Christianity and Law
An Introduction

An authoritative introduction to some of the main legal teachings of the Western Christian tradition.

John Witte, Jr. (Edited by), Frank S. Alexander (Edited by)

9780521697491, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 29 April 2008

360 pages, 17 b/w illus.
23 x 15 x 2 cm, 0.57 kg

'… the volume's topic and goal are laudable, and the result is a useful entry point into the multiconfessional nature of Christian natural law thought.' Journal of Markets & Morality

What impact has Christianity had on the law from its beginnings to the present day? This introduction explores the main legal teachings of Western Christianity, set out in the texts and traditions of scripture and theology, philosophy and jurisprudence. It takes up the weightier matters of the law that Christianity has profoundly shaped - justice and mercy, rule and equity, discipline and love - as well as more technical topics of canon law, natural law, and state law. Some of these legal creations were wholly original to Christianity. Others were converted from Jewish and classical traditions. Still others were reformed by Renaissance humanists and Enlightenment philosophers. But whether original or reformed, these Christian teachings on law, politics and society have made and can continue to make fundamental contributions to modern law in the West and beyond.

Introduction John Witte, Jr.
1. Law and religion in Judaism David Novak
2. Law in early Christianity Luke Timothy Johnson
3. Western canon law R. H. Helmholz
4. Natural law and natural rights Brian Tierney
5. Conscientious objection, civil disobedience, and resistance Kent Greenawalt
6. The Christian sources of general contract law Harold J. Berman
7. Proof, procedure, and evidence Mathias Schmoeckel
8. Family law and Christian jurisprudence Don S. Browning
9. Poverty, charity and social welfare Brian S. Pullan
10. Property and Christian theology Frank S. Alexander
11. Christian love and criminal punishment Jeffrie G. Murphy
12. Christianity and human rights Michael J. Perry
13. Religious liberty David Little
14. Modern church law Norman Doe
15. Religious organizations and the state: the laws of ecclesiastical polity and the civil courts William Bassett
16. Christianity and the large scale corporation David A. Skeel, Jr.

Subject Areas: Law [L], History of ideas [JFCX], Christianity [HRC]