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Political Theology

Original Illustration from Thomas Hobbe's Leviathan

Throughout history, theological concepts across religious traditions have been used to legitimate political systems, actions, and stances. These resources examine how religious beliefs and principles motivate specific political action. In particular, they explore historic and contemporary understandings of political engagement in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Our Experts

Shaun Casey headshot

Shaun Casey

Director
Walsh School of Foreign Service

David Hollenbach headshot

David Hollenbach

Senior Fellow
Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Theology

Michael Kessler headshot

Michael Kessler

Managing Director
Department of Government and Law Center

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Publications

Book February 8, 2018

Pope Francis as a Global Actor: Where Politics and Theology Meet

The chapters in this volume ask what difference it makes that Pope Francis is the first pope from Latin America, how and why different countries in the world respond to him, and how his understanding of scripture informs his ideas on economic, social, and environmental policy.

Other Publications

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Events

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Blog Posts

Minarets in Qom, Iran.

September 30, 2019

Islamic Claims in Iranian Political Rhetoric

Has Iran’s recent nuclear-focused rhetoric assumed more overtly religious overtones since the latest sanctions targeting the country’s supreme leader? Does the content and tone of such rhetoric differ when aimed at domestic versus international audiences?
How Turkish is Islam in Lithuania?

September 19, 2019

How Turkish is Islam in Lithuania?

Egdūnas Račius explains how Turkish involvement in and influence on Islamic life in Lithuania led to a split in the Lithuanian Muslim community following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey. He concludes that Turkey is unlikely to influence Muslim communities in Lithuania in the near future.
Declaration Proliferation: The International Politics of Religious Tolerance

July 11, 2019

Declaration Proliferation: The International Politics of Religious Tolerance

Annelle R. Sheline examines a string of declarations issued by Muslim religious scholars (ulama) to denounce various acts of violence carried out by Muslim individuals and concludes that the long-term effects of “declaration proliferation” may be more counterproductive than they initially seem.

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Videos

April 7, 2009

The Making of a Catholic President (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 4 minutes

January 29, 2009

Brooks, Dionne, and Tippett Discuss the Legacy of Reinhold Niebuhr & the Future of Christian Realism (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 20 minutes

October 15, 2008

Political Theologies: Past, Present, and Future (Keynote featuring Mark Lilla & John Milbank) (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 21 minutes

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