Is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat?: And 14 Other Polarizing Issues

by Tony Campolo

Tony Campolo sounds a call for Christians to address controversial issues honestly and courageously, without bowing to political correctness or party lines. Clear thinking, straight shooting, and thoroughly committed to the relevance of the gospel in today's world, Tony penetrates our complacency with arguments that are sometimes unpredictable, sometimes infuriating, but always loving and never blind.

Genres: Politics, Christian, Faith, Religion, Christianity

181 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

Anthony Campolo was an American sociologist, Baptist pastor, author, public speaker, and spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. Campolo was known as one of the most influential leaders in the evangelical left and was a major proponent of progressive thought and reform within the evangelical community. He also became a leader of the Red-Letter Christian movement, which aims to put emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Campolo was a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and had been a guest on programs such as The Colbert Report, The Charlie Rose Show, Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, Politically Incorrect and The Hour.

Reviews

[Gideon Yutzy]

Published in 1995 so a little dated in some of the content, but the ideas still apply. Campolo tries to treat 15 controversial subjects (smoking, TV, Christian talk shows, climate care, etc.) in a fresh, honest way. I think the fact that he is so unpredictable on his conclusions indicates that he succeeded in that attempt. I appreciate what he says about TV and how the entertainment industry is one of the worst modern day oppressors in that they deprive people of the ability to read books and develop skills and also that they normalize debauched sexual behavior. All told he probably leans left more than right so if he was trying to be completely balanced he may not have pulled it off.

[Riley]

Can't give a fair rating to this book because I only bought it as a joke, but unfortunately the answer to the title question was nuanced.

Like I mean, I'm glad he wasn't painfully biased one way or the other, but it would've been funnier if he was.

[Tracy]

Even though this was written in 1995, the issues are still pertinent today. Really enjoyed reading this.

[Joe]

Given the "season" of the year AND the year, I thought this book was very appropriate. To be honest, I expected it to be VERY slanted for the Republican side given the fact that Tony Campolo calls himself and Evangelical. He set me straight on several counts and I found his treatment of the 16 issues including such controversial topics as homosexuality, abortion, gun control and environmental issues fairly even-handed and reasonable. I did not agree with his thinking all all counts, but felt, for the most part it was fair.

[Rick]

True confession: I listened to the audio book on this one as opposed to actually reading it [hope that counts.] Campolo is a polarizing entity: either you love him or you don't. I prefer to try to chew the meat and spit out the bones. Some good insights.