Political Theology

The Problems with Utilitarian Christianity
The Problems with Utilitarian Christianity

In religion, to which we want to direct our attention, the growth of the utilitarian spirit is an alarming phenomenon. Utilitarianism seems to mark not only the attitude of the political powers that use religion for the sake of social control and transform it to suit their purposes, but also the attitude of many who oppose them.

Where Are the Playful Realists?
Where Are the Playful Realists?

It is childish to demand the real world conform to one’s fancy; it is childlike to learn about the real world by playing in an imaginary one. Both the idealist and the cynical realist are childish. The Christian realist, by contrast, should be childlike.

Virtual Reality and Christian Politics
Virtual Reality and Christian Politics

I want to illuminate this conspiratorial approach, which I term “Christian Virtual Reality Politics,” by contrasting it with a more familiar approach, which I call “Christian Religious Politics.”

Underwhelmed by “America Without God”
Underwhelmed by “America without God”

While I am in large agreement with Shadi Hamid’s essay, I find myself a bit underwhelmed for a few reasons.

Retort against Woke Identity Politics: A Review of Joshua Mitchell’s American Awakening
A Retort against Woke Identity Politics: Review of Joshua Mitchell’s American Awakening

Mitchell’s contrast of wokeism with Christianity not only explains our confused and confusing times, but also showcases the truth, beauty, and freeing peace of the true Christian Gospel.

Western Media Misunderstand Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s Views on Religion and Politics – Pope Francis – Islam
Western Media Misunderstand Grand Ayatollah Sistani’s Views on Religion and Politics

Western media rightly praised Pope Francis’ historic trip to Iraq for opening new doors in Christian-Muslim relations. But they misunderstood Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Husaini Sistani’s views on religion and politics.

Role of Church Leaders in Global Affairs - “Let the Leaders Take the Lead,” by John A. Mackay
Role of Church Leaders in Global Affairs

It is not our task, fellow churchmen, to offer programs for the ordering of human life today. It is our function to present to those concerned with the secular order those theological presuppositions which are the indispensable basis of national and international health.

God’s Transcendence as an Antidote to Polarization in America
God’s Transcendence as an Antidote to Polarization in America

Polarization in the United States in recent years has both increased in intensity and transformed into a different type. These changes, in my view, are very dangerous for the future of the Republic.

Christians, Washington Is Only a Waystation
Christians and Politics: Back to the Basics

Washington is a waystation; Jerusalem is the destination. Only the King of Israel will decide when his kingdom will come. Until then we must live righteously, we must preach his kingdom, we must seek the peace of the city—but we must wait.