PUBLIC THEOLOGY AND POLITICAL IDOLATRY.

I am still cutting my teeth on “Public theology,” a term traced to the University of Chicago’s Martin Marty, who died last month at age 97. Public theology contrasts with a civil religion that tries to fuse (and confuses) the interests of religion and the state.

Public theology is Christian engagement and dialogue, both inside the church and with wider society. By pursuing issues of common interest, it seeks the welfare of a society that is good and just for all citizens, to build up the common good (“commonweal”).

So public theology resonates with God’s message to his people in Babylon. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jeremiah 29:7). Rather than seek a “Christian America” (religious nationalism), public theology accepts the calling of Jesus’ followers to be salt and light, God's exiles in a foreign land, a secular America (Philippians 3:20, 1 Peter 1:1, 2:11-12).

Inside the church, public theology answers the question: How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:4). The church can both worship God and serve all its neighbors as Christ's ambassadors and foreign embassies of God’s kingdom.

Public theology speaks with society. It does not just preach to or at society. It is a Christian theology that seeks to be publicly understood, as well as open to critical scrutiny and public debate.

While I am still a novice at public theology, I have studied the Bible topic of Idolatry, and have written a short course for students from around the world, most who are not Christian, about the risk of putting your trust in idols. Because all idols prove to be false hopes.

Idolatry is a helpful diagnostic for these chaotic American times. The Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky observed that all people “must bow down to something.” All your false hopes will finally disappoint, fail, or even crush you.

How can followers of Jesus seek the shalom of all our neighbors, and help build a better commonweal, a good and just society?

To follow: posts on the risks and the consequences of American Idolatry, trusting in politicians. The Bible warns, Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. (Psalm 146:3)