The Prince, the Priests & the Prophets: The Need for Prophetic Leadership in America

Book excerpt: Every so often a new book breaks the mold and helps to highlight the intersection between seemingly divergent aspects of the national conversation. The Prince, the Priests & the Prophets is such a book. Originally inspired by the acquittal of George Zimmerman, this book examines the interplay between the American president, American religious institutions and American prophetic voices that have resulted in continued struggles with racial injustice. With the language of both social science and sermon, public theologian Kyle J. Boyer argues that "we need prophets," and that "the prophetic voice has been diluted for some time." As it did with Barack Obama, America has often mistakenly looked to the president for prophetic leadership, not realizing that the prince can never be the prophet. Though prophets have often arisen from the church, the American church itself is in need of prophetic challenge. Thought-provoking and inspiring, The Prince, the Priests & the Prophets challenges America to find its prophets, elevate their voices, and ultimately, listen to them.