Christian Realism and the New Realities

Robin W. Lovin argues that the integration of religion and public life will benefit society more than their separation.

Robin W. Lovin (Author)

9780521603003, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 14 April 2008

248 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.34 kg

'Robin Lovin offers an informative history of Christian realism followed by an appraisal of its contemporary state and prospects … particularly refreshing is the wide conception of politics he sketches, located in several interlocking spheres, orders, contexts, places of responsibility, or, following Bonhoeffer, mandates: work, family, government, church and culture.' Theology

Are religion and public life really separate spheres of human activity? Should they be? In this book, Robin W. Lovin criticizes contemporary political and theological views that separate religion from public life as though these areas were systematically opposed and makes the case for a more integrated understanding of modern society. Such an understanding can be underpinned by 'Christian realism', which encourages responsible engagement with social and political problems from a distinctive perspective. Drawing on the work of Rawls, Galston, Niebuhr, and Bonhoeffer, Lovin argues that the responsibilities of everyday life are a form of politics. Political commitment is no longer confined to the sphere of law and government, and a global ethics arises from the decisions of individuals. This book will foster a better understanding of contemporary political thought among theologians and will introduce readers primarily interested in political thought to relevant developments in recent theology.

1. Reflections on the end of an era
2. A short history of Christian realism
3. Contexts of responsibility
4. Unapologetic politics
5. A global order
6. Human goods and human dignity.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Christian theology [HRCM], Christianity [HRC], Social & political philosophy [HPS]