Christianity, Ethics and the Law: The Concept of Love in Christian Legal Thought

This book explores how Christian love can inform legal thought, challenging the notion that law and love are in tension. It highlights how thinkers like Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin used love in their legal reasoning and examines Christian love in light of contemporary legal topics such as civility, forgiveness, and secularism. The book proposes that love not only matters for law but can transform the terms on which Christians understand and engage it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound relationship between Christian love and legal thought, offering a fresh perspective on how these two realms can intersect and inform one another. By introducing love as a key category for Christian ethical understanding, the author challenges the prevailing notion that law and love are inherently at odds. Instead, the book proposes that love can and should shape our understanding of law, particularly in the context of the growing field of law and religion.

The book explores the historical and constructive theological dimensions of this relationship, examining how thinkers such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin incorporated love into their legal thought. Through these essays, the author highlights often overlooked aspects of the Christian tradition, shedding light on the rich tapestry of ideas and values that have shaped legal thought throughout history.

Furthermore, the book extends its exploration to contemporary legal topics, such as civility, forgiveness, and secularism. By examining Christian love in these contexts, the author demonstrates how love can provide valuable insights and perspectives on legal issues that are relevant to our modern world.

The central idea of the book is that love holds the potential to transform the terms on which Christians understand and engage with law. The author argues that love can provide a moral framework for legal decision-making, promoting justice, compassion, and respect for all individuals. Love can also foster a sense of community and solidarity, as Christians strive to uphold the values of love and justice in their interactions with others.

This book will appeal to a wide range of academics and researchers working in the fields of legal theory, law and religion, law and philosophy, legal history, theology and religious studies, and political theory. It offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue between these disciplines, promoting a deeper understanding of the role of love in shaping our legal and ethical frameworks.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of Christian love and legal thought. It provides a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the potential for love to inform and transform our understanding of law, promoting a more just and compassionate society.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367710057