The Contested Public Square: The Crisis of Christianity and Politics

by Forster, Greg

• ISBN13: 9780830828807
• ISBN10: 083082880X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-11-30
• Publisher: INGRAM

Summary

This book introduces the history of Christian political thought in Western culture - a culture experiencing the dissolution of a long-foughtfor consensus around natural law theory.Understanding our current crisis, where there is little agreement and often opposing views about how to maintain both religious freedom and liberal democracy, requires exploring how wegot where we are. Greg Forster tells that long back story with deft discernment and clear insight. He offers this retrospective not only to inform but also to point the way beyond the current impasse in the contested public square... Market/Audience Students and professors of history and political science Christians in government Culture-watchers Features and Benefits A lively, engaging, informed and readable survey An introductory text aimed at undergraduates Accessible to the general reader

Author Biography

Greg Forster is director of the Program in American History, Economics Religion in the Kern Family Foundation. He is also a senior fellow at the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 11
Introduction	p. 13
Welcome Back to Babylon: How Persecution Permanently Shaped Christian Political Ideas	p. 19
The Wisdom of the Gods: Theology Encounters Philosophy	p. 43
Cities of God and Man: Augustine Formalizes the Idea of Dual Citizenship	p. 62
Natural Law: The Medieval Church Develops the Most Important Political Idea in History	p. 84
Regio Versus Religio: The Reformation and the Nation-State	p. 107
On the Road to Jerusalem: The Emergence of Religious Freedom	p. 142
An Appeal to Heaven: Revolution and Liberal Democracy	p. 172
The Fiery Trial: Christian Responses to Totalitarianism	p. 209
Conclusion	p. 243
Index	p. 250
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.