When I first opened this account, I had to provide a name for my Substack which I could change later on. I really wasn’t satisfied with the previous name and thought of modifying it at some point. Now is the time.
Welcome to “Thoughts on Political Theology”! This better reflects my teaching and research interests. My writing on Neocharismatic-Pentecostals and politics was essentially about political theology. Those who are familiar with my work know that I’ve always been mainly interested in theological ideas and how these intersect and influence politics. This is now what you should expect on my Substack, in my writing, announcements, with invited guests and in my podcasts.
Political Theology can seem irrelevant for many, but Schmitt once argued that all key concepts of the modern doctrine of the state are secularized theological concepts. People might not agree with Schmitt’s assessment of the political ideas underpinning the role of the state, but it’s important to understand why he expressed such a view.
In the coming weeks I will discuss among other things the writings of ancient authors (i.e., Tertullian, Ambrose, Gregory of Nyssa, Chrysostom, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Hobbes, etc.) and modern authors (i.e., Schmitt, Moltmann, Habermas, Soelle, Bonhoeffer, Barth, de Lubac, Daniélou, Congar, Day, Cone, Luther King Jr., Niebuhr, Cavanaugh, Williams, Dube, Hauerwas, Milbank, Pickstock, Ward, etc.), and how they articulate(d) sophisticated views on the relationship between the theological and the political. I will also explore some significant theological currents such as the Nouvelle théologie, Liberation Theology and Radical Orthodoxy to name a few. Issues of interest about Pentecostal and Charismatic groups and leaders in relation to political theology will continue to be part of the conversation.
I hope that you will find the content useful and somewhat enlightening. If you decide that the orientation of this Substack does not correspond to your interests and wish to unsubscribe, I will completely understand.
Prof. André Gagné, you have summed it up well with these words, "Those who are familiar with my work know that I’ve always been mainly interested in theological ideas and how these intersect and influence politics." I second it. As your student, I have personally experienced this. I can vouch for that. I am looking forward to your Substack, “Thoughts on Political Theology” which will discuss the writings of ancient authors and modern authors, and "how they articulate(d) sophisticated views on the relationship between the theological and the political" including the significant theological currents such as the Nouvelle théologie, Liberation Theology, and Radical Orthodoxy. Nouvelle théologie is my favorite theme. I am sure, many (LISTENING) visiting readers, students, professors, and theologians, find the content of Political Theology useful and enlightening and would be inspired to participate in socio-political activities along with involvement in scholarly research.