodwill are part of a struggle for our nation’s future, says Charles J. Chaput. Our choices, including our political choices, matter. Catholics need to take an active, vocal, and morally consistent role in public debate. We can’t claim to personally believe in the sanctity of the human person, and then act in our public policies as if we don’t. We can’t separate our private convictions from our public actions without diminishing both. In the words of the author, “How we act works backward on our convictions, making them stronger or smothering them under a snowfall of alibis.”

Vivid, provocative, clear, and compelling, Render unto Caesar is a call to American Catholics to serve the highest ideals of their nation by first living their Catholic faith deeply, authentically.(less)

Paperback, 272 pages

Published August 4th 2009 by Image (first published 2008)

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Sep 08, 2008

booklady marked it as possible-purchase · review of another edition

Recommended to booklady by: Mary Alice Moore

Actually this book is a definite purchase. Just read this news piece, 'Just three weeks into the publication of “Render Unto Caesar,” Archbishop Charles Chaput’s new book has made the New York Times Best Seller list. The archbishop’s book is currently one place ahead of “Promises to Keep,” written by Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden.

“Render Unto Caesar” is currently number 27 on the New York Times Nonfiction Best Sellers List for the week of September 14, outpaci...more

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May 04, 2011

Bojan Tunguz rated it

Every two years or so, whenever the US electoral cycle gets back in full swing, there seems to be a renewed interest and controversy concerning the Catholic attitudes and positions in the electoral process. The media seems to be obsessing over the conflicts, real and imaginary, between Catholic politicians and their Church. The lay Catholics seem to be confused and torn between their support for a politician or a cause, and the official teaching of their Church. Various civil liberties groups de...more

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Oct 26, 2010

Michael Cremin rated it

Loved this book. Essentially, Archbishop Chaput lays out the obligations of a Catholic citizen in the United States, and--in no uncertain terms--exhorts Catholics to take their faith into the public and political marketplace. I found virtually nothing to disagree with in this work; it is well written, interesting, and full of lots of totally stealable quotes from smart people like George Orwell and Thomas More. Archbishop Chaput goes over the history of Catholics and politics in America, and dis...moreLoved this book. Essentially, Archbishop Chaput lays out the obligations of a Catholic citizen in the United States, and--in no uncertain terms--exhorts Catholics to take their faith into the public and political marketplace. I found virtually nothing to disagree with in this work; it is well written, interesting, and full of lots of totally stealable quotes from smart people like George Orwell and Thomas More. Archbishop Chaput goes over the history of Catholics and politics in America, and discusses the successes and failures of the Second Vatican Council. He also writes about how Catholics can try to balance the obligations of their faith with the realities of the American political environment. I was most pleases to read Archbishop Chaput's thoughts on what we Catholics call 'the primacy of conscience.' From a man as deeply conservative as him, that was quite refreshing.

But of course, are you a 'conservative' when you are pro-environmental protections, pro-poor people, anti-war, anti-death penalty, anti-violence, anti-racism? Wouldn't all of that make you a liberal...even if you are against abortion, euthanasia, stem-cell research, and gay marriage? Applying political terms like 'conservative' and 'liberal' to Catholics with regard to the teachings of the Church is deeply problematic. Voting through the lens of Catholic social and moral teachings is even more difficult since both of the major political parties in the United States support and oppose key tenets of the Church's teachings. I suppose it's a good think for a follower of Jesus to never feel quite comfortable with any political party or politician...but voting can be difficult. For Catholics, there is a hierarchy of concerns, and at the top of the list is abortion. That doesn't mean a Catholic can't vote for a pro-abortion candidate (I read a whole book on the topic two years ago, Can A Catholic Support Him: Asking the Big Question About Barack Obama by Douglas Kmiec, who is now our ambassador to Malta, so I guess his answer was yes). It does mean, however, that you are a very treacherous and slippery slope if you do.

So, I loved Chaput's book. Well written, interesting, and fairly brief. Highly recommended for pro-life, anti-war, Green conservatives like me. Which means pretty much just me. (less)

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Sep 22, 2008

Elizabeth marked it as to-read · review of another edition

I heard Archbishop Chaput interviewed on the radio a few days ago and was very impressed by what he had to say and how he said it. "Render Unto Caesar" was discussed and that's why it's now on my "to be read" list. In fact, it's in the mail from Amazon right now. Looking forward to this. If the book is half as eloquent on the page as the Archbishop is on the radio, it will be a good read.

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May 01, 2009

Charles rated it

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In this book the Archbishop of Denver makes no apologies for wanting Catholics to integrate their faith with their actions in the polling booth. He's not advocating for a theocracy--just consistency on an individual level. Extra points to him for this passage:

"The sooner Catholics feel at home in any political party, the sooner that party takes them for granted and then ignores their concerns. Party loyalty for the sake of habit, or family tradition, or ethnic or class intere...more

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Dec 02, 2008

Catherine rated it

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This book is a very easy read. The first chapter is excellent, gives you a little insight into why it is so important to be accounted for. Then there's a couple of chapters on the history of Church and State. And then there is a brilliant chapter on the power and poverty of languages. It's a book that you need to have a pencil with you to underline some great quotes, pearls of wisdom, ways of explaining things. Excellent. I have recommended to alot of people and they have equally enjoyed it. Alt...more

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Jun 06, 2011

Julie Davis rated it

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Shelves: 2009, faith, nonfiction, review-copy, 2011, catholic, reread, book-club

For the June discussion at the Elements of Faith (Catholic women's book club). Having reread the book, my original review still holds true, as follows, including the speed with which I read it:

A Tasty Salad of Politics, American History, and Catholicism: Render Unto Caesar

This is a brilliant book. Overall it is an examination of how to be Catholic and involved in political life. In the United States, this actually applies to each and every Catholic. How we weigh which candida...moreFor the June discussion at the Elements of Faith (Catholic women's book club). Having reread the book, my original review still holds true, as follows, including the speed with which I read it:

A Tasty Salad of Politics, American History, and Catholicism: Render Unto Caesar

This is a brilliant book. Overall it is an examination of how to be Catholic and involved in political life. In the United States, this actually applies to each and every Catholic. How we weigh which candidates to vote for, how we decide which public issues to become involved in, how we even evaluate what the media tells us about the world at large, should all be examined through a lens of Catholic faith.

For me, just as important is Chaput's examination of the history of Catholics in America. He doesn't dwell on the oft-mentioned "persecuted minority" that many Catholic histories mention, but instead focuses on why history teaches us it is important to be involved in government. As Chaput says, "Christian faith is always personal but never private."

It is difficult to be more eloquent than previous reviewers. What I can tell you is that, unlikely as it seems, I read this book in a dead heat in the space of a week. It captivated me with the well-stated, compelling reasoning that is Chaput's hallmark. I also really respect Chaput for his ability to be very even-handed. That is established firmly at the very beginning with the list of what the book is not, which I offer in abbreviated excerpt below.

Let me explain what this book will not do. It will not endorse any political party or candidate. Both major U.S. political parties have plenty of good people in their ranks. Neither party fully represents a Catholic way of thinking about social issues. One of the lessons we need to learn from the last fifty years is that a preferred American "Catholic" party doesn't exist. ...

This book will not feed anyone's nostalgia for a Catholic golden age. The past usually looks better as it fades in the rearview mirror. ... After listening to some ten thousand personal confessions over thirty-seven years of priesthood, I'm very confident that the details of daily life change over time but human nature doesn't. ...

This book will not be an academic study or a work of formal scholarship. ... On the other hand, this book certainly does claim to be a statement of common sense amply supported by history, public record, and fact. ...

Finally, this book doesn't offer any grand theory. It does offer thoughts based on my nineteen years as an American Catholic bishop and my interest in our common history. I believe that our nation's public life, like Christianity itself is meant for everyone, and everyone has a duty to contribute to it. The American experiment depends on the active involvement of all its citizens, not just lobbyists, experts, think tanks, and the mass media. for Catholics, politics--the pursuit of justice and the common good--is part of the history of salvation. No one is a minor actor in that drama. Each person is important ...

... Ultimately I believe that all of us who call ourselves American and Catholic need to recover what it really means to be "Catholic." "We also need to find again the courage to be Catholic Christians first--not in opposition to our country, but to serve its best ideals.

(less)

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Oct 21, 2008

Abe rated it

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Recommends it for: anyone frustrated with politics

Recommended to Abe by: booklady

Reading this book is like sitting down with a bishop and discussing politics, which is something most of us don't get to do every day. It's not focused on the 2008 elections as some of the ads might imply, rather it's more like an overview of how the Catholic Church has influenced politics over the course of the last 50 years.

In the past, around the time of JFK, before abortion was a national issue, Catholics tended to be loyal to the Democratic party. However, as Archbishop Chaput...more

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Aug 09, 2009

Nick rated it

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Shelves: faith, politics

a priest I had only corresponded with suggested I read this book, and I am glad he did. Bishop Chaput makes the case for the involvement of people of faith in the public square, but he goes beyond that to make the case that we cannot be people o9f faith unless we engage with the issues of our day from the perspective of our beliefs.

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Jul 26, 2011

Joseph rated it

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Shelves: catholic

The book is fantastic. I think all Catholic Americans should read it, because he explains what patriotism is and should be, as well as making a good argument as to why we should become informed about the world around us and to prompt us into action and service.

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Dec 01, 2008

Dan rated it

· review of another edition

An inspiring and informative book.

I'd advising anyone to read it, particularly those who have concerns regarding Separation of Church and State as apposed to separation of faith in politics.

I'll probably read this book again.

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Aug 22, 2009

Valerie rated it

· review of another edition

Part 3 - DONE! Best Chapter - Chapter 8 - Talks about Stephen Colbert and "truthiness". I suppose Catholic scholars would like this book.

Part 2...I am having a very hard time getting through this - I am impressed my teenager made it through - of course, he didn't have a choice- it was assigned. Now he has to write a paper on it!

Part 1...I am reading this becase my 17 year old has to read it as part of the summer reading program for hs high school!

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Jun 18, 2009

Ryan rated it

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Shelves: favorites

Archbishop Chaput debunks the myths of the modern day interpretation of "separation of church and state." Every Christian MUST-READ.

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Jan 04, 2012

Emily rated it

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Shelves: catholica

A must-read for all American Catholics. Clear, concise, engaging--and to the point.

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Jan 25, 2012

Melissa McGuire rated it

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Shelves: st-barts-library-books

Title of the book is Render Unto Caesar. Excellent read.

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May 27, 2010

John Clark rated it

· review of another edition

The title of this book is really well chosen. Jesus's response to the Pharisees has always been a mystery to me. This book provides some useful discussion about this interaction, and provides a good platform for the reader to contemplate its meaning, but it is telling that I am still not clear on what Jesus meant after reading this book. Chaput preaches a strong sermon about the need for Catholics to engage, rather than retreat from, the world, but even so it seems like he isn't sure what for...more

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Dec 08, 2009

Erik marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: catholic

Excerpt in Columbia magazine was a good read.

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Feb 26, 2010

Kevin Heldt rated it

· review of another edition

I had high expectations because I've read several AMAZING essays from Chaput, but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It may be my fault but I couldn't discern a clear "intention" in what he was trying to do. A few sections were excellent, but the main thing that drew me to him in his other writings: his unapologetic and hard-hitting defense of unpopular truth, didn't seem as on display in large portions of the book.

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Oct 18, 2009

Jeremy rated it

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Shelves: spirituality

This is a book, by Denver's Bishop Chaput, about the role of faith in politics. Let me save you some very dry reading (think a slightly hopped up Catechism) - the state has a duty to stay out of church matters, but the church is an integral voice in our government.
Chaput has some good American history and nice anecdotes to back up his points, but this is redundant. Feels like this started as an article that was forced to be turned into a book.

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Oct 23, 2008

Helen rated it

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Shelves: catholic

I find I am doing a LOT of underlining! Quote from page 4: "Self censorship is an even bigger mistake than allowing ourselves to be lectured by people with little sympathy for our beliefs."

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Sep 17, 2008

Ann Seeton is currently reading it · review of another edition

I enjoyed the non-partisan discussion of the importance our faith ought to have in forming our world view and thus acting as an aid in making good voting choices.

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Oct 27, 2008

Geoffrey rated it

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An excellent book every Catholic in America should read and consider.

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Oct 27, 2011

Mary added it · review of another edition

Outstanding book. I had problems putting this book down.

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Feb 08, 2012

Harrison Ayre added it

Shelves: seminary

Feb 08, 2012

Catherine marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Feb 08, 2012

Mbartle3 rated it

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Feb 04, 2012

Rich G. rated it

Jan 31, 2012

Chris marked it as to-read

Jan 28, 2012

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Jan 25, 2012

Dona marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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