Political Theology
A Synopsis of Anglican Political Thought
Introduction Very often, I (Jesse) will meet Christians, even ordained ministers, who will say “I don’t really like politics,” and I get what they mean. The world of modern politics is dirty—however wicked or vicious your political opponent seems to be, it’s easy enough to identify some unseemly characters or policies operating on the opposite…
Primary Sources in Anglican Political Thought
The following excerpts are those cited in The North American Anglican’s Synopsis of Anglican Political Thought, arranged topically. It is hoped that the full force of the Anglican tradition on these topics will be better felt by reprinting the words of our forebears rather than merely referencing them. The Civil and Spiritual Realms “In this…
Let’s Talk Politics
Christians should talk about politics. The prejudice many Christians have against political disagreement and debate isn’t healthy. Honesty requires laying all political tactics aside. Telling Christians they shouldn’t “talk about politics” is itself a political tactic and a political statement. We must make that clear to ourselves. Every political tactic, such as this one, has…
Honor Virtue Or Lose the Young Men
Young Men are The Future Young men are the future of the Anglican Church in North America. They are the resource, if well stewarded, by which the church will be replenished through the Spirit. Young men will also, if either neglected or ignored, opt out of ordained ministry altogether in favor of pursuits and careers…
We Cannot Live Without Sunday: When Can the Church Tell the State, No?
What follows are some thoughts about the extent and limits of the church’s obligation to obey the civil authorities. This is particularly relevant to the recent closing of hundreds of churches in Rwanda by the Kagame regime.[1] Nevertheless, I would not begin to presume to offer any admonition or advice to Rwandan believers in general…
National Apostasy: What does Keble’s Assize Sermon Teach Us Almost 200 years later?
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against you; but I will teach you good and the right way.” – 1 Samuel 12:23 “For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, And those nations shall be utterly ruined.” – Isaiah 60:12 Intro Almost 200 years…
Calvin’s Political Theology Revisited
What does it look like when a defender of pluralistic liberalism critiques Christian nationalism (i.e., Christendom) without resorting to charges of racism, kinism, and so forth? Sober criticism of this sort has been scarce in the year since Stephen Wolfe’s book on Christian nationalism was published. As it so happens, though, an attempt at serious…
Give the King Thy Judgments, O LORD (Part II)
In the previous post, we looked at the context in which Constantine ruled by highlighting the significant events of his rise and reign. Constantine’s Reforms Having set out the events that shaped Constantine’s historical context, the reforms and policies of his reign must be considered in this light. First, Constantine made reforms in the law…
Give the King Thy Judgments, O LORD (Part I)
Constantine, Augustine, and the Legacy of Western Christendom The streets of Rome thronged with celebrants awaiting the advent of the victorious new emperor. Though it was typical for emperors or kings upon their ascension to be contrasted with their predecessors and praised as the ushers of a new era of peace and prosperity, on this…
Kinism and Wolfe’s Case for Christian Nationalism
When my review of Stephen Wolfe’s The Case for Christian Nationalism was published, Fr. Ben Jefferies—a former member of the Liturgy Task Force of the Anglican Church in North America, and a once frequent contributor to The North American Anglican who cut ties after my review was not retracted—posted a comment calling both the book…