On Earth as in Heaven calls the church to embrace her identity and mission as one shaped by biblical theology and liturgy. The world grows increasingly polarized and politicized, but the church’s commission remains unchanged. Christians carry out Jesus’s mission by being the church. To change the world, the church needs only to be what she is—the bride of Christ—and to do what she does—teach, preach, sing, pray, break bread. Cultural and political mission and individual witness and service all spring from the church’s liturgical life. As the church proclaims God’s word and practices vibrant liturgy, she is God’s heavenly city, shining as a light to the world.
Dr. Leithart endlessly fascinates me, whether in agreement or disagreement. What he cannot be is ignored. The Theopolitan Vision is but another example for why Peter Leithart is one of Protestantism’s most creative thinkers.
—Andrew T. Walker, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
As a convictional Baptist, I find myself both disagreeing at points but heartily commending the work of Peter Leithart, whose writing is beautiful, theologically rich, and soul-stirring. As Christians continue to debate the role of the church in the world, this book is a helpful guide, pointing all Christians, everywhere toward Scripture and the Great Tradition. In a polarized age, Leithart encourages God’s people to consider their calling in the world, both in the timeless rhythms of weekly gathered worship and in the myriad ways the church should engage community and country. This is a work that thoughtful believers will be interacting with for years to come.
—Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; author of several books, including The Dignity Revolution and A Way With Words
Peter J. Leithart is president of the Theopolis Institute, a Christian think tank and training center based in Birmingham, Alabama.