The Cambridge Companion to Christian Political Theology

This volume explores contemporary Christian political theology, discussing its traditional sources, its emergence as a discipline, and its key issues.

Craig Hovey (Edited by), Elizabeth Phillips (Edited by)

9781107052741, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 November 2015

314 pages
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.3 cm, 0.55 kg

'This is a book that I intend to return to again and again and one well worth spending both money and time investing in. Do not expect to put it down after reading even just one chapter without at least a dozen questions buzzing about in your head. It asks them and it provokes them in equal measure and that, I suggest, is a very good thing.' Ashley Lovett, Regent's Reviews

Interest in political theology has surged in recent years, and this accessible volume provides a focused overview of the field. Many are asking serious questions about religious faith in secular societies, the origin and function of democratic polities, worldwide economic challenges, the shift of Christianity's center of gravity to the global south, and anxieties related to bold and even violent assertions of theologically determined political ideas. In fourteen original essays, authors examine Christian political theology in order to clarify the contemporary discourse and some of its most important themes and issues. These include up-to-date, critical engagements with historical figures like Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and Immanuel Kant; discussions of how the Bible functions theopolitically; and introductions to key movements such as liberation theology, Catholic social teaching, and radical orthodoxy. An invaluable resource for students and scholars in theology, the Companion will also be beneficial to those in history, philosophy, and politics.

Part I. The Shape of Contemporary Political Theology: 1. European political theology Jürgen Moltmann
2. Liberation theology Miguel de la Torre
3. Public theology Hak Joon Lee
4. Catholic social teaching Lisa Sowle Cahill
5. Protestant social ethics D. Stephen Long
6. Postliberalism and radical orthodoxy Daniel M. Bell, Jr
7. Postcolonial theology Susan Abraham
Part II. Contemporary Questions in Political Theology: 8. Scripture Christopher Rowland
9. Augustinianisms and Thomisms Eric Gregory and Joseph Clair
10. Liberalism and democracy Craig Hovey
11. Capitalism and global economics Philip Goodchild
12. Political theology as threat William T. Cavanaugh
13. Good rule Peter J. Leithart
14. Eschatology and apocalyptic Elizabeth Phillips.

Subject Areas: Religion & politics [HRAM2], Religious ethics [HRAM1], Religious issues & debates [HRAM], Philosophy of religion [HRAB]