Summary:
A Kuyperian Contribution to Politics talks about Kuyper’s emphasis on the idea that
because Christians are people who have experienced the special grace of salvation are
regenerated by the Holy Spirit and perceive, think, and act in a way different from non-
Christians, the result ought to be approaches to cultural and political engagement rooted in
Christian principles. In politics during Kuyper’s lifetime this distinctiveness was notable in the
development of the Anti-Revolutionary Party, which reached its zenith when he became Prime
Minister in 1901 (though it is important to note Kuyper needed a coalition with other parties for
this achievement). Paleo-Baptists in a post-Christian nation offers a way forward for Baptists and
other “baptistic” evangelicals as we seek to live faithfully in post-Christian America. Even
traditions that disagree with some Baptist distinctives can embrace a more intentionally
covenantal, congregational, counter-cultural, and commissioned outlook and adapt these
priorities to their contexts. Politics and the Benedict Option confirms that No matter how furious
and all-consuming partisan political battles are, Christians have to keep clearly before us the fact
that conventional American politics cannot fix what is wrong with our society and culture.
Critique:
The Kuyperian political tradition at its best is a recognition of and response to our
opportunity for political life as stewards of God’s creation, the encouragement to seek creative
ways for God’s truth to be translated into expressions of the public good, and the humility to
recognize that even our best contributions are penultimate and subject to refinement or revision.
While Paleo-Baptists believe historic Baptist distinctives are essentially correct and ought to be
embraced, defended, and commended to others, only the faith shared by all Christian believers
everywhere will fuel our spiritual maturity, empower us for Christian witness, motivate us for
humble and sacrificial service, and help us to think rightly about God and his world and live
rightly before God in his world. Times have changed dramatically, and we can no longer rely on
politicians and activists to fight the culture war alone on our behalf.
