by Ella Smith, Student Public Relations Writer
As political tensions continue to shape national discourse in the United States and beyond, a forthcoming book from Cedarville University scholars aims to reframe the conversation around political leadership — not through power or popularity but through Scripture.
Set for release on Sept. 18, offers a collection of 11 case studies analyzing notable political leaders through a biblical lens. The anthology is edited by Dr. Glen Duerr, chair of the department of history and government; Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and director of the Center for Political Studies; and Dr. Justin Lyons, professor of political science.
“We want to show how we think about political leadership in light of Scripture, cultural implications and institutional constraints,” said Duerr.
The book, published by Bloomsbury Academic Press, explores a range of leaders across eras and governments — from Oliver Cromwell and Edmund Burke to Martin Luther King Jr., Margaret Thatcher, Benjamin Netanyahu and others. Comparative chapters will analyze moral leadership during pivotal moments, such as the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and the post-9/11 tenures of George W. Bush, Tony Blair and Stephen Harper.
Other contributors include Dr. Stanley Schwartz, assistant professor of history; Dr. Thomas Mach, vice president for academics and professor of history; and the late Dr. Marc Clauson, senior professor of history and law— whose scholarly voice remains a foundational part of the volume.
Each chapter provides a fair and nuanced analysis, highlighting the moral strengths and failings of each leader while placing their actions within their historical and institutional contexts. Readers will be invited to grapple with the complex realities of political leadership through a Christian worldview that acknowledges both human imperfection and the pursuit of justice.
“It’s neat to have so much Scripture and biblical perspective on this topic in such a secularly dominated area of academic study,” Duerr said.
Originally conceived by Smith in 2018, the project grew from a shared desire to offer students and readers a morally grounded alternative to conventional political analysis. The book is written at an upper undergraduate level, but its accessible language is expected to appeal to scholars, students and lay readers alike.
The editors hope the book will equip readers with the tools to think critically and biblically about political leadership — past, present and future.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.