What has Washington to do with Jerusalem? In the raging debates about the relationship between religion and politics, no one has explored the religious benefits and challenges of public engagement for Christian believers - until now. This book defends and details Christian believers' engagement in contemporary pluralistic public life not from the perspective of some neutral 'public', but from the particular perspective of Christian faith, arguing that such engagement enriches both public life and Christian citizens' faith themselves. As such it offers not a 'public theology', but a 'theology of public life', analysing the promise and perils of Christian public engagement, discussing the nature of civic commitment and prophetic critique, and the relation of a loving faith to a liberal politics of justice. Theologically rich, philosophically rigorous, politically, historically and sociologically informed, this book advances contemporary discussion of 'religion and public life' in fundamental ways.

Review of the hardback: '… substantial and richly researched study.'

Source: Church Times

Review of the hardback:'… a very significant book, the product of a virtuously theological and energetic mind. Mathewes has read voraciously, thought deeply, and is gifted with a penetratingly analytical mind and a very lively prose style. All this means that the book should be widely read.'

Source: Pro Ecclesia

'I am in awe of this book … On so many levels, it is a delight.'

Ian S. Markham - Virginia Theological Seminary, USA

'A Theology of Public Life is a welcome addition to the canon of theological literature.'

Source: Search: A Church of Ireland Journal

'Matthewes's theology of engagement is masterly … moments of delightful humour … It deserves attention from scholars and Christian activists alike but, in the end, it is a manifesto for the church …'

Source: Ecclesiology