Christianity and Liberal Society: (Oxford Studies in Theological Ethics)

Liberalism forms the dominant political ideology of the modern world, but despite its pervasive influence, this is the first book-length treatment of liberal political thought from a Christian theological perspective. Song discusses the different aspects and interpretations of liberalism with reference to the critiques of three twentieth-century theologians: the American Protestant Reinhold Niebuhr on the liberal progressivist philosophy of history; the lesser-known Canadian George Grant on the threat of technology to fundamental liberal values, as articulated in the recent work of John Rawls; and the French Thomist Jacques Maritain on the defence of political pluralism. Further to this, Song explores the implications of this political theology for the issues in fundamental constitutional theory raised by a bill of rights and judicial review of legislation, and concludes with an account of the critical but supportive stance of liberalism Christian theology should take.

Table of Contents:
1: Introduction 2: An Interpretation of LIberalism 3: Reinhold Niebuhr and the Liberal Philosophy of History 4: George Grant and the Basis of Liberal Values 5: Jacques Maritain and the Liberal Defence of Pluralism 6: The Central Problem of Liberal Constitutional Theory 7: Christianity and Liberal Society

About the Author :
Robert Song is Tutor in Ethics, St John's College, Durham

Review :
`Review from previous edition Song's command of the work of the thinkers he addresses is impressive and his analyses cast light on both the thought of the thinkers themselves and the issues they wrestle with.' Kenneth L. Grasso, The Review of Politics `a thoughtful work that both casts light on the work of the theorists whose thought it engages and offers some wise advice regarding the proper posture of Christians toward contemporary Western Society.' Kenneth L. Grasso, The Review of Politics `Song has written a fascinating study of political theory and jurisprudence ... this is a distinguished and theologically astute book ... The arguments are clear, subtle and well-structured ... this is an excellent interweaving of political and theological though which is a fine addition to English political theory.' Peter Sedgwick, Crucible `Dr Song's book has the great merit of drawing attention to some deep-lying problems of the contemporary world.' Church Times `Song plugs a gap in theological scholarship and we owe him a great debt of gratitude. This is perhaps the best recent book-length evaluation of liberal political thought from a Christian theological perspective, at least in English ... Song deserves high praise for this volume which will serve as a fine guide for advanced audiences studying the relationship between Christianity and liberalism.' Thomas Massaro, Theological Studies `scholarly and closely-argued book ... the questions it addresses are vital for any reflective Christian.' David McLellan, The Tablet `This is a major contribution to Christian political theory. Combining intellectual rigour with stylistic eloquence ... impressive achievement.' Third Way `Many books have been written recently about theology and liberalism in general, but very few, like this useful study by Robert Song, engage in details with the interaction between theology, and liberal political theory ...This is a good book, carefully and responsibly argued, showing that the tradition of Christian democratic thought is alive and well among Evangelicals as well as Catholics.' Theology