Theology, Political Theory, and Pluralism Beyond Tolerance and Difference [Paperback]

Kristen Deede Johnson explores how we can live together in the midst of our differences.How can we live together in the midst of our differences? This is one of the most pressing questions of our time. Kristen Deede Johnson explores how political theories have envisioned different individuals and groups living together and explores what theology has to offer to this important conversation.How can we live together in the midst of our differences? This is one of the most pressing questions of our time. Kristen Deede Johnson explores how political theories have envisioned different individuals and groups living together and explores what theology has to offer to this important conversation.How can we live together in the midst of our differences? This is one of the most pressing questions of our time. Tolerance has been the bedrock of political liberalism, while proponents of agonistic political thought and radical democracy have sought an answer that allows a deeper celebration of difference. Kristen Deede Johnson describes the move from tolerance to difference, and the accompanying move from epistemology to ontology, within political theory. Building on this 'ontological turn', in search of a theological answer to the question, she puts Augustine into conversation with recent political theorists and theologians. This theological option enables the Church to envision a way to engage with contemporary political society without losing its own embodied story and practices. It contributes to our broader political imagination by offering a picture of rich engagement between the many different particularities that constitute a pluralist society.1. Introduction; 2. The recent journey of liberal tolerance; 3. Beyond tolerance to difference; 4. Augustine and the theological turn; 5. Towards a theology of public conversation; 6. Conclusion. Kristen Deede Johnson's Theology, Political Theory and Pluralism is a refreshing, and creative response to current debates concerning the rl“±