Christianity and Democracy
A Theology for a Just World Order
Part of Cambridge Studies in Ideology and Religion
- Author: John W. de Gruchy, University of Cape Town
- Date Published: June 1995
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521458412
Paperback
Other available formats:
eBook
Looking for an inspection copy?
This title is not currently available on inspection
-
The 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.
Read more- 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
See more reviews'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
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: June 1995
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521458412
- length: 312 pages
- dimensions: 215 x 136 x 19 mm
- weight: 0.371kg
- availability: 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.
Related Books
related journals
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×