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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
School of Foreign Service

David Hollenbach headshot

David Hollenbach

Senior Fellow
Walsh School of Foreign Service, Department of Theology

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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

Washington, D.C. Mormon Temple

August 14, 2018

The Evolution of Mormon Political Engagement

Berkley Forum contributors discuss how effective Mormons been in pursuing their political priorities in the United States, the basis of the continuing strength of the Mormon/Republican Party alignment, and some likely scenarios for the future of Mormon political engagement.
Devotion and Service: Liberation Theology, Indonesian Style

October 25, 2013

Devotion and Service: Liberation Theology, Indonesian Style

Our motley team of visitors, from Georgetown University and a foundation board, was in Indonesia on a mission: to learn about the Fahmina Institute, a finalist for the Opus Prize, which honors spiritually driven entrepreneurship that works for social good.

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Videos

July 17, 2013

The Making of a Catholic President (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 4 minutes

July 30, 2013

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

Duration: 1 hours 20 minutes

July 30, 2013

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

Duration: 1 hours 21 minutes

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