Readers' responses

Bill Davis, Professor of Philosophy at Covenant College, ruling elder at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church, and  author of Departing in Peace (Presbyterian & Reformed, 2017):

Christians who proudly consider themselves to be “bureaucrats” will find Horne’s work appropriately inspiring. Horne makes a compelling biblical case that public administration is a legitimate calling: the God-given task of administering systems that serve the public good. From his opening argument that Daniel was a God-honoring public administrator in Babylon (of all places!) to his closing allusion to the “fourth man” in the fiery furnace, Horne shows that Christian faith-work integration is worthy of careful attention and deliberate effort. Horne’s work is careful (and lavish) in its use of Scripture, clearly written, and theologically serious. Hard questions—about working in the “secular” sphere, the extent of sin’s corrupting influence, and the relationship between “common” and redeeming grace—are tackled with candor and grace. The use Horne makes of empirical inquiry into the convictions and practices of Christians in public administration deepens this analysis, providing support beyond mere theological system-building. Church leaders not working public administration will find guidance for encouraging fellow believers who are called to that work. Christians in public administration will learn that their work is important and given to them by God and spiritually “thick.” Horne’s book will serve as an excellent basis for a six (or twelve!) week Sunday school course in any church with members who are working in public administration. Nearly every church has at least one member who is imitating Daniel as a public administrator, and Horne’s book can bless all of them.

Thomas Pope, Professor of Political Science and Director of Center for Responsible Citizenship at Lee University:

At a time when many Christian students see their “calling” as anything but public service, Horne offers a refreshing, scriptural rebuttal to an often apolitical theology. Drawing on biblical accounts of public servants who acted faithfully within secular regimes, Horne makes a compelling case for public administration as a worthy and necessary vocation for modern believers.

Paul Babin, Assistant Professor of Business at Covenant College:

This short book is well written, easy to read and follow. It does a nice job of introducing the concept of faith integration for public administrators. It helped me to think through many parallels for those of us studying for-profit business leadership. Your book helped me to understand the Christian calling to public administration—through your new research and timeless biblical truths.

Mark Scully, Associate Professor of Political Science at Lee University:

Horne combines sophisticated methodological analysis with deep sensitivity to and knowledge of the Christian worldview to provide readers with a first look at a surprisingly underdeveloped line of research: the multiple ways that the Christian faith influences the work of public administrators. This is a must read for the teacher that seeks to prepare the Christian student with practical insight into a career in public service, based in rigorous empirical research. My students need this book in their hands to help them understand that public service is not only worthy of, but desperately needs the contributions of faithful Christians.

Ralston Hartness, Director of the Chattanooga Fellows Program:

Bureaucrats in Babylon is both encouraging and applicable. Whether you're picking it up early in your public administration journey, in the veteran years of public service—or peering in from a different sector entirely—Chris's reflections and exhortations will help you consider how God is directing your unique gifts and opportunities to seek the good of the city around you.