Theology

This article re-examines the apparent divergence between the ostensibly pro-Roman orientation of Acts, and the lurid violence directed towards Rome in the Apocalypse. Going beyond the literal surface sense to explore the deeper meanings reveals in Acts a latent critique of Roman arrogance, epitomized by the cult of the emperor, and theomachy (fighting against God). Similarly, the Apocalypse should be read not as an attack on Rome itself, but on those who would compromise with the imperial cult and civic religion. Despite their obvious differences, these texts are united by their call to readers to fear God and keep his commandments.

This article explores and challenges the increasingly popular idea that nations can be corporately Christian. Advocates of a ‘Christian nation’ stance hold that a strategic goal of Christian public action is to defend or restore the nation's essentially Christian character. The article expounds this view as expressed in recent statements of British public theologians and church leaders. A core underlying assumption is then identified: that nations today can collectively be addressed by, respond to, and be held accountable to God, along the lines of biblical Israel. It is argued that this grounding lacks adequate biblical support.

There has been a recent resurgence of interest in the work of Carl Schmitt, the German jurist of the last century. This essay explores Schmitt's account of sovereignty within the context of his ‘political theology’. It describes Giorgio Agamben's use of Schmitt's theory of sovereignty as a lens through which to appraise critically contemporary geopolitics, before examining Jacob Taubes' messianic response to Schmitt. It suggests that a theological politics based on resurrection and participation in Christ is able to respond still further. The essay concludes by exploring what might be the relationship between the Church and political authority.

One facet of secularization is the loss of connections between the Church and secular institutions. If secularization is to be tackled then the Church as an institution needs to embody the gospel and new connections need to be forged between the Church and other institutions, for it is across these connections that new relationships between the Church and other institutions can be built. The creation of new faith-based organizations which can mediate between secular and religious institutions can facilitate this process.