Introduction; 1. Created diversity; 2. State authority; 3. Social order; 4. Engaging states; Conclusion.
A theological affirmation of liberalism that critiques state authority, proposes an alternative, and offers suggestions for life under state rule.
Gary Chartier is Distinguished Professor of Law and Business Ethics at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. A theologian, philosopher, legal scholar, and political theorist, he is the author of numerous books, including Flourishing Lives (2019), Anarchy and Legal Order (2012), The Analogy of Love (2017, 2020), and Understanding Friendship (2022).
'The deep moral intelligence, theological acuity, and relentless
intellectual honesty of Chartier's argument set this book apart.
And, perhaps needless to say, its challenge to Christian
selfconsciousness could scarcely be more urgent at this moment.'
David Bentley Hart, Collaborating Researcher, University of Notre
Dame
'At a time when Christian nationalism is in the news, this book
contributes to a broader and deeper tradition of Christian critique
of the nation-state. Chartier's fascinating proposal depends
neither on pacifism nor on cosmopolitanism, but rather puts forward
an updated 'consociational' model of overlapping and
deterritorialized networks and communities building the common
good. Both in its negative critique and its positive proposal,
Chartier's book is informed, provocative, and provides an antidote
to today's increasingly toxic politics.' William T. Cavanaugh,
Professor of Catholic Studies, DePaul University
'Gary Chartier's Christianity and the Nation-State is a bold,
forceful critique of the authority of the nation-state from a
Christian point of view. It should be read by Christian and
non-Christian readers concerned with liberty, diversity, and the
proper and improper use of coercion. His consociationalist model of
governance is an important contribution to political theory and
Christian theology.' Charles Taliaferro, Boe Distinguished
Professor Emeritus, St. Olaf College
'Gary Chartier contends that the modern nation state is not just
morally ambiguous, but is morally illegitimate, dangerous, and
unnecessary. More boldly still, Chartier predicts that in due
course, the international order of political states will dissipate
and be replaced by a radically new global configuration of
overlapping 'consociational' societies. He harbors hope that this
radically new social order will generate unprecedented common
global good. One does not have to accept this hope as plausible in
order to appreciate the many strengths of Chartier's main moral
thesis. Beginning to end, he displays a wide-ranging command of the
relevant scholarly literature, his analysis is incisive and
penetrating, his arguments are finely nuanced and rigorous, and the
discussion is rich in fresh insights and provocative perspectives.
On the whole, this book is a very valuable contribution to both
theological and broadly philosophical social moral theory and
ethics.' John Schneider, Professor of Theology, Emeritus, Calvin
College
'One can go a long way with Gary Chartier's attempt to defend what
he calls a 'radical consociational society' without finally
eschewing all moral legitimacy to the notion of a state as such. A
serious application of the principle of subsidiarity might bring us
closer while still heeding the abusus non tollit usum caution.
Professor Chartier's theological examination of anarchy is informed
and well argued. He puts into one place an articulate and
theologically informed case for the stateless society.' Robert A.
Sirico, President Emeritus, Acton Institute
'In this thought provoking book Gary Chartier challenges facile
deductions from Scripture and assumptions taken from the natural
law tradition. It is a valuable and innovative contribution to the
Christian conversation about the ordering of society toward a
peaceful and cooperative common good, that is so dear to Catholic
social thought. The first impression is that of a radical book;
then, you realize it's reasonable: It uses radical language to make
you think.' Martin Schlag, Moss Professor of Catholic Social
Thought, University of St. Thomas
'Chartier has written a thought-provoking book on the necessity of
consent for the legitimization of political associations. He
carefully develops a non-pacifistic critique of the contemporary
political state, and urges Christians who, without much, if any,
reflection, possess a positive attitude toward the state in general
and the nation-state in particular to think critically about their
view. This is an important book.' Stewart Goetz, Professor of
Philosophy, Ursinus College
'Gary Chartier's Christianity and the Nation-State is a highly
valuable exploration of possible social order without sovereign
States. Regardless of whether or not one finally agrees with his
proposals, everyone who is honestly engaged in thinking beyond the
political status quo will benefit from reading his work. It is time
for Christians to stop with half-way measures and rear-guard
actions and start seriously, creatively thinking about politics. We
are indebted to Chartier for showing us what this looks like.'
Andrew Willard Jones, Assistant Professor of Theology, Franciscan
University of Steubenville
'The temptation for the Church to identify its cause with the cause
of a particular political entity, or to seek its goals by means of
governmental force, is as old as Constantine. Drawing in part on
the specific resources of the Christian tradition, and in part on
arguments accessible to those of any creed or none, Gary Chartier
makes a compelling case for a skeptical theological attitude toward
the claims of the nation-state, and offers an inspiring vision of
peaceful, diverse, creative, cosmopolitan human association where,
in the words of Christ to his followers, the exercise of dominion
and authority as practiced in the Gentile kingdoms 'shall not be so
among you.' Roderick T. Long, Professor of Philosophy, Auburn
University
'Christianity and the Nation-State offers a formidable challenge to
the idea of the state itself and forces readers to confront an
enduring and alluring temptation, namely, to try to do justice,
love mercy, and walk humbly with our God by seizing political
power. Gary Chartier gives us reasons to resist.' Art Carden,
Professor of Economics, Samford University
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
