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Faith in the Revolution: The Political Theologies of Muntzer and Winstanley
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 1997
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December 12, 2020
This is very good. It reads like a PhD thesis turned into a book (which I suspect it is). Although the book focuses on Munster and Winstanley, Bradstock is really using them as examples through which to explore the question of a Christian contribution to revolutionary praxis. He keeps asking what Christians can contribute to the theory and practice of revolution that is distinctly Christian (rather than just being members of revolutionary movements who happen to be Christians).
Although it is an academic book written in an academic style, Andrew Bradstock doesn't follow the annoying tendency of many academics of being long-winded and obtuse for the sake of it. I found the book readable, although harder in some places than others, but I admit that I've studied related topics for a while. However, it *is* an academic book. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to the life and ideas of Munster and Winstanley, not least because Bradstock is studying them as a means to ask his questions about Christians and revolution, rather than in their own right. That said, the book does include some persuasive examination of Winstanley's ideas, challenging those interpreters who try to separate Winstanley from his theological views or who suggest that they became less important to him as time went on. (I know much less about Munster than Winstanley, so can't comment on how original Bradstock is being with his analysis of Munster).
Although this book was published in 1997, I think it could still be really useful for people studying the relationship of Christianity with revolution, or with Marxism, or with social change more broadly, or questions of liberation theology. It should also be useful more generally to Christians who believe in revolutionary change. Bradstock draws original and helpful conclusions about the role of Christians in revolutionary movements. It should be a better known book!
Although it is an academic book written in an academic style, Andrew Bradstock doesn't follow the annoying tendency of many academics of being long-winded and obtuse for the sake of it. I found the book readable, although harder in some places than others, but I admit that I've studied related topics for a while. However, it *is* an academic book. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to the life and ideas of Munster and Winstanley, not least because Bradstock is studying them as a means to ask his questions about Christians and revolution, rather than in their own right. That said, the book does include some persuasive examination of Winstanley's ideas, challenging those interpreters who try to separate Winstanley from his theological views or who suggest that they became less important to him as time went on. (I know much less about Munster than Winstanley, so can't comment on how original Bradstock is being with his analysis of Munster).
Although this book was published in 1997, I think it could still be really useful for people studying the relationship of Christianity with revolution, or with Marxism, or with social change more broadly, or questions of liberation theology. It should also be useful more generally to Christians who believe in revolutionary change. Bradstock draws original and helpful conclusions about the role of Christians in revolutionary movements. It should be a better known book!
Displaying 1 of 1 review