A MUCKY BUSINESS:
Why Christians Should Get Involved in Politics
By Tim Farron (with Josh Price, Jo Latham, Megan Hills, Micah Parmour and Daniel Payne)
IVP. 192 pages. £12.99
ISBN 978 1 789 744 446
Two things that come to mind when I think of Tim Farron: the apparent muddle he got onto as the leader of the Liberal Democrats Party over questions on sexuality, and his brilliant tribute to mark the death of the Queen that so clearly pointed to the reality that her faith was securely rooted in Jesus.
This is a fascinating book which realistically explores the mucky nature of politics while warning people not to abandon the public square but instead to get involved, even if it means getting their hands dirty.
Compelling and open
Tim Farron tells his story in a compelling way and does not dodge the hard questions, including those about his response to the aggressive press questioning in the 2017 election campaign on whether gay sex is sin. The author explains that this and pro-life issues were used by the press as trip wires for the leader of the unpopular post-coalition Liberal Democrats Party. His desire to concentrate on the central campaign issues of the day made him look diffident or indecisive on issues like sexuality. He writes:
‘I have learned – maybe a little later than I could have done – that we don’t have to blurt out everything the Bible says about the hot topic of the day to be a faithful Christian.’
I was surprised by how Christian A Mucky Business is. Readers looking for a reflection on the place of Christians in politics will not be disappointed, but will find a nuanced and thorough Biblical reflection on political engagement that is as refreshing as it is unexpected. Often Scripture is used by politicians, in the words of Quentin Hogg, ‘like a drunk man uses a lamppost; more for support than illumination.’ This book by contrast allows Scripture to illuminate what it means to be involved in politics from the grassroots to the very top.
It was also refreshing to see a book that was willing to be non-partisan in its approach to politics. The book is greatly enhanced by the multiple brief case studies from politicians of every hue. Here is a book on politics by politicians, which if read and digested will help to shape a healthy environment for useful political engagement by Christians. Thank you, Tim; may your tribe increase!
