A Christian Perspective on Political ThoughtArguing that Americans make political choices in terms of a general notion of right and wrong, yet lack a sound, objective foundation for such values, evangelical scholar Stephen Mott formulates a Christian political theory that supplies such norms. Drawing on theological and biblical sources, Mott thoroughly develops the biblical and theological foundations for politics and political evaluation. Mott proposes that political philosophies should be evaluated in light of Christian theological and ethical values--specifically the understanding of power, human nature, the nature of group life, justice and love, government, and time. He then applies this critical framework in an evaluation of political ideologies, including traditional conservatism, liberalism, democracy, laissez-faire conservatism, Marxist socialism, and democratic socialism. He gives special attention to their classical exponents and ideas. Asserting that political visions ultimately depend on cultural values that themselves require vigorous religious faith in a particular society, Mott's study offers a valuable introduction to Christian political thought as well as an illuminating look at the connection between politics and religion. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
A. D. Lindsay Adams American Aristotle association Augustine basic Bible Boston Burke Calvin capitalism capitalist Christ Christian church concept conservative contribution critical critique cultural decision defensive power democracy democratic distribution distributive justice economic Edmund Burke equal Ethics evil expression Fascism freedom God's groups Heimann Horvat human nature Ibid ideal Ideas ideology individual industrial institutions intervening power Israel James Luther Adams John John Calvin Karl Marx labor laissez-faire liberalism liberty Marx and Engels Marx's Marxism means ment Modern moral National needs nomic NRSV one's oppression ownership participation Paul Paul Tillich person political thought poor positive present principle production Puritan R. H. Tawney reason reflects Reinhold Niebuhr relationship Religion religious responsibility self-interest Sermon significant Smith social socialist society Testament Theology theory Tillich tion traditional conservatism transcending values vision wealth Wesley workers York