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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 and Religious Studies

Michael Kessler headshot

Michael Kessler

Managing Director
Department of Government and Law Center

Political Theology A-Z Subtopics

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Publications

Lesson Plan February 1, 2021

Islam as a Political Force

This curricular module guide introduces the religious and political components of political Islam in the contemporary Middle East and examines the historical development of Islam as a political ideology.

Other Publications

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Events

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Blog Posts

Ebenezer Baptist Church sign

April 8, 2021

The Black Church in American Public Life

How do lessons from the history of Black churches resonate today, a moment marked by public discourse on racial justice, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and a resurgence of white Christian nationalism? What historical and contemporary roles do women play in Black churches?
Yard of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria

March 24, 2021

Religious and Sectarian Identity in Syria

What roles do religious differences play in the ongoing Syrian Civil War? How can the history of colonialism and state-formation in Syria help to contextualize the conflict? What are some lessons learned about the relationship between religion and politics after 10 years of conflict in Syria?
Exterior of the U.S. Capitol Building rotunda

January 22, 2021

Faith and the American Insurrection

What are some of the sociological, historical, or theological roots of faith on display at the U.S. Capitol attacks on January 6? How does the Trump-backed insurrection connect to the interface between race, religion, and politics in the United States?

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Videos

November 23, 2020

Values as a Key Component of Good Governance: The Islamic Case (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 0 minutes

November 5, 2020

Indian and Western Varieties of Secularism (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 19 minutes

October 14, 2020

Iran's Shia Diplomacy (Video)

Duration: 1 hours 4 minutes

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