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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

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David Hollenbach

Senior Fellow
Walsh School of Foreign Service and Department of Theology and Religious Studies

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Michael Kessler

Executive Director
Department of Government and Georgetown Law

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Publications

Article November 2, 2021

Islam and the Secular

In this book chapter, Senior Fellow Jocelyne Cesari focuses on Islam and highlights the significant historical episodes that have shaped the current relations between religion and the secular, suggesting the key role of the nation-state in shaping religious and political dynamics today.

Other Publications

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Events

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Blog Posts

Exterior view of St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

August 19, 2021

Russian Orthodoxy and Nationhood in the Age of COVID-19

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected relations between the Russian state and the Orthodox Church? In what ways does the history of religion and nationhood in Russia inform church and state approaches to the pandemic?
Steeple of a Baptist church

April 22, 2021

The Future of U.S. Evangelical Christianity

What might recent controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention suggest about the future of U.S. evangelical Christianity? What theological, biblical, or ethical resources could inspire a more inclusive or prophetic evangelicalism going forward?
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?

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Videos

November 9, 2021

7th Annual Costan Lecture in Early Christianity by Columba Stewart, OSB

Duration: 1 hours 17 minutes

November 23, 2020

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

Duration: 1 hours 0 minutes

November 5, 2020

Indian and Western Varieties of Secularism

Duration: 1 hours 19 minutes

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