27 May 2010

Journal "Constellations" on "Political Theologies"

The June 2010 issue of "Constellations: An International Journal of Critical and Democratic Theory" (17 [2]) features five articles on the theme "Political Theologies":

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118514711/home

Contents:

Bernard Flynn (State University of New York), "Political Theology and Its Vicissitudes" (pp. 185-96).

Excerpt: "In this article, I argue that the Judeo-Christian conception of 'the creation of the world from nothing' contains within itself the possibilities for the political transformation of a theological concept. It does this in two respects: on the one hand, the conception of divine providence appears in secular thought in the guise of philosophy of history. I follow Karl Löwith's path, in Meaning in History, of unmasking this secular theory as theology. On the other hand, the theological notion of creation ex nihilo becomes the political concept of the Event. In order to show the centrality of the notion of the Event in recent political thought, I investigate certain aspects of the thought of both Carl Schmitt and Walter Benjamin. Then I conclude by invoking the thought of Claude Lefort who, while practicing political philosophy, is sensitive to the role of theological concepts in the constitution of the political. For the thinkers associated with political theology, this disjunctive opposition between political theology and political philosophy comes to be blurred. It is possible that while practicing political philosophy, in their own self-representation, they are, in fact, in the grips of political theology, notwithstanding even a militant atheism. My claim is that beneath the surface of a secular theory, a theological problematic continues to operate. This claim is stronger than the claim that there are structural similarities between the two; rather it is that unbeknownst to themselves these secular theorists are pursuing a theological enterprise by 'other means.'"

Ruth Marshall (University of Toronto), "The Sovereignty of Miracles: Pentecostal Political Theology in Nigeria" (pp. 197-223).

Excerpt: "This paper will examine aspects of Pentecostalism's global 'revolutionary' project as they are being played out in the post-colonial world today in an effort to clarify elements of a Nigerian Born-Again political theology beyond the epithets and the long-standing antimonies and categories of analysis that have marked our understanding of the relationship between the religious and the political."

Nicolas Guilhot (CNRS, France, and New York University), "American Katechon: When Political Theology Became International Relations Theory" (pp. 224-53).

Excerpt: "While nobody would deny that international relations theory is a secular social science, especially in its 'realist' guise, it is interesting to note that a number of commentators and historians of the discipline often turn to religious metaphors in order to characterize some of its core features or talk about its main thinkers. Such eschatological or theological references run indeed throughout the literature, like a faint but always present watermark. [...] These references are too pervasive, too ubiquitous to be treated as mere coincidences. They point at a theological substratum that once provided an explicit background against which a number of central concepts of IR theory resonated, when the discussion of international affairs still involved not only scholars but also public intellectuals, diplomats, historians, political theorists and, last but not least, theologians, many of whom considered themselves 'Christian realists.' Obviously, the figure of Reinhold Niebuhr loomed large over these discussions. [...] But such considerations pervaded the early search for a 'theory' and were common to a group of individuals who actively discussed the shape of the future discipline. [...] Yet, as the discussion of international politics became an academic specialty enclosed in political science departments, this background was progressively bracketed out."

Carlo Invernizzi Accetti (Columbia University), "Can Democracy Emancipate Itself From Political Theology? Habermas and Lefort on the Permanence of the Theologico-Political" (pp. 254-70).

Excerpt: "In the following paper, I address the relation between political theology and the modern democratic form. To do so, I compare the writings of two authors who have more solid democratic credentials than Carl Schmitt: Jürgen Habermas and Claude Lefort. I argue that both of these authors attempt to put forward a conception of modern democracy that emancipates itself from the dimension of political theology, but that they achieve this goal to different extents. Habermas develops a conception of democracy articulated around the notion of 'communicative rationality' which ultimately ends up reintroducing an element of political theology through the very means that were sought to overcome it. Lefort, on the other hand, delineates a conception of democracy articulated around the notion of an 'empty place of power' which proves more sophisticated in extricating itself from the dimension of political theology because it recognizes the persistence of an irreducible locus of transcendence within the structure of the political itself, but construes it in such a way as to pervert its theologico-political character. From a political point of view, this contrast is instructive because it gives an indication as to what strategies might be more effective for advancing a secularist response to the recent resurgence of attempts to colonize the political with the theological."

Ada S. Jaarsma (Sonoma State University), "Habermas' Kierkegaard and the Nature of the Secular" (pp. 271-92).

Excerpt: "In what follows, I describe Habermas' normative program for the successful and mutually beneficial co-existence of the religious and the non-religious, looking especially at his reliance upon a particular reading of Kierkegaard. [...] As I argue below, the specific ways in which Habermas employs Kierkegaard's thought demonstrates what Habermas himself advocates for others: an appreciative respect for religious insights and simultaneous self-reflection on the limitations of both secular and philosophical thinking."

Book: Political Theology: Schmitt – Derrida – Metz (in German)

Michaela Rissing and Thilo Rissing are the authors of the monograph "Politische Theologie: Schmitt – Derrida – Metz: Eine Einführung"
(Political Theology: Schmitt – Derrida – Metz: An Introduction; my translation), published by the German Wilhelm Fink Verlag in August 2009:

www.fink.de/katalog/titel/978-3-7705-4871-2.html

From the publisher's description: "'Political theology' – a term as suggestive as controversial. Depending on whether one views it from a political, philosophical or theological perspective, it reveals different guiding principles that traverse its conceptual field in diverging directions, cross each other or even converge. Starting from the political theology of Carl Schmitt, [...] the authors continue with an exposition of the thinking of Jacques Derrida [... and] the model of the new political theology of Johann Baptist Metz. The question is asked as to whether theology is political and, conversely, politics remains bound to theological figures of thought even under secular conditions." (my rough translation)

I can find no reliable biographical information about the authors who have, between them, published a number of books before this.

21 May 2010

Book: Chicano Liberation Theology: The Writings and Documents of Richard Cruz and Católicos por la Raza

Mario T. García is the editor of "Chicano Liberation Theology: The Writings and Documents of Richard Cruz and Católicos por la Raza" (Kendall Hunt Publishing, May 2009).

Publisher's description: "[García's book] focuses on the role of religion in the Chicano Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This was the most widespread and significant civil rights, identity, and empowerment movement by Mexican Americans in the United States. This book highlights the most important faith-inspired urban movement to bring about social change inspired by Catholic social teachings. Chapter topics include: The Chicano Movement and the Catholic Church; The Origins of Católicos Por La Raza; Católicos in Action; Oral Histories; Richard Cruz: People's Attorney; Reflections by Richard Cruz. This is an edited collection of the writings and documents of Richard Cruz and Católicos Por La Raza, along with additional supporting material and interviews with former Católicos members."

www.kendallhunt.com/index.cfm?PID=219&AUT=&ISB=&DIS=375&GRA=0&DES=&MTC=exact&BOOL=AND&KEY=&PPS=25&SRT=Author&CMD=detail&SRH=&PRD=23010

Mario T. García is Professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies in the Department of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

14 May 2010

CFP: Religion in International Relations

52nd Annual Convention of the International Studies Association (ISA), Montréal, Canada, 16-19 March 2011

Call for papers for two panels dealing with religion in international relations. (May be of interest to political theology scholars in IR.)

In IR today, religion is a little understood and under-researched area that impacts both the political and international spheres. From development to security, economics and war, terrorism and institutional consciousness, religion is present via identity, language, narratives, or motivations. These panels seek to open a more comprehensive discussion on the exchange between religion and international relations by encouraging theoretical and case-study dialogue as a means of bringing issues of religion out of the shadows of research and the imaginations of academics. In order to critically analyze the nexus of religion and international relations, researchers need to debate the issue of religion rather than constitute it as an anomalous periphery subject.

Theoretical Panel: At this point, religion in IR is debated amongst secularists who exist on the periphery of international studies. This panel seeks to open a discussion on how to best approach religion in its many forms and roles that captures the intensity and relevancy of this field of research. Theoretical frameworks need to be explored so as to intensify a much needed spotlight on the depth of influence religion has in constructing and affecting relations between states. In order to understand international relations, we must understand the complex social forces that constitute states and motivate their decisions, this includes religious forces. Therefore, this panel is seeking papers that can contribute to a discussion on theoretical frameworks we as researchers can use to study religion in international relations.

Innovative Panel: The ISA has developed a new panel program that seeks to innovate conference experience. This panel is proposing a media-oriented approach that will lead to discussion and debate on the issue of religious symbolism in IR. For this, the media will focus on religious iconography from various theo-political movements, religious organizations/institutions, etc. that have been used to motivate or incite radical religious movements from acts of terrorism to peace initiatives. Since this is a relatively new method of panel organization, input from interested contributors is welcome.

Please e-mail proposals to Sandy M. Livingston (University of Aberdeen): slivingston@abdn.ac.uk

Deadlines: Innovative Panel: 14 May 2010; Theoretical Panel: 25 May 2010

06 May 2010

Book: Theological Interpretation of Culture in Post-Communist Context

Just published: Ivana Noble, "Theological Interpretation of Culture in Post-Communist Context: Central and East European Search for Roots" (Ashgate, April 2010):

http://ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&title_id=9936&edition_id=12659

Publisher's description: "Twenty years after the fall of Communism in Central and East Europe is an ocassion [sic] to reevaluate the cultural and theological contribution from that region to the secularization-post-secularization debate. Czech theologian Ivana Noble develops a Trinitarian theology through a close dialogue with literature, music and film, which formed not only alternatives to totalitarian ideologies, but also followed the loss and reappeareance [sic] of belief in God. Noble explains that, by listening to the artists, the churches and theologians can deal with questions about the nature of the world, memory and ultimate fulfilment in a more nuanced way. Then, as partakers in the search undertaken by their secular and post-secular contemporaries, theologians can penetrate a new depth of meaning, sending out shoots from the stump of Christian symbolism. Drawing on the rich cultures of Central and East Europe and both Western and Eastern theological traditions, this book presents a theological reading of contemporary culture which is important not just for post-Communist countries but for all who are engaged in the debate on the boundaries between theology, politics and arts."

Endorsement: "Noble offers us in the West an encounter with the Other that cannot but give much food for thought about religion in our own increasingly post-institutional religious situations. Original not only in content but also methodology, her text promises numerous insights for political theology, liturgical studies, theological aesthetics, indeed, for all seeking to construct theologies at once fundamental and practical in this postmodern age." (Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Boston College)

Ivana Noble is Associate Professor of Ecumenical Theology at Charles University and a Senior Research Fellow at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague.

05 May 2010

CONF: Morals and Fear: New Insights from Moral Psychology and Political Theology

Symposium "Moral und Angst: Neue Erkenntnisse aus der Moralpsychologie und der politischen Theologie" ("Morals and Fear: New Insights from Moral Psychology and Political Theology"; my translation) of the Collegium Helveticum of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich and the University of Zurich, Semper-Sternwarte (Semper-Observatory), Schmelzbergstrasse 25, Zurich, Switzerland, 21 May 2010, 9.30 am-5.45 pm

www.collegium.ethz.ch/fileadmin/user_upload/ch_events/100521_progr_angst_moral.pdf

Description: "We live in a time of mediatized moral outrage. There is talk of 'unfair trade', 'social injustice' and 'economic exploitation' – but most of all is there the permanent fear one could suddenly belong oneself to those affected and lose out. This mixture of real concern for the future wellbeing of humanity and the fear to be among the potential casualties of change indicates that our moral self is determined not least by our unconscious. The latter, on the other hand, is shaped by our biological constitution, our social and religious environment and our personal life style. During this symposium, philosophers, moral psychologists and theologians will be presenting insights from the areas of moral heuristics and political theology and discuss them in the context of the possibilities and restrictions of moral self-determination." (my translation)

The symposium includes a panel on "Moral und Religion: Erkenntnisse aus der politischen Theologie" ("Morals and Religion: Insights from Political Theology"; my translation), centring on fear of Islam and the historicity of the Qur'an, Israel as a political and theological place, and monotheism and political ethics in the Bible.

Most presentations will be given in German, those on moral psychology in English.

Seating capacity is limited. RSVP by 15 May 2010 to Philipp Aerni (ETH Zurich): aernip@ethz.ch

Followed by a reception.

04 May 2010

CFP: Political Theology Agenda Symposium 2010

Please circulate widely!

CALL FOR PAPERS

Political Theology Agenda Symposium 2010

Organized by: Sussex Centre for the Individual and Society (SCIS)

Location: Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the University of Geneva, Château de Bossey, near Geneva, Switzerland

Date: 18-19 August 2010

The "Political Theology Agenda" (www.political-theology-agenda.blogspot.com) has been run by the Sussex Centre for the Individual and Society since January 2009. The blog is the premier resource on the net for the comparative study of political theology and political theologies across the boundaries of various traditions and academic disciplines.

The Political Theology Agenda Symposium 2010 will be the first event we organize in conjunction with the blog. It will build up though on two highly successful events on comparative political theology SCIS organized earlier. Namely, in September 2007, a section and symposium at the General Conference of the European Consortium for Political Research in Pisa, Italy, and, in July 2008, a stand-alone symposium at Sciences Po/the Institute for Political Studies (IEP) in Paris, France. Both events drew participants from the world over.

The Political Theology Agenda Symposium 2010 is set to be equally international and interdisciplinary in scope. We invite affiliated academics, independent scholars, and doctoral students and candidates from a wide range of disciplines, such as Theology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Political Theory, Political Science, International Relations, Law, Literature, History, Jewish Studies, Education, Cultural Studies, Geography, and so on. Papers may not only cover any and all aspects of political theology, but also related concepts, such as liberation theology, public theology, black theology, the Christian Right, radical Orthodoxy, religious anarchism, minjung theology, Dalit theology, radical Islam, religious Zionism, political religion, civil religion, etc. Have a look at the blog to see what might be of interest and falls within our remit. Papers may be theoretical and/or empirical in nature. Although not a condition, we particularly encourage a comparative perspective. Work in progress is welcome too.

We expect that 15-20 participants will be attending the workshop-style Political Theology Agenda Symposium 2010. Over the course of two full days, each presenter will have 45-60 minutes (depending on the number of participants) to present his or her paper and discuss it with all others.

As with all SCIS events, no fees will be charged from participants, and no funding is available to cover participants' travel and accommodation expenses. We will be glad to issue letters of invitation on request to assist participants in securing funding from their usual sources. The 18th-century Château de Bossey, set in an outstanding natural environment overlooking Lake Geneva and the French Alps, offers comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. Alternatively, participants may decide to stay in Geneva and commute to the symposium. Further information will be provided to confirmed participants. The symposium starts early on Wednesday and ends Thursday late in the afternoon.

Please send your proposal to: e.kofmel@sussexcentre.org

Extended deadline: 15 July 2010

Later submissions may still be accepted, but early submission is strongly advised and proposals may be accepted as they come in.

Cordially,

Erich Kofmel
Managing Director / Research Professor of Political Theory
Sussex Centre for the Individual and Society (SCIS)
www.sussexcentre.org
E-mail: e.kofmel@sussexcentre.org

Postal address:
Sussex Centre for the Individual and Society
1200 Geneva
Switzerland

SCIS is an international association under Swiss law.
Founded 2006 at the University of Sussex.