An extended review of a 2024 book by David T. Koyzis
Note: Our print issue contains a shorter version of this review. Faith Today welcomes your thoughts on any of our reviews. We also welcome suggestions of other Canadian Christian books to review: Contact us.
IVP Academic, 2024. 168 pages. $26 (ebook $25)
Following a 30-year career as a university professor of political science, David Koyzis, affiliated with Global Scholars Canada, now devotes his time to writing, researching and lecturing on political citizenship. In Citizenship Without Illusion, he delivers a compelling critique of modern political engagement, urging Christians to reconsider their approach to civic duty. His thorough analysis, informed by biblical, historical and current events, including personal life-experience, makes this book an informative guide for Christian political engagement.
Beginning with his personal journey to political awareness, Koyzis traces the development of citizenship from its roots in ancient Greek and Roman society to its multi-faceted nature and meaning in our day. Understanding the backstory of citizenship is vital for understanding how to be a good citizen today.
Koyzis says the responsibilities of citizenship include obeying the laws, paying taxes, staying informed about events at all levels of government, participating in public affairs and working for the common good. Being a good citizen is an act of loving our neighbour.
Balancing political engagement with ultimate allegiance to God’s Kingdom has always challenged Christians. Tackling that challenge, Koyzis draws from the experiences of people and movements ranging from biblical antiquity to the present. He addresses the legitimacy (or not) of civil disobedience, providing guiding principles for those who choose to resist governments. He warns readers of the ever-present danger of falling prey to political illusions imbedded in an over reliance on ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, conservatism and nationalism, to name a few. He reminds Christians that allegiance to the Christian gospel “may come to be regarded as an affront to the jealous gods of expressive individualism” so evident in western democracies today.
The right to vote is among the most cherished responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. Following a short history of how the vote developed, Koyzis reviews reasons for low voter turnout, offers several systems of voting, and counsels how to vote when “the political alternatives are less than optimal.”
Koyzis suggests starting with local political engagement, as it tends to have a more direct effect on communities. Focusing on local issues can lead to building a strong foundation for larger movements and ensure that the voices of everyday citizens are heard and addressed.
The rapid rise of social media has both positive and negative impacts on political engagement. Koyzis warns readers of the illusion that social media allows us to become “the centers of communities of our own making,” resulting in tangible communities such as family, neighbourhood, church, workplace and political losing their significance.
Balancing progress and tradition is tough in a society where the penchant for expressive individualism continues to erode shared moral principles. Koyzis examines the strengths and weaknesses of progressivism and conservatism, advocating for affirming norms while living with pluralism. He warns Christians against expecting everything their way, as an all-or-nothing attitude will leave them on the sidelines.
Though much of the book concerns citizens giving priority to their local communities, Koyzis says we are also citizens of the world – we have global responsibilities. For Christians this is a reminder that going into all the world and making disciples of Christ inevitably leads to recognizing the full range of human need – spiritual, physical and emotional. We are called to help the poor and to seek justice for the oppressed. Koyzis surveys some of the ways Christians have done this in the past, and continue to do so today.
Koyzis emphasizes the significance of praying for government leaders. He calls the church back to its three primary functions: preaching the gospel message, administering the sacraments, and maintaining discipline among its members. Prioritizing these enables the church to “form its members to live obediently in all areas of life,” including being good citizens.
Given the current political climate in Canada and the United States, this timely, non-partisan book provides insightful guidance for constructive political involvement. Christians looking for help in becoming more engaged will find this book a valuable resource. Discussion questions for each chapter make this a great choice for small group study. It deserves a wise readership
Editor's note: We love our reviewers, but we don’t always agree. You won’t either, maybe especially in the Bestsellers and Roundup sections. Do let us know what you think. Sample chapters of most books can be viewed at Books.Google.ca and Amazon.ca. Faith Today earns a small commission when people make purchases using our links to Amazon.ca.