Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World

Christendom, which dominated Western Christianity for over a thousand years, began to weaken in the early Middle Ages and eventually crumbled. Most Christians now live in pluralistic political communities with diverse opinions on their role in a post-Christendom world. Politics After Christendom argues that Scripture does not promote the establishment of Christendom but rather prepares Christians to live in societies that are indifferent or hostile to Christianity. It utilizes theological ideas such as Augustine's Two-Cities concept, the Reformation Two-Kingdoms category, natural law, and a theology of the biblical covenants to present a model for Christian political engagement. The book explores the biblical story and emphasizes the importance of Christians understanding themselves as sojourners and exiles in their political communities, pursuing justice, peace, and excellence while remembering their ultimate citizenship in the kingdom of God. Part 2 reflects on perennial political and legal issues and suggests how Christians can think about them wisely and theologically soundly, considering the classical liberal and conservative traditions and recent challenges from nationalist and progressivist movements.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2020
Publisher: Zondervan

For over a millennium, spanning the early Middle Ages, the majority of Western Christians found themselves immersed in societies that aimed to uphold Christian values across various domains, including ecclesiology, economics, law, and politics. This era was known as Christendom, representing the dominant religious and cultural landscape of the time. However, a gradual process initiated a few hundred years ago led to the weakening and eventual collapse of Christendom. Presently, the majority of Christians worldwide reside in pluralistic political communities, each with its own distinct beliefs and practices. Within these communities, Christians hold diverse perspectives on the significance of Christendom's decline and their role and responsibilities in a post-Christendom world.

In his book, Politics After Christendom, author James M. Wall argues that Scripture provides Christians with the necessary guidance for navigating a world like the one we inhabit today. Wall contends that Scripture does not advocate for the establishment of a Christian-dominated society or a return to the glory days of Christendom. Instead, it prepares Christians to live in societies that may be indifferent or hostile to Christianity, where they must persevere as faithful sojourners and exiles.

Politics After Christendom delves into the teachings of Scripture regarding political community and the responsibilities of Christians within their own communities. It employs a range of theological ideas developed by Christian thinkers throughout history, including Augustine's Two-Cities concept, the Reformation Two-Kingdoms category, natural law, and a theology of the biblical covenants. By integrating these ideas in a unique way, Politics After Christendom presents a model for Christian political engagement. The book engages with a wide array of influential thinkers, including older theologians such as Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin, as well as contemporary secular political theorists like Rawls.

Through its exploration of these theological concepts and their application to contemporary political realities, Politics After Christendom offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of Christianity in the modern world. It challenges the notion that Christians should seek to establish a Christian-dominated society or strive to reclaim the cultural dominance of Christendom. Instead, it encourages Christians to embrace their identity as followers of Jesus Christ in a pluralistic world and to engage in political activity that promotes justice, peace, and the common good.

In conclusion, Politics After Christendom provides a thoughtful and compelling exploration of the relationship between Christianity and politics in the post-Christendom era. By drawing on Scripture and theological ideas, the book offers Christians a framework for navigating a world that may be indifferent or hostile to their faith. It challenges the notion of seeking to reestablish Christendom and encourages Christians to engage in political activity that promotes justice, peace, and the common good. As Christians continue to navigate the complexities of a post-Christendom world, this book serves as a valuable resource for understanding their role and responsibilities in shaping the future of society.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780310108849