Christianity and the Political Order: Conflict, Cooptation, and Cooperation (Theology in Global Perspective) - Softcover

Himes, Kenneth R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1626980284 ISBN 13: 9781626980280

Publisher: Orbis Books, 2013

Synopsis

This compelling and comprehensive book argues that politics and religion are matters too important to be left to politicians and religious leaders.

Beyond electoral campaigns and government structures, the relationship between the political realm and Christianity has always involved the important questions of how we ought to live together, and how we should organize and govern our common life. As the author notes, politics and the political choices we make must be guided by considerations of national and global justice and peace and, for Christians, by the teachings of Jesus,as interpreted by tradition.

Himes examines the relationship between Christianity and politics from the teachings of the Old and New Testaments through the patristic and medieval eras and the age of reform to the age of revolution, and throughout the twentieth century into the third millennium. He takes on questions of the role of the church in politics, responsible voting, concerns of globalization, and issues of human rights and war and peace.

With discussion questions and suggestions for further reading, Christianity and the Political Order is a timely and compelling review of the relationship between Christian faith and the political realm both past and present in a classroom-friendly text.

About this title

About the Author:

Kenneth R. Himes, OFM, is associate professor of Christian ethics at Boston College. A former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America and a specialist in the history of Catholic social teaching and the relationship of religion and politics, he has served as a theological consultant for the Office of Social Development and World Peace at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. His many publications include Modern Catholic Social Teaching: Commentaries and Interpretations (Georgetown, 2005).

Review:

A must-read and indispensable guide for those concerned with the bread-and-butter issues of church-and-state relations. --Peter C. Phan, Georgetown University

The breadth of historical development, the depth of theological and ethical analysis, and the clarity of thought and expression by Kenneth Himes make [this] an excellent textbook. --Charles Curran, Southern Methodist University

About this edition

• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1626980284
• ISBN 13: 9781626980280
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 359