Let’s all agree, we need to be reminded of some things time and time again. This is especially so for us believers, for we’re likened to sheep, and if you’ve ever interacted with sheep like I, you do know that indeed they’ve got a small memory capacity. As the Pundit of Ecclesiastes says, “of making many books, there’s no end”, that’s why books are published week after week, even of topics which I believe have already been well argued. With that being in mind, when I saw this book on relation of Christians and politics, it made me curious, and thanks to Net Galley, I decided to request to go through it in advance before its release, and I really appreciate the publisher for approving my request.

As Christians, you’re well aware that a Biblical worldview should encompass every aspect of our lives, Sunday to Saturday, 168 hours a week, and this include politics. As I began going through it, first thing is the forward section, I got suspicious about the person that endorsed it, his name is Brian McLaren, and if you know that person, he was amongst the leaders of the heretical emergent church movement. Furthermore, other endorsers are of that same tradition, including raves for apostate Rob Bell. These question marks made me sceptical of the book from onset, however, like a true scholar, I encouraged to continue reading it. With due time, I saw that the author, Robb Ryerse, has already repudiated the faith once delivered for all, and his sliding away from Theological orthodoxy also coloured his worldview. As an emergent, the same surreptitiousness methods they used to attack the church with errors, it appears is the same furtiveness he is applying in his political outlook. He calls himself as a conservative, uses conservative lingua such as Christian, prolife, liberty, et al, whilst in every sense he is far left in his outlook as he’s views are totally a 180° of what he says, but holding. He is accusing Christians of having a particular outlook of politics, and instead he’s propagating that they should be voting for issues that are contrary to their values. This man truly is a devil incarnate masquerading as angel of light whilst being filled with all forms of error. In short, this book is a reminder of effects of bad theology. My prayer to Robb is that instead of trying to focus on political office, he should examine himself according to Scriptures so that he may be able to see God’s Glory, his own sin, stop being a ‘pastor’, close his ‘church, see judgment that is due to unrepentant, believe in the Gospel of Christ, so that peradventure he might be saved.

After the 2016 presidential election, pastor Robb Ryverse and his wife Vanessa decided to do something to change the country. Empowered by the Brand New Congress, Robb ran as a Republican in 2018 against one of the most powerful incumbents in Washington.

While he ultimately lost the race, Robb's campaign revealed many insights into the political machine and partisanship that runs the nation. He shares those insights in "Running For Our Lives."

Reading this book challenged me in many ways. I am a Republican, too, but Robb embraces progressive views that can be troublesome for party loyalists. However, he also shares the reasons for his views.

I was challenged on almost every page to reconsider my views. While I don't have to embrace Robb's opinions, I can consider that it's time to revisit my opinions and beliefs. Ultimately, I want to elevate love as I vote, rather than remain true to the views I've held all my life because of indoctrination or party loyalty. For example, healthcare for all can reduce pressure on small business owners and ultimately help the economy while ensuring all Americans can get the healthcare they need. Also, a solid core foundation of education, community support and healthcare can reduce abortions and support pro-life better than outlawing this action. 

"Running For Our Lives" is a book that challenges why we vote the way we do. It's a thoughtful book that helps readers become more informed citizens, voters, Christians, and Americans.

I am not overly thrilled with everything in this book. I agree with another review that says the title is misleading. There are good stories, many moving moments, and a lot to think about. It gets 'preachy' in several places about how you should view politics. I disagree with him on several things. That's a personal view not a reflection of the story.
I enjoyed the way he takes you through his journey. I learned a lot about what it takes to run for Congress. There's a personal part regarding one of his kids that was powerful. I am thankful he chose to share it.
I think this book is worth the read. It may change your mind about some things and may also help you to stick with what you believe. I have to admit that I sat down and read it all the way through. Even though I don't agree with everything in this book, it's still engaging.

The book was not about what I thought when I selected it. I thought the title was somewhat misleading. Perhaps I should have looked more closely. Still, if I was mislead by the title, someone else will likely be as well.
It might be a very good book and worthwhile reading for folks interested in it. I'm just not one of those folks right now.I did read just enough to know that it was not for me right now. It might have something to do with the state of politics and the seemingly constant vitriolic discourse...and my simply needing a break from reading anything political for a period. For that reason and that reason alone, I am giving it a 2-star rating..