Church, State and Civil Society

At a time when secular liberalism is in crisis and when the civic
contribution of religion is being re-assessed, the rich tradition of Christian
political theology demands renewed attention. This book, based on the 2001
Bampton Lectures, explores the relationship of the church both to the state and
civil institutions. Arguing that theological approaches to the state were often
situated within the context of Christendom and are therefore outmoded, the
author claims that a more differentiated approach can be developed by attention
to the concept of civil society. The book offers a critical assessment of the
effect of the First Amendment in the USA and, in a concluding chapter, it
defends the case for continuing disestablishment in England and Scotland.