Neo-Calvinist scholars address issues on which they differ with Two Kingdoms supporters, such as the nature and extent of Christ's kingdom, the idea of Christian culture, cosmic redemption, the cultural mandate, natural law, and common grace. "The Church, particularly in 'old Christendom (an admittedly provocative term in this debate, but still useful, I think),' is in desperate need of a 'public theology.' Our 'desperation,' in my opinion, is linked to increasingly secular and anti-Christian assaults on religious liberty, sanctity of marriage, sanctity of life, and the very meaning of our humanity, as well as the Christian's place in this pluralistic culture . Wearisome Christian activists who have personally endured the corrupt kingdom of this world turning a deaf ear (and now active, relentless personal attacks) to their cries are understandably discouraged. For others, pastors are chided for being 'too political,' by their congregations who have been sedated by the dualistic charms of secularism. Could it be that this discouragement has metastasized into a theological skepticism that shrinks from prophetic engagement with culture and the Kingdom of this world? If so, sympathy for war-worn soldiers of the Cross not withstanding, this is the wrong time to retreat from prophetic preaching to human kingdoms. Talk of "Two Kingdoms"―a secular and a sacred―has possibly provided a supposed Calvinistic 'safe harbor' from the vicissitudes of cultural engagement and its invariable struggles (and defeats). Yet, as the Christian citizens of a 1930s German Republic would now surely testify, such a radical, discontinuity―and, I would add, misunderstanding―of Two Kingdom theology can lead to national and even world-wide catastrophe. And yet we may be living in such a day once more. It is for these reasons, and more, that I have prayed for wise and courageous scholars to step up―and step into―this fraternal debate within the Reformed Christian community concerning Two Kingdoms. I am praising God, therefore, for a new book by general editor Ryan McIlhenny: Kingdoms Apart: Engaging the Two Kingdoms Perspective. From razor-sharp scholarly engagement with Biblical-historical-philosophical-civil and theological sources, this new collection by ten trusted theologians, treats the issues Christianly, fairly, and respectfully, without the dark smoke of polemics, yet with the unfettered urgent appeal for the reader―and the Church―to consider the calling of the believer in this age―and especially those who serve the Lord as preachers and teachers―to announce the Lordship of Jesus Christ as both Creator and Redeemer until that day when, indeed, the kingdoms of this world become the once and for all Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. The Reformed churches and the seminaries who serve those churches, need this timely book now more than ever before. I thank the editor, the contributors, and P&R Publishing for publishing this critical book and pray that it will encourage 21st century Reformed believers to return to the brave heritage of our spiritual forefathers who lived in the tension of the world now and the world on its way to cry, like John Knox, 'Give me [this kingdom] or I shall die!', -- Michael A. Milton, Chancellor/CEO, James M. Baird Jr. Professor of Pastoral Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina "This is a very fine collection of essays on the issues surrounding "Christ and culture," marked by careful scholarship, an irenic spirit, and a deep commitment to a Reformed understanding of the gospel. Though occasioned by the challenge mounted by David Van Drunen and others to the comprehensive and holistic view of the kingdom advocated by Dutch Neocalvinism and its heirs, these essays are much more than a reflexive defence of Neocalvinism against this challenge. They also represent creative theologizing that is not only rooted in Scripture and the classical Augustinian and Reformed tradition, but is also actively engaged in the philosophical and theological currents of the twenty-first century. The contributors include both seasoned older scholars and promising young academics who are just beginning to make their mark. A number of the contributors also give us much-needed access to the Dutch theological and historical background of Neocalvinism, and introduce us to little-known but seminal thinkers like S. G. de Graaf and Klaas Schilder. What I find particularly attractive in this volume is its tone. Though in some ways a work of polemical theology, it avoids the rhetorical excess and partisan characterizations that so often mar this genre of discourse. Instead, it freely acknowledges that there are unresolved tensions in the work of such Reformed giants as Calvin, Kuyper and Bavinck, and at the same time is animated by a quiet passion for the comprehensive claims of Christ's rule. I believe this volume represents a valuable and constructive advance in the often heated debates surrounding the the