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

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.