An excellent primer on the spectrum of ways in which Christians organize their institutional life, Long's study of polity--that is, methods of religious organization--intends to enlighten the reader about the ways in which belief shapes personal and communal function. Patterns of Polity is a comparative examination of church governance by bishops, governance by elders, and governance by congregations across contemporary branches of Christianity. Patterns of Polity does not defend the validity of any particular polity, but instead raises questions that are essential to all polities and to all communities: How is power created and used? In what ways are polities most likely to function well? In what ways are polities susceptible to corruption and dysfunction? How are conflicts adjudicated and finances handled?
