Political Theology: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Elizabeth Phillips

There is an increasingly intense interest in political theology amongst contemporary scholars and students. Yet, while there are many authors engaging in political theology, there are very few resources about political theology which aim to orient students and other recent new-comers to the field. This is a concise and accessible advanced introduction which distinguishes various approaches to political theology, and which explores several of the central issues addressed in political theologies. Theological students will be able to approach courses and readings in political theology with a renewed confidence with this overview in hand.

Genres: Theology, Politics, Philosophy

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2012

Reviews

[Zachary Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful as an introduction to the field of political theology. Phillips insightfully explains key concepts and tensions for understanding the complex conversation within political theology while introducing the reader to important voices and traditions.

Many of her chapters were insightful, but her chapter, “Oppression, Marginalization, and Liberation,” lacked much of the depth and insight that other chapters had. It felt like a tack-on and an area Phillips didn’t seem as interested or familiar in.

The book is a great jumping off point for further interest in many different directions!

[Kaz Okaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief and very helpful map of political theology. It is not exhaustive, but provides good foundations and frames of reference

[Renato Garín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una ineludible guía para quienes nos consideramos perplejos ante la emergencia de los liberacionistas, el evangelismo político, el opus dei y otras manifestaciones culturales de la posmodernidad. En este libro, la profesora Elizabeth Philips divide su investigación en dos partes. En la primera, se ocupa de definir la teología política, su emergencia y las aproximaciones de diversos autores. En la segunda parte, aborda asuntos específicos. En primer lugar, la posición institucional de la Iglesia respecto del Estado moderno. Luego, la figura de Jesús, el rol de la violencia y la paz, el debate entre liberales y demócratas. Los últimos dos capítulos fueron los más útiles para mi propia investigación: "Opresión, marginalización y Liberación", donde se analiza el surgimiento de las teologías liberacionistas. Finalmente, el capítulo ocho sobre la creación, la historia y la escatología, es el mejor logrado de todo el volumen.

[Preston Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Political Theology

Great intro to this topic. Helpful analysis with depth of reference. Encouraged my to continue reading with its references. Highly recommended because of its clarity!

[Courtney Sells-Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt an interesting argument on the commodification of privatized Christianity. However, I have some pushback against the optimism vs. pessimism approach in one of the first sections of the book.

[Jackson Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful introduction, worth looking at. She’s doing a lot of synthesis and overview due to the nature of the series/project. If you know nothing about political theology, this helps you understand the conversations well.

[Keith Lenard Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introduction and shows the different streams of political theology from Augustine to post modernism. This book with help those who are interested in political theology to get a solid foundation and gives examples for further study.

[Suzanne McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

First rate for the purpose it sets out to accomplish - it's an excellent brief and basic guide to the field, with plenty of pointers for going deeper.

[Ben Torno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and to the point. A very helpful survey.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredibly helpful for laying a foundation for understanding the different veins of political theology. Historical background, and really great contrasts of spectrums within the veins. It is a relatively short book, academic, but very readable. Phillips does a great job of staying somewhat unbiased, but there are some moments you can tell she favors certain theologians (which is reasonable). Highly recommend.

[Tim Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillips strength is clarity, and she exercises that strength throughout this helpful volume. Moving comfortably across a wide range of literature, both historically and methodologically, Phillips traces key conversations and issues in the field of Political Theology, all the while explicating the respective arguments and leveraging her own, keen critical voice. I count this book as essential for any student, researcher, or curious reader who seeks to responsibly and faithfully "think politics" theologically or "think theology" politically.

[J.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for those interested in Political Theology. Perfect overview of history, movements, schools, and denominational variants. The book also discusses the important themes in the discipline such as state-church relationship, the use of violence, liberation from oppression, the normativity of Jesus' teaching, and the role of eschatology.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly basic consideration of the topic.

[Paul D. Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful overview of the field. Overly simplistic at points, but a handy reference to guide further reading.

[Ben Aurich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very readable and informative, providing a variety of perspectives on the matter. A solid introduction to political theology.