Document. Book review of "The Churches and Politics in Germany by Fredric Spotts for COMMONWEAL. ~ Gordon says that Spotts traces the history of church involvement in German political affairs. Gordon asserts that church involvement in politics is not always a bad thing and church leaders should use their influence to affect political outcomes and decisions to the advantage of the mission of the church. He warns that the manner in which the influence is exerted is crucial and the German experience is particularly instructive. Gordon says that a wall of separation cannot be built between church and politics, no clear boundaries can be drawn, and the church needs to assure due recognition of the moral dimensions of social and political issues without repeating the mistakes of the past.