Political theology
political theology is a term which has been used in discussion of the ways in which theological concepts or ways of thinking relate to politics. The term is often used to denote religious thought about political principled questions. Scholars such as Carl Schmitt who wrote extensively on how to effectively wield political power, used it to denote religious concepts that were secularized and thus became key political concepts. It has often been affiliated with Christianity, but since the 21st century, it has more recently been discussed with relation to other religions.
Political theology examines the complex relationship between religion and politics, exploring how theological concepts and ideas influence political thought and practice, and conversely, how political structures and ideologies shape religious beliefs and institutions. It investigates how religious concepts are secularized into political thought and how religious ideas and practices intersect with political power structures, social movements, and cultural norms.
Core Concepts:
- Theology and Politics: Political theology investigates how religious beliefs, doctrines, and practices relate to the political sphere. This can involve examining the influence of religious ideas on political ideologies, the role of religious institutions in political life, and the ways in which political power structures impact religious communities.
- Secularization: A central theme in political theology is the concept of secularization, which refers to the process by which religious ideas and institutions lose their influence in society. Political theology explores how secularization narratives shape our understanding of politics and religion, and how religious concepts might be “secularized” into political ideas, such as the concept of sovereignty.
- Sovereignty: Political theology also examines the concept of sovereignty, often in relation to the state and its authority. According to Carl Schmitt, the sovereign is the one who decides on the exception, the one who can suspend the law in times of crisis. This idea has been influential in shaping understandings of political power and authority.
- The Exception: Schmitt’s concept of the “exception” – a state of emergency where the normal legal order is suspended – is another key element. According to a YouTube video, this concept raises questions about the relationship between law, politics, and the sovereign power to decide when the exception applies.
- The State of Exception: Political theology also analyzes the idea of the “state of exception,” where normal legal and political structures are suspended, and the sovereign power is able to act outside of the law.
Key Figures:
- Carl Schmitt: A German jurist and political theorist whose work on political theology, particularly his concept of the sovereign and the exception, has been highly influential.
- Paul Tillich: A German-American theologian who explored the relationship between religion and culture, including the political dimensions of religious faith.
- Johann Baptist Metz: A German Catholic theologian who developed a “political theology” focused on the social and political implications of Christian faith, particularly in relation to suffering and justice.
- Michel Foucault: While not strictly a political theologian, his work on power, discourse, and social institutions has been influential in shaping the field.
Themes and Areas of Inquiry:
- Religion and Violence: Political theology examines the relationship between religion and violence, exploring how religious ideas and institutions have been used to justify or condemn violence throughout history.
- Religion and Power: It analyzes how religion is implicated in the exercise of political power, both in terms of the ways religious institutions have been used to legitimate or challenge political authority, and in how political ideologies draw on religious concepts to shape their narratives.
- Religion and Social Justice: Political theology explores how religious ideas and practices can be mobilized to challenge social injustice and promote equality and liberation.
- Religion and Globalization: It examines the role of religion in the context of globalization, including the impact of religious ideas on international relations and the ways in which globalization shapes religious identities and practices.
- Religion and Secularism: Political theology explores the relationship between religion and secularism, including the historical development of secularism, the challenges posed by secularization, and the role of religious discourse in public life.
In essence, political theology provides a framework for understanding the complex and dynamic interplay between religion and politics in the modern world.