The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics by Kody W Cooper

The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics by Kody W Cooper

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Summary

Specialists and non-specialists alike continue to debate the key themes and importance of founding political thought. This book makes the case that the American founders were deeply indebted to the classical Christian natural-law tradition in their fundamental theological, moral, and political outlook.

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The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics by Kody W Cooper

There has been a considerable amount of literature in the last 70 years claiming that the American founders were steeped in modern thought. This study runs counter to that tradition, arguing that the founders of America were deeply indebted to the classical Christian natural-law tradition for their fundamental theological, moral, and political outlook. Evidence for this thesis is found in case studies of such leading American founders as Thomas Jefferson and James Wilson, the pamphlet debates, the founders' invocation of providence during the revolution, and their understanding of popular sovereignty. The authors go on to reflect on how the founders' political thought contained within it the resources that undermined, in principle, the institution of slavery, and explores the relevance of the founders' political theology for contemporary politics. This timely, important book makes a significant contribution to the scholarly debate over whether the American founding is compatible with traditional Christianity.
'Readers of the book will reconsider many of the now conventional claims about the origin and purpose of the American regime … Highly recommended' D. P. Ramsey, Choice
'This exceptionally learned, bold, and courageous book is a perfect tract for our times.' Stephen B. Presser, The University Bookman
'… [the] book is testament to America's deep roots in classical and Christian thinking. Let's hope its publication is a catalyst to a broad renewal of a more historically grounded and philosophically accurate interpretation of the American founding and American politics.' Luke C. Sheahan, The University Bookman
'… a bold intellectual roadmap to reclaiming civic friendship and a functioning republican Constitution.' Bradley C. S. Watson, The University Bookman
'This is an important work contesting simplistic views of the founding from secular liberals who embrace it and religious integralists who oppose it. It is also a very serious engagement with classical Christian metaphysics. For those unfamiliar with classical theism, natural law, and the theology of being, there is much faithful exposition and metaphysical sophistication here. This work is a history of the political philosophy of the American founding that satisfies the theologian.' James R. Wood, Religious Studies Review
'This is a serious work of scholarship that scholars of the early American republic ought to consider with care.' Vincent Phillip Muñoz, Perspectives on Politics
Kody W. Cooper is UC Foundation Assistant Professor of Political Science and Public Service at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Justin Buckley Dyer is Professor of Government and Executive Director of the Civitas Institute at The University of Texas at Austin.
SKU Unavailable
ISBN 13 9781009098113
ISBN 10 100909811X
Title The Classical and Christian Origins of American Politics
Author Kody W Cooper
Condition Unavailable
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Year published 2022-12-15
Number of pages 225
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note Unavailable