Kingdoms in Conflict

by Charles W. Colson

How should Christians live their faith in the public arena? Twenty years ago, the first edition of Chuck Colson's Kingdoms in Conflict became a bestseller, a must-read for people interested in politics and the relationship between church and state. Now, with a passion for truth and moved by the urgency of the times we live in, Colson has written God and Government, re-voicing his powerful and enduring message for our post-9/11 world.In an era when Christianity is being attacked from every side—books being written charging Christians with being theocrats and trying to impose their views on an unwilling culture—what is the message of the Christian church? What does the Bible say, and what do we learn from history about the proper relationship between faith and culture? Appealing to scripture, reason, and history, this book tackles society's most pressing and divisive issues. New stories and examples reflect the realities of today, from the clash with radical Islam to the deep division between 'reds' and 'blues.' In an era of angry finger-pointing, Colson furnishes a unique insider's perspective that can't be pigeonholed as either 'religious right' or 'religious left.' Whatever your political or religious stance, this book will give you a different understanding of Christianity. If you're a Christian, it will help you to both examine and defend your faith. If you've been critical of the new religious right, you'll be shocked at what you learn. Probing both secular and religious values, God and Government critiques each fairly, sides with neither, and offers a hopeful, fair-minded perspective that is sorely needed in today's hyper-charged atmosphere.

Genres: Christian, Politics, Theology, Christian Living, Religion, Christianity, Cultural

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Almost 40 years ago, Charles W. Colson was not thinking about reaching out to prison inmates or reforming the U.S. penal system. In fact, this aide to President Richard Nixon was "incapable of humanitarian thought," according to the media of the mid-1970s. Colson was known as the White House "hatchet man," a man feared by even the most powerful politicos during his four years of service to Nixon.

When news of Colson's conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, The Boston Globe reported, "If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody." Colson would agree.

In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges; although not implicated in the Watergate burglary, he voluntarily pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Daniel Ellsberg Case. He entered Alabama's Maxwell Prison in 1974 as a new Christian and as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. He served seven months of a one- to three-year sentence.

After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. Today, Colson remains a member of the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

A sought-after speaker, Colson has written more than 30 books, which collectively have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Another bestseller, co-authored by Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Live, is considered one of the most important books written on the subject of Christian worldview. His most recent book, The Faith, is a powerful appeal to the Church to re-embrace the foundational truths of Christianity.

In 1991 Colson launched BreakPoint, a unique radio commentary that provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. BreakPoint is currently aired weekdays to more than 1,300 outlets nationwide that reach and estimated 2 million listeners.

Today Colson is focused full time on developing other Christian leaders who can influence the culture and their communities through their faith. The capstone of this effort is The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an online research and training center launched in 2009 for the promotion of Christian worldview teaching. In addition to a vast library of worldview materials, the Colson Center provides online courses and serves as a catalyst for a growing movement of Christian organizations dedicated to impacting the culture. The Colson Center website also hosts Colson's popular weekly Two-Minute Warning video commentary aimed at engaging a younger generation with a biblical perspective on cultural issues.

In 2009, Colson was a principal writer of the Manhattan Declaration, which calls on Christians to defend the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Nearly half a million people have signed the Manhattan Declaration. Collaborating with other Christian ministries, BreakPoint aims to launch other ecumenical grassroots movements around moral and ethical issues of great concern.

In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson's other awards have included the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor (2008); the Humanitarian Award from Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award from The Salvation Army (1990); the Outstanding Young Man of Boston from the Boston Chamber of Commerce (1960); and several honorary doctorates from various colleges and universities (1982-2000).

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, as a general read but especially for those interested in the merging of politics with religion. Colson writes in a free-flowing and easy to read fashion, mixing in a good variety of personal stories and experiences, historical stories and references, and modern day theories and realities regarding his topic(s) of choice. This takes the monotony out of what might otherwise could have been considered a "boring" topic. Colson's main emphasis, outlined from the very beginning, is that there are two "kingdoms" that exist: the kingdom of man, and the ultimate authority Kingdom of God. In order for an earthly society to exist and continue to exist, BOTH kingdoms must be present, Colson argues, and both must work TOGETHER, in tandem, towards accomplishing their explicit (Bible-mandated) priorities: the Kingdom of God - evangelizing and spreading the Gospel of Christ; the kingdom of man - maintaining law, order, and justice in society through the traditional structures of government and laws. Using this as his main thesis, Colson weaves in many other topics, including arguing AGAINST the often said theory that "politics and religion should not mix." As Christians, we have a right, God-given responsibility, and solemn duty to participate in the political realm - whatever that might mean - working to ensure that the two kingdoms are given legitimacy and that the moral underpinnings of society are maintained. However, Colson lays out a strong argument that Christians should in no way act to undermine the government (the kingdom of man), imposing Christianity - or setting up a theocracy - on society. It is true that we need both kingdoms to exist and flourish in their God-given roles in order to maintain a healthy and balanced society.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when the church becomes the state - as the Catholic church did? What happens when the state controls the church - as in Nazi Germany? And what is the proper balance between church and state?

Interesting and provocative. Good read only for the explaination of the role, and failure, of the church in Nazi Germany, but there is much more here. Food for thought on the subject of how too much coziness between the church and state corrupts the church, and hinders it from doing what it is meant to do - stand seperate from earthy power and be independant voice, free from the corruption earthy power brings.

[Elijah Abanto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite of the use of Catholic examples to make his point (which we need to be careful of), Colson effectively writes a truly insider's view of the boundaries between faith and politics. The church is supposed to be the salt and light of this world and the proclaimer of the gospel and God's rule, while the state's is a God-ordained institution as the executor of justice and keeper of order in society. If the two will go beyond those boundaries, chaos happens. I've learned so much from this book that it's not enough to share those things in this review, but I tell you, you will not waste your time in reading this book.

[J. Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chuck Colson was a Bad Politics Man; in fact, as one of the guys who made Watergate happen, he was almost the archetypal Bad Politics Man. Then he went to jail and became a Christian and did lots of really cool and admirable things with his life (see: https://www.prisonfellowship.org/). And this book is his reflection on the more or less unattainable ideal of the relationship between the Church and the state, both of which claim our allegiance. It's good! (It begins with a long alternate history with a fictional president that reads like Tom Clancy with no explosions, but you can skip that part.) The rest of it will make you better informed on twentieth century history, more compassionate toward those in prison, and better able to articulate your role in both the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Men.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

For our summer reading program, I wanted to read a Chuck Colson book. Spurred on by his passing this year, it seemed fitting to remember this man by reading the wisdom he had left behind.

The Kingdoms in Conflict of the title are the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Man. This book starts with a (somewhat strange) fictional narrative of how the two kingdoms can come into conflict in our world. I didn't like the narrative and thought it was left hanging and unresolved as the book progressed.

The book is an interesting blend of Colson's grandfatherly story telling and prescient principles that reads more like a discussion of ideas than the logical, sequential argumentation I was anticipating.

There are many nuggets of wisdom here, but unfortunately, I read this at a time in my life when I wasn't able to mine them. Generally, Colson advocates the following:
- Each Kingdom has a God ordained role. The Kingdom of God, to preach the gospel of Jesus and demonstrate the LORD's love and care. The Kingdom of Man, to maintain law and order and restrain evil.
- When one kingdom imposes on the realm of the other, problems develop. The Kingdom of God has no place to enforce belief or morality upon others.
- The Kingdom of Man has mo place to claim worship or religious status that belongs only to God.
- When the Kingdom of God becomes absorbed or manipulated into the Kingdom of Man, it loses its ability to call the Kingdom to account.
- When the Kingdom of Man usurps demands worship, the Kingdom of God has a place to exercise civil disobedience. But, civil disobedience has limits (though I was disappointed at having a clear statement of those limits).

A good read that I probably picked up at the wrong time. Recommended, but it didn't make an indelible impression.

[Michelle Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really meaty book that took me more than 4 months to get through, but interesting insights nonetheless about the balance and different responsibilities of the church and the state. At times it was a little wordy and bordered on being an advertisement for Chuck Colson's prison ministry (which I admire, don't get me wrong, but...), but on the whole, I really learned a lot and felt that he had some very wise and concrete examples to back up his opinion. I felt he was very fair and balanced, while maintaining his own views as a Republican.

[J. Ewbank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Colson has done a good job of discussing both the kingdom of god and the kingdoms of this world. He is peculiarly fitted for this job and he has done an excellent job in presenting it.

The book is a little slow at first but it gathers momentum as the pages turn by.

This is an interesting interpretation and thesis of the kigdoms, one that would be well read by Christians.

J. Robert Ewank author "John Wesley,Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

[Gerald Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This classic shows Colson at his best, with a well-reasoned approach to the roles of the church and government. Taking position that not all conservatives will appreciate, Colson brings balance to the separation of church and state argument, showing that the church needs the government, and that the government needs the church. There are some sections of the book that go on a little long, but the writing is compelling throughout.

[Dave Brillhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an important and compelling look back at the tension between the powers of the world (Kingdoms of Men), and the principles and standards and transcendent moral values that God has established (Kingdom of God). The section on Hitler and Germany and the church was particularly eye opening.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Christians would read this and believe it. He delivers the perfect balance of being involved in politics (as a means of loving your neighbor) but not looking to the government to be the church. Church was a smart man and a godly one as well. I'll be swiping quotes out of this one for a long time to come.

[Ruth Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Although written nearly 40 years ago, the principles and stories of this incredible work ring powerfully true today. A wonderful blend of storytelling, history, theology, and politics. There is an updated version, "God and Government" published in 2007 that I am hoping to get my hands on soon.

[david shin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is part propaganda, part scare-tactic, for right-wing conservatism. While I enjoyed Colson's earlier books, this book (and others) are pretty much party-line with the Religious Right. If you've enjoyed this book, you'll also most likely enjoy the works of Bill O'Reilly and Ann Coulter.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Dayva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a well meaning, born again, President tries to give God a hand in the middle east.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the role of Christianity in the state?

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but in other respects poor.

[Opa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written but takes concentration to not miss something.

[Jonathan]

None

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite non-fiction for 25 years.

[Timothy La]

Another great read by Colson..

[Mike Matiscik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read smoothly. It's entertaining but not lasting in detail.

[Jesse Jost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book issues related to the kingdom of God and our roles as citizens in both the kingdom of God and earthly governments.

[David Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really was a game-changer for me, especially in terms of how Colson defines the roles of the state vs. the Church. BUT the question that always gets me is, Is he actually right? The answer makes all the difference in the world, I think!

Either way, though, it was so refreshing to read a Christian who was so well versed on the geopolitical issues of the day. Maybe a bit too much name dropping, but his passion for Christ was real and beautiful.

[Reagan Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so interesting - Colson's writing & ideas are so complex. He really puts his readers behind the microscope when it comes to dissecting christianity & politics. The various stories in which he shares in each chapter are riveting. Not only does he give us a christian's perspective, but that of none-believer as well, such as Eanest Hemmingway. Giving us readers a well rounded view of that he discusses.

[Chris Risley · Rating 4 out of 5]

He conflates Catholics with biblical Christians, but has keen insights into the role of government as well as our responsibilities as Christians.

[Charles A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Learned historical truths and some scripture from this book and the importance of balance in both.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colson builds the case and gives examples of the culture wars.

[Lily Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this for Government. I am really enjoying it!