Christianity and Democracy
Christianity and Democracy
NZD$64.95
inc GSTThe need for global democratisation is now widely recognised, but there is considerable debate about what this means and how it can be achieved. In this important study John de Gruchy examines the historic and contemporary roles of Christianity in the development of democracy. He traces the gestation of modern democracy in medieval Christendom, and then describes the virtual breakdown of the relationship as democracy becomes the polity of modernity. Five twentieth-century case studies - the USA, Nicaragua, sub-Saharan Africa, Germany and South Africa - demonstrate the extent to which ecumenical Christianity has begun to reconnect with democracy and act as its contemporary midwife. De Gruchy argues that democracy needs to rediscover its spiritual heritage, while Christianity needs to develop a theology adequate for its participation in the realisation of a just democratic world order.
- Examines contemporary debates about democracy and democratic transition from a Christian theological perspective
- Looks at five important twentieth-century case studies including Nazi Germany and South Africa
- Will be of interest to both specialists and lay people who are concerned about relating Christian faith to political and social concerns
Reviews & endorsements
'De Gruchy has made an excellent contribution to a burgeoning field of research and a thoughtful offering to churches as they reflect on their future role in democratizing societies.' Religion and Values in Public Life
'A contribution of exceptional importance not only for an understanding of the Christian past but, still more, for reshaping its present.' Adrian Hastings, formerly University of Leeds
' A lucid and well-argued case for anchoring the vision of democracy in the prophetic vision of a just society ... I commend this book to all and sundry.' John S. Pobee, Chairman of the World Council of Churches, Geneva
Product details
July 1995Paperback
9780521458412
312 pages
215 × 136 × 19 mm
0.371kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. The System and the Vision:
- 1. Democracy: an open-ended tradition
- 2. The prophetic vision
- Part II. Historical and Theological Connections:
- 3. The Christian matrix
- 4. The polity of modernity
- Part III. Churches and the Struggle for Democracy:
- 5. Civil rights and liberation in the Americas
- 6. The post-colonial struggle for democracy in sub-Saharan Africa
- 7. Midwives of democracy in East Germany and South Africa
- Part IV. Critical Theological Reflection:
- 8. A theology for a just democratic world order.
