Religion Applied to Government: Navigating Competing and Complementary Spheres of Power

Abstract

Our paper offers two broad areas of focus for those looking to engage in political advocacy informed by the insights of religious belief and practice. The first has to do with the ends of politics: what is politics for and what does it pursue? Religious traditions offer key guidance over these fundamental questions. The second regards the issues of where politics happens, who participates, and what participation looks like. These questions defy simple answers or pat solutions. Rather, they pose a constellation of issues that calls forth sincere efforts at citizenship. Drawing on insights from theologians, political theories, and contemporary political science, we offer a series of reflection points on the realms of spiritual and temporal power.