Two Kingdoms and Two Cities
Mapping Theological Traditions of Church, Culture, and Civil Order
- Theology
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2017
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Publisher's Description
The recent emergence of “two kingdoms” and “two cities” approaches to Christian social thinking is shown to have a key—and often unacknowledged—connection to Luther’s reshaping of the Augustinian paradigm. The project works for a better understanding of Luther’s own thought to help understand the convergences and divergences of Christian political theology in the twentieth century and today. In particular, Luther’s two-kingdom thinking issued forth in a strong distinction of law and gospel that was also worked out in twofold pairs of Israel and church, general and special revelation, creation and redemption, and especially the outward and inward life. The work traces this legacy through acceptance and modification by Niebuhr and Bonhoeffer, Lutheran and Catholic neoconservatives, Reformed two-kingdom proponents, Augustinian liberals, and finally Oliver O’Donovan. The conclusion reflects on both the historical narrative and its connection to an account of modern liberalism, as well as a theological reflection on hermeneutical decisions of the “twoness” of Christian theology.
Endorsements (6)
“Robbie Crouse's map of overt and implicit appeals to 'two kingdoms' has reshaped my historical understanding considerably. I now understand crucial figures like Luther very differently and more deeply than before. Crouse's map also surfaces some crucial biblical-theological decisions that political doctrines of 'the two' consistently face. This book is an example of how important careful historical analysis can be—for knowing where we are, how we got here, and what questions to ask about where to head.”
“Christians claim to be ‘in’ but not ‘of’ the world. So, how do Christians relate their faith to public life? In this book, Robbie Crouse navigates how the best Christian thinkers, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, have responded to these questions. In the process, Crouse unearths Luther’s theology of ‘two kingdoms’ as a contender with which all Christian political theorists, each in their own ways, have had to wrestle. If you seek a guide into the symphony of Christian theology of politics, this is the one to read.”
“This is an elegant and erudite map of the various dualistic theories at work in Protestant political theology from Luther and Calvin to our own day. Niebuhr’s famous volume on Christ and Culture now has a sturdy supplement, if not a serious competitor, in Robbie Crouse’s new volume. What an impressive debut for this ‘emerging scholar.’”
“The intersection between the political and spiritual realms is a constant source of interest and tension. In this timely book, Robbie Crouse takes his readers through the history of their interaction and dialogues with some of the great names in Christian theology along the way. This is a major contribution to an important subject and deserves a wide readership, both inside and outside the church. Highly recommended!”
“What does it mean for the church to be ‘in’ the world but not ‘of’ it, and how do these two prepositions relate to Augustine’s two cities and Luther’s two kingdoms? Crouse’s book provides both important orientation and strategic tips for the church’s involvement in the contemporary, post-Christian “game of thrones” – the ongoing conflict between secular and sacred for the body of Christ and the souls of his disciples.”
“This is a groundbreaking study, conversant with the traditions of Augustine and Luther but also providing a reliable guide to contemporary options in Christian political theology. A sustained argument that illumines as it informs.”
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