Divine democracy : political theology after Carl Schmitt / Miguel Vatter.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Vatter, Miguel E., author.

Series:

Oxford scholarship online.

Oxford scholarship online

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Political theology.

Democracy--Christianity--Religious aspects.

Democracy.

Schmitt, Carl, 1888-1985--Influence.

Schmitt, Carl.

Christianity and politics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (312 pages).

Place of Publication:

New York, New York : Oxford University Press, [2021]

Summary:

Why has religion become such a politically contested issue in the late 20th century? In liberal democracies the state is meant to be neutral towards religious beliefs and rituals of its citizens; the legal system is supposed to decide about guilt or innocence without religious prejudice. Political theology is a discourse developed during the 20th century that questions these widely held assumptions. It studies how political and legal concepts were derived from theological ones, dissolving the connection between the public sphere and secularism, and bringing religion out from the private sphere and into democratic life. This text examines to what extent contemporary democracy rests on theological assumptions.

Contents:

Introduction. Political theology and democratic legitimacy in the 20th century

Carl Schmitt and sovereignty

Eric Voegelin and representation

Jacques Maritain and human rights

Ernst Kantorowicz and government

Jürgen Habermas and public reason

Conclusion. "Only a god can resist god." Gnosticism and political theology.

Notes:

Also issued in print: 2021.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

Other Format:

Print version: Vatter, Miguel E. Divine democracy.

ISBN:

0-19-094239-8

0-19-094237-1

0-19-094238-X