Disavowing Constantine

'Disavowing Constantine' draws upon the work of two highly influential modern theologians, Jurgen Moltmann and John Howard Yoder, to develop an independent and constructive understanding of the relation of the church to the state. Its aim is to restate for modern understanding the insights of the Believers Church tradition and to work out their implications for Christian participation in the civil order. In this complex realm, positive insights are located in traditions usually regarded as incompatible, but the thesis of the book concerns disavowing Constantine, renouncing the reliance of the church upon coercive power to further its mission in order to rediscover how a faithful church might nonetheless participate as a witness within the power structures of human society. It is now almost a commonplace that the Constantinian settlement of the Christian Church was a mistake and must now be renounced. A commonplace, however, often brings oversimplification in its train, and this is no exception. Unclarity abounds both in describing the situation and more especially in replacing it with a more satisfactory theology of the relation of church and state. Nigel Wright's study of Yoder and Moltmann here performs an important function, and his discussion will contribute insight and clarity . . . --Colin Gunton King's College, London A strong-minded, original contribution to the debate about Christian social responsibility in post-Christendom. Nigel Wright expertly evaluates Yoder and Moltmann, mightily wrestles with Anabaptist and Reformed insights, and irenically advocates a position of 'witnessing nonviolence' that will challenge all readers. --Alan Kreider Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary This is a crucial study in the field of political theology. Nigel Wright engages in a highly stimulating, critical analysis of alternative visions of church-state relations. He offers new theological perspectives on issues connected with Christian social responsibility. Finally, he suggests a fresh framework for Christian political action in the contemporary world. Thoroughly researched and superbly written, this book will become a key text. --Ian Randall International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, and Spurgeon's College, London Nigel Wright is a native of Manchester. He has been a Baptist minister since 1973, initially at Ansdell Baptist Church in Lytham St. Annes and more recently at Altrincham Baptist Church. He spent the years 1987 to 1995 as tutor in Christian Doctrine at Spurgeon's College, London.