Anarchy and the Kingdom of God: From Eschatology to Orthodox Political Theology and Back

Anarchy and the Kingdom of God reclaims the concept of "anarchism" from a theological perspective, advancing human freedom as a foundational principle in Christianity for a reexamination of democracy and justice in the age of global (neoliberal) capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

Anarchy and the Kingdom of God takes a profound and theological exploration of the concept of "anarchism," reclaiming it from a purely political standpoint and embracing it as a way of understanding the sociopolitical realm. By approaching the issues of power, coercion, and oppression through a theological lens, author Davor Džalto seeks to elevate human freedom as a fundamental theological principle within Christianity. This transformative principle empowers us to reexamine the complexities of democracy and justice in the age of global (neoliberal) capitalism, offering a fresh perspective and potential solutions to the challenges we face today.

In this book, Džalto delves into the historical and philosophical roots of anarchism, tracing its origins back to ancient Greek and Christian thinkers. He argues that the concept of "anarchism" has been misconstrued and misunderstood, often associated with chaos and disorder. However, through a theological lens, Džalto reveals that anarchism can be seen as a way of promoting human flourishing and dignity, while also challenging the oppressive structures and systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

One of the central themes of Anarchy and the Kingdom of God is the concept of power. Džalto argues that power is not inherently evil, but rather a tool that can be used for either good or bad. He challenges the notion that power should be centralized in the hands of a few individuals or institutions, instead advocating for a decentralized and distributed system of power that empowers individuals and communities. This approach recognizes the inherent diversity and complexity of human experiences and seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Another key aspect of Džalto's argument is the role of coercion in society. He argues that coercion is not necessarily bad, but can be necessary in certain situations to protect individuals and communities from harm. However, he also emphasizes the importance of voluntary consent and the need to limit the use of coercion to the minimum necessary. Džalto suggests that a society that values human freedom and dignity should prioritize the development of nonviolent means of conflict resolution and negotiation, rather than resorting to violence and coercion.

In addition to exploring the themes of power and coercion, Anarchy and the Kingdom of God also examines the relationship between religion and politics. Džalto argues that religion can play a positive role in promoting human freedom and dignity, but that it must be approached with a critical and nuanced perspective. He cautions against the use of religion as a tool of oppression or control, and instead advocates for a religiously inclusive and pluralistic society that respects the diversity of religious beliefs and practices.

Overall, Anarchy and the Kingdom of God offers a thought-provoking and challenging exploration of the concept of "anarchism" from a theological perspective. By reclaiming the term, Džalto advances human freedom as a foundational theological principle in Christianity, empowering us to reexamine the problems of democracy and justice in the age of global (neoliberal) capitalism. Through a deep and thoughtful analysis of power, coercion, and oppression, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of society and the role of religion in shaping it.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823294398