The Spring 2011 issue of Religion & Liberty leads off with an interview with Wayne Grudem, author of the new book Politics According to the Bible. The author is a giant in the evangelical world. He helps all of us to think Biblically and while the book offers a political worldview, ultimately it helps us to focus on the Word made Man. That is exactly what Grudem intends. Politics According to the Bible is a superb resource for believers to think about man's relationship to the state and his Creator. It is also a handy resource for a Christian writer to have on his or her bookshelf. Grudem is the author of another book that many of us at Acton have been edified by since it was first published in 2003, Business for the Glory of God. His solid insight is educational and inspirational, and we are thankful he joined us in conversation about some pressing events and concerns.
R&L's managing editor Ray Nothstine contributes a fine piece covering the tornado relief efforts by Christian ministries in the American South and Midwest. His focus is on telling the stories of a few of the churches and people involved. He also contributes valuable theological insight, touching on the problem of evil and the "suffering servant." Nothstine is grateful to Tuscaloosa resident Jeff Bell and Joplin pastor Randy Gariss. They both generously offered their time for interviews even though they are extremely busy with the recovery.
David Paul Deaval contributes a review of The Conservative Foundations of the Liberal Order by Daniel J. Mahoney. Acton Research Director Samuel Gregg offers a piece for the issue titled "Debt, Finance, and Catholics." The debt crisis is so prodigious, that Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels aptly referred to the debt as the "new red menace."
We profiled Richard John Neuhaus in this issue for "In the Liberal Tradition." It is said, "In all things, he had the heart of a pastor." He was always gracious and always committed to teaching and edifying God's people. It was not only his mind that made him such a powerful force in the public square but his compassion and his ability to value personal relationships. We interviewed him for R&L in 1993 about the role of faith in public life. On that issue, perhaps there was no greater voice of his generation.
I should add that Fr. Neuhaus was well known for his influence in the public square and for his insights into the moral foundations of the American experiment. But he should be just as famous for his theological command and for books like As I Lay Dying: Meditations Upon Returning.
