In the whirlwind : God and humanity in conflict / Robert A. Burt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Burt, Robert A., 1939-2015.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

God--Goodness.

God.

God--Omnipotence.

God--Righteousness.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (401 p.)

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 2012.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

God deserves obedience simply because he's God-or does he? Inspired by a passion for biblical as well as constitutional scholarship, in this bold exploration Yale Law Professor Robert A. Burt conceptualizes the political theory of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. God's authority as expressed in these accounts is not a given. It is no less inherently problematic and in need of justification than the legitimacy of secular government. In recounting the rich narratives of key biblical figures-from Adam and Eve to Noah, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Job, and Jesus-In the Whirlwind paints a surprising picture of the ambivalent, mutually dependent relationship between God and his peoples. Taking the Hebrew and Christian Bibles as a unified whole, Burt traces God's relationship with humanity as it evolves from complete harmony at the outset to continual struggle. In almost every case, God insists on unconditional obedience, while humanity withholds submission and holds God accountable for his promises.Contemporary political theory aims for perfect justice. The Bible, Burt shows, does not make this assumption. Justice in the biblical account is an imperfect process grounded in human-and divine-limitation. Burt suggests that we consider the lessons of this tension as we try to negotiate the power struggles within secular governments, and also the conflicts roiling our public and private lives.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Preface

Chapter One. In the Beginning

Chapter Two. The Appearance of Authority

Chapter Three. God Gives, God Takes Away

Chapter Four. God's Promises

Chapter Five. Loving Power

Chapter Six. Love Offered, Love Commanded

Chapter Seven. Grief and Grievance

Chapter Eight. As We Forgive Those

Chapter Nine. A Renewed Testament

Chapter Ten. The Same Old Testament

Chapter Eleven. Eliminating Doubts and Doubters

Chapter Twelve. The Insoluble Problem of Politics

Chapter Thirteen. Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue

Chapter Fourteen. Reconciling with Injustice

Notes. Acknowledgments. Index

Notes

Acknowledgments

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780674064874

0674064879

9780674069671

0674069676

OCLC:

794003986