David M. Gides

This book addresses the need for theological reflection on uncivil disobedience. Existing scholarship in theology and politics mostly treats church-state relations theoretically, with studies in non-violent resistance or civil disobedience, or in other ways largely assuming traditional forms of governance and means of protest—all while paying little to no attention to post-modern political philosophies. Recent eruptions of uncivil disobedience, oftentimes involving violence, like we have seen with Antifa, Black Lives Matter protests, the storming of the U.S. Capitol Building, and in the actions of other right-wing, leftist, and religious groups, assume new ways of protesting and new forms of organizing or mobilizing. Additionally, these groups and their activities are often informed by post-modern philosophies. These new political dynamics present an opportunity for theologians to produce scholarship in response. After establishing philosophical underpinnings related to uncivilly disobedient action, the contributors cover traditional historical and theological responses to political unrest as a foundation for considering or evaluating attempts to address theologically present-day manifestations of uncivil disobedience.

Theological Perspectives

Uncivil Disobedience

Joan Braune

Since the January 6, 2021 coup attempt at the U.S. Capitol, Christian nationalism has widely been called the “greatest threat to democracy in the United States.” Yet academics and activists present many conflicting definitions and solutions. On Christian Nationalism: Critical and Theological Perspectives features an array of scholarly essays on Christian nationalism, offering innovative exploration of topics including definitions and historical context, current trends in the United States (including intersections with racism, sexism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia), comparative phenomena abroad, and practical ways to address the problem theologically or politically. An important book at a time of rising Christian far-right mobilization and urgent need for a deeper theoretical analysis, On Christian Nationalism pushes the conversation further and explores new vantage points. The book will be of interest to those seeking a fuller, richer, and more complex understanding of Christian nationalism: scholars of religious and political movements, activists, pastors, journalists, and others with a concerned focus in the area.

David M. Gides

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