A Theology of Political Vocation

Drawing upon a vast array of ancient to contemporary authors, Senior constructs a foundational theological perspective on politics as a vocation. Systematically moving through every facet of political life, he offers great insight into what it might mean to be a politician who is at the same time Christian.

~Robert Benne, Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus at Roanoke College, Salem, Virginia and founder of its Benne Center for Religion and Society

During a time when the doctrine of vocation is looked upon with suspicion and politics with cynicism, John Senior has crafted a wonderful book that is a thoughtful exploration of vocation and a compelling view of politics. In a lucid and disciplined way, he brings vocation and politics together, not by elevating them beyond belief, but by crafting a theological defense of the unavoidable moral ambiguity of both. He thereby shapes an argument for the operational benefits and moral significance of treating politics as vocation.

~Mark Douglas, Professor of Christian Ethics, Columbia Theological Seminary

Christians involved in many kinds of politics will find a vision within that can guide and sustain them in their work. Learned, charitable, hopeful, and firmly grounded in the world, Senior’s book gives a model of the virtues to which it calls us.

~Ted A. Smith, Associate Professor of Preaching and Ethics, Emory University

As someone currently called into a political role, I am grateful for the insight that John Senior brings. Given today's political climate, Senior's thesis is an important one: Christians should not shy away from political service, but should engage with a spirit of being about God's work rather than the passionate pursuit of our own political success.

~Bill Haslam, Governor of Tennessee

A timely and needed book.

~Choice

This book is quite original, with numerous interesting, even profound, insights... Senior’s analysis is a helpful one and indeed could beemployed in the service of a more radical politics than his approach seems to imply. This book is well worth reading.

~Murray Jardine, Auburn University, Journal of Church and State