Letters to an American Christian

In Letters to an American Christian, Bruce Ashford writes a collection of letters to a hypothetical college student, Christian, attending a progressive university. Ashford writes on a broad array of hot-button issues in this current political climate, ranging from the foundational: why should Christians soil their shoes in the muck of politics at all? To the more practical: what should a Christian's view of socialism be? What about global warming? Racial reconciliation? Immigration?

This struck me as a daunting task.

Interestingly enough, what most surprised me about this book is how non-controversial it is. In a political moment like ours with such an overwhelming divide between right and left, I was expecting this book to retain at least a portion of the spirit of the times we live in. Ashford writes this, however, with a most measured tone. He writes with levity, injecting humor throughout his correspondence. Even in areas where I initially disagreed with his position, I found myself grappling with the issues presented as opposed to doubling down on my own. This—this type of discourse is most needed in our time.

One of the most interesting insights was Ashford’s treatment of the Lordship of Christ, quoting from Dutch theologian and politician Abraham Kuyper: "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!" This means that all of creation, including every sphere of life: politics, family, church, economics, art, science--all each have a hand crafted place in the sovereign rule of Jesus. Each sphere must operate within its proper jurisdiction and serve its created purpose. Ashford goes on to show that the church is not transcend its jurisdiction by enveloping politics (though it will no doubt influence politics through its individual members), and politics is not to transcend its created jurisdiction and envelope the church.

Under this understanding, Ashford looks into each of the hot topics of our moment seeking to find a Biblically Christian position. And while he describes himself as a Conservative, he disassociates himself from harsh rhetoric and knee-jerk conclusions which are so often the normative reactions of our tribes (also the conclusions of Christian’s conservative Uncle John). On many issues, Ashford informs Christian that you will make people unhappy on both the right and the left, finding yourself holding a “no man’s land,” Biblical position. That is okay. As C. S. Lewis once noted: "If the Patagonians think me a dwarf and the Pygmies a giant, perhaps my stature is in fact fairly unremarkable." Our duty as Christians is first and foremost to our King, and we need to submit to his Lordship over and beyond any cultural pressures to the contrary.

Finally, I appreciated Ashford’s optimism for the future. He admits that Conservatism as a movement is perhaps waning, but his hope is not shaken. Our hope as Christians is not in the political power play or the brevities of immediate success; our hope is rooted in Christ's death and resurrection and His future political reign. Until then may we be found faithful loving our neighbors in word and in deed, whether we are the majority, or (more likely) we are speaking from the margins. I welcome Ashford’s concluding call for Christians in the political sphere to love and care for others, and more freely communicate that tenderness which is often muted among our convictions and agendas.

As to the writing itself, this book is easy to read. Ashford breaks down seemingly complex issues mired in political debate into understandable chunks. Each letter is short, which undoubtedly sacrifices some depth, but serves the purpose of this book very well. This is a book for our moment, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to all of us wrestling with the challenges of these difficult times.