Nick Spencer, July 2012   No comments

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This paper contends that the Bible has been the single most influential document in British political history. It takes six major political ideas, each with contemporary relevance, and shows how the Bible has shaped our attitude to each, highlighting particular hermeneutical principles critical in explaining this influence. It is suggested that a continued, strong commitment to such political virtues may be difficult to sustain if Christianity is further eroded from British public life.

Keywords: Government & Foreign Affairs

Julian Rivers, September 2011   1 comment

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The Equality Act 2010 was the last major piece of legislation to be passed under the British ‘New Labour’ Government. This paper explains briefly what equality law does as well as two groups of related problem cases. It sets out a biblical foundation for equality as well as a distinctive conception characterised more by mutuality than uniformity. Against this background, the paper argues that we need to combat an equality culture which trivialises religious and ethical disagreement, to reform the law to protect the pluralism of civil society and accommodate individuals, and to rediscover the real issue of equality, which is material, relational and spiritual poverty.

Keywords: Crime & Justice, Government & Foreign Affairs

Geoffrey Penn, September 2010   7 comments

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Christians fail to do justice to ‘politics’ when they seek to withdraw from the political arena or to use political power to dominate society. Similarly, Christians misunderstand ‘eschatology’ when they obsessively focus on debates about end-times chronology and when they effectively ignore it altogether. In each case, the purpose of biblical eschatology – critique, hope and a re-ordering of everyday priorities and relationships – and hence the political implications of God’s coming and present kingdom, are neglected. A broader understanding of politics and eschatology contends that everything we do is significant in the sight of God and in the light of the future.

Keywords: Christianity & Religion, Government & Foreign Affairs

Julian Rivers, March 2009   No comments

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Three basic types of argument have a proper place as Christians engage in public life. These are arguments from the common good, from institutional independence, and from conscientious witness. They are all authentic expressions of the Christian political tradition, well-grounded in Scripture. They express three principles for Christian citizens. However, all three are being stifled by a new political absolutism in the name of ‘equality and human rights’. This is ironic, because equality and human rights are a contemporary expression of the same Christian tradition. In response, Christians will want to reaffirm all three principles – not only for our own sake, but for the benefit of everyone.

Keywords: Christianity & Religion, Government & Foreign Affairs

Julian Rivers, December 1999   No comments

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This paper summarises the biblical teaching on international order, considers the way in which Christians have appropriated that biblical teaching, and evaluates recent developments in international relations.

Keywords: Government & Foreign Affairs

Peter Walker, March 1996   1 comment

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In the light of Old Testament history and prophecy many would argue that Jerusalem continues to have a central role within God's purposes today. Yet the New Testament points to Christ as the true temple and the one in whom the promises of restoration were fulfilled. The consequences of this biblical teaching prove to be far reaching - both for the church's mission in the world and for religious and political issues in Jerusalem today.

Keywords: Christianity & Religion, Government & Foreign Affairs