Christ Before Caesar confronts the decline of Christian influence in America, urging believers to reclaim their voice in the public square. Blending theological reflection, historical analysis, and personal stories, Thoma critiques secular narratives that mislabel Christian engagement as dangerous. He identifies and challenges the Church to overcome internal erosion and external pressures, advocating for courageous, Christ-centered civic participation. Rooted in Christian courage, this book equips Christians to confront cultural lies with truth, offering hope and clarity for navigating a secularized world. Christ Before Caesar is ideal for pastors, laypeople, and those passionate about religious liberty.
PRAISE FOR Christ Before Caesar
MOLLIE ZIEGLER HEMINGWAY:
Pastor Thoma’s Christ Before Caesar is a sorely needed book at a time when the climate for truth-tellers in America is hostile and contradictory. A hyper-individualistic online culture encourages people to cling to vague moralism and personal opinion over religious confession. At the same time, political polarization means that many of the loudest voices are swayed by tribalism and groupthink without even realizing it. Thoma has carefully considered all the present problems of Christians engaging in the public square and offers solutions firmly rooted in careful historical analysis and solid Lutheran doctrine. He is especially good at articulating and defending Two Kingdoms theology and the benefits of religious liberty. Christ Before Caesar will no doubt inspire readers to speak eternal moral truths clearly and courageously.
FATHER CALVIN ROBINSON:
Pastor Thoma provides a rundown of the challenges of our time, with insightful reflections on how to address these matters head-on. This is not a descent into despair; this is a manual for Christian soldiers. Take up your arms—we have work to do! The gates of hell will not prevail against Christ’s Church. Don the full armour of God and let us go on a Crusade to restore Christendom. Christ Before Caesar! Deus vult!
TIMOTHY GOEGLEIN:
Christ Before Caesar is a work of gravity and grace—a symphony of truth drawn from deep wells of Scripture, history, and confession. With precision and resolve, Thoma writes not to flatter the faithful but to awaken us, tracing with care the fault lines that divide courage from compromise. This is a call to allegiance—to the cross, and to the One Who died upon it and Who reigns over history. This is a clarion summons to the Church to remember who she is and Whom she serves.