Hard for me to say just how I feel about this book. The subject is highly, so it seems, controversial and pits heart against mind, what one feels against how one thinks, at least, as a modern Christian. It supports pacifism as the way to confront violence and "fight for justice for the oppressed.

Boyd's main thesis seems to be "power over," the worldly American culture operates, versus "power under," the Jesus way of living in this world, two phrases he frequently uses.

Two things I will say, I do not believe nor ever will believe that America is a Christian nation and that this Boyd's argument, while a bit too wordy at some points, convincing if not valid. However, the one thing I do regret is that he did not tangle with certain texts to defend his position; he just seems to assume they do support it.

Also, he seems to go to such an extreme the other way that, for example, gives the impression the Bible does not support Christians being policemen, although he doesn't really cover that issue. I would think that being wholly against violence, the logical step would be to see Christians policemen to be lowering the Gospel standard.

There is much twirling my mind about the book, although, in general, I do agree with it. My only contention is on certain particular points. But if you think America is a Christian nation and you want to be left uncomfortable with reading a book, this is the one. ( )

Excellent read on the current danger on mixing of the kingdom of the world with the kingdom of Heaven. Some have gone as far as to set up idols (their country, leaders, etc). A good reminder of where our true citizenship is. ( )

I was waiting on Boyd to back track on his position, but he never did. He uses the Bible, quotes attributed to Jesus and the apostles, to make his points on nonviolence, silencing the "take America back" arguement, Christians wanting political power, and what to do with the "evils" of homosexual marriage and other social issues. ( )

Greg argues that Christianity should “look like Jesus “—according to the Bible anyway. Much that passes for Christian activity is merely civil religion thinly cloaking some other ideology, usually nationalism. He argues a good case. ( )

A book developed out of the author's sermons explaining his posture during the Bush administration. Its material is no less relevant.

The author does well at exploring the nature of the powers of government vs. the work of God through Jesus, using the helpful imagery of "power-over" forms of domination and coercion by the state vs. "power-under" forms of service and sacrifice manifest in Jesus and in early Christians. He proceeds at length indicating how nationalism can easily become idolatrous and what generally passes for American Christianity has a lot more to do with America than Christianity. He does well to expose the fallacies and myths behind the story of America as a Christian nation, and how such a thing does not truly exist in this fallen world. He explores the dangers for Christians and the church in the pursuit of worldly power. He speaks well regarding what went wrong with the Constantinian compromise and Jesus' death as a means of triumph over the powers and principalities, and why we need to follow Jesus' way to gain that victory. His concluding concerns about violent means of protection and military service are worthwhile.

You'll either agree with it and appreciate it or hate it. If the latter, please prayerfully consider why the discomfort exists, and search the Scriptures to see what is so. ( )