Politics for Christians: Statecraft as Soulcraft

by Francis J. Beckwith

Overview

Politics is concerned with citizenship and the administration of justice—how communities are formed and governed. The role of Christians in the political process is hotly contested, but as citizens, Francis Beckwith argues, Christians have a rich heritage of sophisticated thought, as well as a genuine responsibility, to contribute to the shaping of public policy.

In particular, Beckwith addresses the contention that Christians, or indeed religious citizens of any faith, should set aside their beliefs before they enter the public square. What role should religious citizens take in a liberal democracy? What is the proper separation of church and state? What place should be made for natural rights and the moral law within a secular state?

This cogent introduction to political thought surveys political science, politics and government while making the case for how statecraft may genuinely contribute to soulcraft. Politics for Christians is part of The Christian Worldview Integration Series.

The Christian Worldview Integration Series, edited by J. P. Moreland and Francis J. Beckwith, seeks to promote a robust personal and conceptual integration of Christian faith and learning, with textbooks focused on disciplines such as education, psychology, literature, politics, science, communications, biology, philosophy, and history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830828142
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	02/02/2010
Series:	Christian Worldview Integration Series
Pages:	175
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Francis J. Beckwith is professor of philosophy and church-state studies, and fellow and faculty associate in the Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is author of Law, Darwinism Public Education and coeditor of To Everyone an Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview.

Table of Contents

Series Preface 9

Acknowledgments 29

Introduction 33

1 The Study of Politics 41

2 Liberal Democracy and the Christian Citizen 59

3 The Separation of Church and State 91

4 Secular Liberalism and the Neutral State 119

5 God, Natural Rights and the Natural Moral Law 145

Conclusion 163

Recommended Contemporary Readings 166

About the Author 172

Subject Index 173

Editorial Reviews

"Beckwith's book Politics for Christians is most definitely helpful for those who want a solid introduction to politics and who are ready to ponder the believer's place in the rough and tumble work of statecraft."

Scot McKnight

"Beckwith's book Politics for Christians is most definitely helpful for those who want a solid introduction to politics and who are ready to ponder the believer's place in the rough and tumble work of statecraft."

--Scot McKnight, Jesus Creed, August 2010

From the Publisher