Theology and the Justice of Nations: The Pursuit of an Elusive Justice in a Politically Plural World

Stephen M. Garrett

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Chapter 5 Theology and the Justice of Nations: The Pursuit of an Elusive Justice in a Politically Plural World

In: Theology and the Political

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Stephen M. Garrett

Stephen M. Garrett
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 70–92

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004440746_006

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Abstract

Post-Nietzschean political theorists, like William Connelly, seek to meet “Nietzsche’s Challenge” from a renewed emphasis on plurality, contending for an unfettered difference built on an “ironic consensus.” Justice under these conditions, though, seems to dissipate as it is constricted by identity politics and dominated by the political and economic power structures of the modern nation-state. Can any hope of unity, common-ness, or justice for a differentiated humanity be found in this pluralistic narrative? Or is justice simply an illusion? In this essay, I contend that justice, while not an illusion, is eschatologically elusive. It can be extended to a differentiated humanity as seen through a comparative analysis of Cicero’s and Augustine’s accounts of justice in De re publica and De civitate Dei respectively. In doing so, we find both extend justice beyond the ancient polis to all humanity by appealing to theology, albeit in two very different ways. What we learn is that the pursuit of an elusive, eschatological justice is not only worth pursuing in the present to diminish the dominance of the nation-state and capitalistic commodification but also brings hope from a different telos when justice and peace kiss (Ps 85) in the consummation of the kingdom of God.

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Theology and the Political

Theo-political Reflections on Contemporary Politics in Ecumenical Conversation

Series: Theology and Mission in World Christianity, Volume: 16

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004440746

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 23 Oct 2020

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Chapter 5 Theology and the Justice of Nations: The Pursuit of an Elusive Justice in a Politically Plural World

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Theology and the Political

Theo-political Reflections on Contemporary Politics in Ecumenical Conversation

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