Athens and Jerusalem: George Grant s Theology, Philosophy, and Politics

by Ian Angus (editor), Ronald Dart (Editor), Randy Peg Peters (Editor)

~ George Grant (1918–1988) has been called Canada’s greatest political philosopher. To this day, his work continues to stimulate, challenge, and inspire Canadians to think more deeply about matters of social justice and individual responsibility. One of the primary reasons for Grant’s enduring significance is that his work connects practical and political issues to deeper questions about Western civilization, ontology, and religion. However, while there has been considerable discussion of Grant’s political theories, relatively little attention has been paid to their theological and philosophical underpinnings. In Athens and Jerusalem, Ian Angus, Ron Dart, and Randy Peg Peters gather together sixteen original essays to offer an elaboration and critique of the theological and philosophical basis of Grant’s work. The collection, which includes previously unpublished notes from four of Grant’s lectures, considers familiar themes of nationalism, Canada and the United States, modernity, technology and liberalism from a theological and philosophical perspective. Contributors demonstrate how Grant drew upon the biblical and Greek philosophical roots of Western civilization to diagnose its present condition, and to suggest alternative sources of illumination. A fascinating read for anyone interested in Canadian politics, philosophy or theology, this original collection goes one step further in helping us understand what is lasting about Grant’s work. ~

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Ian Angus is a Canadian independent Marxist writer, educator, and ecosocialist activist.

Reviews

[Mattias · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good selection of essays, ranging from Grant's views on political philosophy, his Christian Platonism, the technological homogenizing force of the 21st century, and if Grant actually sae himself as a Red Tory! I would definitely recommend this work if you would like a deeper dive into George Grant's influences and his thoughts. The work is largely comprised of academic writing on George Grant but also includes some work by George Grant himself. For instance, certain of his lecture notes from 1976.