Biblical
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Review of Votewise Now! 

Votewise Now! sets out to help Christians engage with the key political issues of the day- a timelyvotewise now requirement as we head for the polls on May 6th. Beginning by setting out reasons for political engagement ('Why Votewise?') the various authors outline a model for Christian engagement in each of the major areas of public policy including the economy, health, education and the environment. Each is a specialist in their field and brings their own style and focus to crystallise points of debate for the reader to look out for. Helpfully, they avoid a purely finger-pointing approach towards politicians and often give us food for thought; Paul Williams challenges all of us by asserting that 'we have bought into the myth that more money and more things will make us happy.' They marshal their arguments carefully through Biblical foundations (with much attention on the practices of God's covenantal society, Israel), followed by some analysis of political debate concluding in points of application to current policy. Sometimes this requires a reminder that this is an area for Christians to take seriously hence Hilary Marlow: 'our Christian belief in a good God who created and sustains his world gives us reason to work towards a sustainable future together.' The final chapters give Christian MPs of the three major parties the opportunity to make the case for voting for their particular brand of public policy. Whilst they make some headway, it's unlikely that you will find enough here to make your final decision: further reading required.
 
This is a really helpful contribution that is readable (only 116 pages) yet detailed enough to give firm foundations for Christian engagement. This is the book I will be recommending congregations to read before May 6th to get beyond the spin and headlines and to ask good questions of candidates and make wise choices when casting their vote. As Trevor Cooling puts it '…wisdom is a goal worth striving for…' Amen to that.
 
Reviewed by Gareth Davies

Votewise Now! Is published by SPCK/Jubilee Centre, ed. Rose Lynas