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How Does -- or Should? -- Theology Influence Politics?
Abstract
The question discussed in this article is whether Christian theology should
influence contemporary political debates. The topic is discussed through two
practical case studies: (1) technological advances in genetic engineering and (2)
the just war tradition and the use of force. In the first discussion, Dietrich
Bonhoeffer’s unfinished Ethics is employed to demonstrate the importance of
substantial theological categories to resist a reductionist technological utilitarian
discourse about the body. Intrinsic human dignity is essentially God-given. In
the second, Aquinas and Augustine add theological complexity and substance to
secular discussions of war and peace. Human caring is more than the protection
of the sovereign state. A peace that is only the absence of war can disguise many
harmful situations. In conclusion, theological discussion brings nuance, richness
and depth to secular political debates so long as theologians go beyond simplistic
contributions such as ‘God demands’ or ‘The Bible forbids’.
influence contemporary political debates. The topic is discussed through two
practical case studies: (1) technological advances in genetic engineering and (2)
the just war tradition and the use of force. In the first discussion, Dietrich
Bonhoeffer’s unfinished Ethics is employed to demonstrate the importance of
substantial theological categories to resist a reductionist technological utilitarian
discourse about the body. Intrinsic human dignity is essentially God-given. In
the second, Aquinas and Augustine add theological complexity and substance to
secular discussions of war and peace. Human caring is more than the protection
of the sovereign state. A peace that is only the absence of war can disguise many
harmful situations. In conclusion, theological discussion brings nuance, richness
and depth to secular political debates so long as theologians go beyond simplistic
contributions such as ‘God demands’ or ‘The Bible forbids’.