BOOK REVIEW: Linthicum, Robert. Transforming Power. Illinois: InterVarsity Press: 2003.

Following the thoughts and ideas of Walter Wink, John Howard Yoder, and the contributors of Transforming the Powers, Robert Linthicum, in his work Transforming Power, provides a practical approach to subverting the power used in societies. Linthicum is the president of Partners in Urban Transformation, which dedicates its work to empowering churches and communities, and has experience in urban ministries throughout the world. Linthicum’s field experience bleeds through every page of Transforming Power, giving his writing a personal touch. As you read, you realize that Linthicum is not simply postulating ideas for people to follow. Rather, he is giving ideas that have worked for him through the years of empowering people to change their communities.

Similar to Shane Claiborne, Linthicum advocates a bottom-up approach for changing communities and the systems in a society. Linthicum grounds his approach with an “Iron Rule” derived from the prophet Nehemiah: “Never do for others what they can do for themselves” (93). Linthicum argues that Christians need not fear using power in order to shape our communities and world. He believes, “Whoever you are, you can’t hope to bring about systemic change if you don’t know how to use power” (13). Thus, in this book Linthicum provides an “articulated and acted-out theology of power,” derived from a biblical framework, through which Christians can make systemic change in their communities” (12). This use of power begins and ends with relationship or “relational power."

Linthicum defines power as “the ability, capacity, and willingness of a person, a group of people, or an institution to act” (81). Thus, power is not evil or good in itself, but value is given to power in how it is used (Ibid). According to Linthicum, our world operates with “unilateral power”—a “power over the people” (81). Instead of unilateral power, Christians must learn to use “relational power” in the hands of God (83). This power is a “power with [the people]” that is “pleasing to God and [transforms]” the people (82,83). Linthicum asserts that Jesus used this kind of power to establish the kingdom of God on earth. As imitators of Jesus’ life, Christians take part in continuing this kingdom ministry Jesus began (69).

Based on the examples of Nehemiah, Jeremiah, Paul, and Jesus, Linthicum provides practical steps for Churches and Christians to take in order to continue the ministry of Jesus. These steps include: becoming God’s presence in the community, praying for the community, practicing faith through action, and brining a new social reality to the community through proclaiming the good news (75-77, chapter 6).

Although Linthicum’s approach is heartfelt and practical, at times he seems to be providing a universal step-by-step process that ensures success in transforming power. In doing this, he neglects the particular situations that people find themselves when wanting to effect change in their society. A person’s context is essential, and Linthicum almost looks beyond that.

Nonetheless, if you have ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference and change things even though I am not in a position of power?” you should read Transforming Power. Linthicum advocates the use of power, but his approach does not require the position of power in a society because power begins with the people. Power to the people!