Political Theology

TH 3P1070/5P1050

Winter 2025
Fri 9:00am - 10:50am
CC/CW

How have Christians engaged the political sphere in the past? In what way(s) should we conceive the relationship between the Church and the world in the present? As one of the major questions stemming from the question of Christianity’s relationship with culture, this course will explore the main ways, past and present, in which Christians have navigated the challenge of the political—this, with an emphasis upon outlooks and modes that continue to be most relevant (e.g., Contemporary Constantinianism, Anabaptist/Yoderian/Hauerwasian Contrast Society, Christian Realism, Neo-Calvinism, Public Theology, Liberation Theologies, etc.).

Knowing

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of essential figures, themes, concepts, ongoing debates and discussions, and practical life and ministry implications regarding the various political theologies that are at our disposal.

Being

  • Cultivate further awareness of the limits of one’s own theological positions, so as to be self-aware of the continual need for humility and a pastoral dialogical posture with regard to political theological engagement, even while having the courage to maintain theological convictions.
  • Appropriate such developing convictions about political theology/theologies to one’s self so as to “be transformed by the renewing your mind” (cf. Romans 12:2).

Doing

  • Use their own words to explain relevant concepts and their significance concerning the various political theologies which will be explored.
  • Engage critically and constructively with the essential discussions and themes which have to do with the aforementioned theological loci.