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  1. Home
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  3. Christianity and Democracy
  • Cited by 46
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
January 2010
Print publication year:
1995
Online ISBN:
9780511627927
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511627927
Subjects:
Politics: General Interest, Religion, Politics and International Relations, Theology
Series:
Cambridge Studies in Ideology and Religion (7)
Information

Book description

The need for global democratisation is now widely recognised, but there is considerable debate about what this means and how it can be achieved. In this important study John de Gruchy examines the historic and contemporary roles of Christianity in the development of democracy. He traces the gestation of modern democracy in medieval Christendom, and then describes the virtual breakdown of the relationship as democracy becomes the polity of modernity. Five twentieth-century case studies - the USA, Nicaragua, sub-Saharan Africa, Germany and South Africa - demonstrate the extent to which ecumenical Christianity has begun to reconnect with democracy and act as its contemporary midwife. De Gruchy argues that democracy needs to rediscover its spiritual heritage, while Christianity needs to develop a theology adequate for its participation in the realisation of a just democratic world order.

Reviews

‘De Gruchy has made an excellent contribution to a burgeoning field of research and a thoughtful offering to churches as they reflect on their future role in democratizing societies.’

Source: Religion and Values in Public Life

‘A contribution of exceptional importance not only for an understanding of the Christian past but, still more, for reshaping its present.’

Adrian Hastings Source: formerly University of Leeds

‘ A lucid and well-argued case for anchoring the vision of democracy in the prophetic vision of a just society ... I commend this book to all and sundry.’

John S. Pobee Source: Chairman of the World Council of Churches, Geneva

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