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The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics

Political Theology, Natural Law, and the American Founding

Kody W. Cooper (University of Tennessee, Chattanooga) Justin Buckley Dyer (University of Texas, Austin)

$154.95

Hardback

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English
Cambridge University Press
15 December 2022
There has been a considerable amount of literature in the last 70 years claiming that the American founders were steeped in modern thought. This study runs counter to that tradition, arguing that the founders of America were deeply indebted to the classical Christian natural-law tradition for their fundamental theological, moral, and political outlook. Evidence for this thesis is found in case studies of such leading American founders as Thomas Jefferson and James Wilson, the pamphlet debates, the founders' invocation of providence during the revolution, and their understanding of popular sovereignty. The authors go on to reflect on how the founders' political thought contained within it the resources that undermined, in principle, the institution of slavery, and explores the relevance of the founders' political theology for contemporary politics. This timely, important book makes a significant contribution to the scholarly debate over whether the American founding is compatible with traditional Christianity.
By:   , ,
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication:   United Kingdom
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Height: 236mm,  Width: 158mm,  Spine: 22mm
Weight:   550g
ISBN:   9781009098113
ISBN 10:   100909811X
Pages:   225
Publication Date:  
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Primary
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Acknowledgements; 1. Introduction: Classical and Christian origins; 2. God and nature's law in the pamphlet debates; 3. Thomas Jefferson, nature's God, and the theological foundations of natural-rights republicanism; 4. Reason, revelation, and revolution; 5. Providence and natural law in the war for independence; 6. Reason, will, and popular sovereignty; 7. The law of nature in James Wilson's Lectures on Law; 8. Conclusion: Immanence, transcendence, and the American political order.

Kody W. Cooper is UC Foundation Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Service at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Justin Buckley Dyer is Professor of Government and Executive Director of the Civitas Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.

Reviews for The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics: Political Theology, Natural Law, and the American Founding

'... a bold intellectual roadmap to reclaiming civic friendship and a functioning republican Constitution.' Bradley C. S. Watson, The University Bookman '... [the] book is testament to America's deep roots in classical and Christian thinking. Let's hope its publication is a catalyst to a broad renewal of a more historically grounded and philosophically accurate interpretation of the American founding and American politics.' Luke C. Sheahan, The University Bookman 'Readers of the book will reconsider many of the now conventional claims about the origin and purpose of the American regime ... Highly recommended.' D. P. Ramsey, Choice 'This exceptionally learned, bold, and courageous book is a perfect tract for our times.' Stephen B. Presser, The University Bookman 'This is an important work contesting simplistic views of the founding from secular liberals who embrace it and religious integralists who oppose it. It is also a very serious engagement with classical Christian metaphysics. For those unfamiliar with classical theism, natural law, and the theology of being, there is much faithful exposition and metaphysical sophistication here. This work is a history of the political philosophy of the American founding that satisfies the theologian.' James R. Wood, Religious Studies Review


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