In *A Public Faith*, Miroslav Volf proposes a Christian approach to public life that avoids two major dangers: withdrawing from cultural engagement (“idleness”) and trying to impose faith on society (“coerciveness”). He argues that Christians must engage the public square with a “thick” faith—one that is deeply rooted, nonviolent, and capable of contributing to the common good without dominating others. Volf stresses that Christian hope, not cultural power, must guide engagement with politics, identity, and social issues.

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Volf further contends that Christians should influence society primarily from within, through witness, service, and a life shaped by love of God and neighbor. He critiques models that demand either full accommodation to culture or total separation from it, suggesting instead that Christians should function as an “internal difference” that enriches public life. His vision calls believers to engage pluralistic societies humbly yet faithfully, promoting human flourishing without resorting to force or exclusion.