Political Justice and Religious Values [Hardcover]

Why do individuals and groups hold distinctive theological views? Why do these beliefs change? In what ways do theological interpretations influence concepts of spiritual and political justice? How and why do these concepts of justice affect policy preferences held by religious liberals and conservatives?

Much has recently been written about the relationship between power, conservative politics, and evangelical religious groups, but very little attention has been paid to so-called progressive religious groups among Protestants, Catholics, and Jews and their relationship to political thought and action.

This wide-ranging and interdisciplinary work, ideal for use in college courses on religion and social issues, explores the impact of theological interpretations about God, the individual, society, church, and government on attitudes toward procedural and distributive justice. Major issues revolve around civil liberties, sexual choice, gender equality, world peace, prison reform, and income distribution

List of Tables viii

Preface ix

Chapter 1. Interpretations of Religion and Politics 1

Political Attitudes and Religious Values 2

Political and Spiritual Justice 10

Meaning of Justice 10

Sources of Knowledge about Justice 22

Application of Spiritual Principles to Public Policies 24

Religious Discourse and Political Change 27

Conclusion 33

Chapter 2. Perspectives on Biblical Justice 36

Interpretations of the Scriptures 37

Jesus, Justice, and the Challenge to Elitist Rule 43

Paul, Justice, and Citizenship in Heaven 52

Conclusion 59

Chapter 3. Walter Rauschenbusch: Prophet of the Social Gospel 65

Capitalist Modernization and the Progressive Movement 67

Theological Views about Justice 74

Public Policy Preferences for Jul3"