As an introduction to biblical teaching about government, this book describes the development of civil government in the Bible story and its relationship to the kingdom of God and then continues to roll out the story of democracy from a biblical / Christian perspective. It provides a very clear message about the necessity of Christian faith as the underpinning of a moral and healthy democracy. It is very timely in light of the upheavals that the West is facing within its democracies. This book will help readers understand the relationship between state and church. It encourages the Christian community to discern the way God would have the people of the Christian church live effectively within our times, and to pursue the role we're called to serve within our own precious democracies.- Rev. Craig Vernall, Senior Minister, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Tauranga, New Zealand