The Problem and Promise of Freedom: A Public Theology for the Church

Jesus calls us to make disciples of all the nations. Many Christians believe this means enlisting soldiers in a culture war. But putting faith in the service of politics risks remaking God in our own image. How can the church help bring God's kingdom to earth without relying on the political structures of this world?

Critiquing our idolization of the values of classical Western liberalism, Steven Félix-Jäger seeks a renewal of the church's public witness. He points out the pitfalls that stem from our obsession with individual freedom--from the prosperity gospel to Christian nationalism to conformity with secular progressivism. True freedom is not about individual liberty or free market economics but about flourishing in covenant with God. Félix-Jäger offers a public theology that challenges the church to be a holy, loving, and generous witness to a world bound by visions of self-absorbed autonomy and materialism. Inspired by Jubilee and Pentecost, he ultimately constructs an alternative model for public witness rooted in the abundance of the Spirit.

The Problem and Promise of Freedom not only serves as an indispensable resource for students of religion and society but also offers urgent and clear-sighted witness to the church today.

Steven Félix-Jäger (PhD, University of Wales) is associate professor of systematic theology at Vanguard University. A visual artist, songwriter, and music producer, Félix-Jäger is the author of several books, including How to Worship for All Its Worth, The Problem and Promise of Freedom, Renewal Worship, and the coauthored volume Renewing Christian Worldview. He has also written numerous articles and book chapters on theology, philosophy, culture, and the arts. He is as an associate editor for Pneuma, cohosts the TikTok Theology podcast, and serves as worship pastor at Pasadena Foursquare Church. He lives in Pomona, California, with his wife Connie and daughter Mila.