Date of Award
Spring 2014
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Long, Stephen
Second Advisor
Ogbonnaya, Joseph
Third Advisor
Duffey, Michael
Abstract
In this work I argue that A. J. Conyers provides a promising example for countering various weaknesses in evangelical theopolitical imagination. I make this argument in two ways. First, I provide a critical reading of Conyers's overall scholarly project, seeking to understand it in its own context and in conversation with other scholars. In particular, I draw on the influence of Jürgen Moltmann, Johannes Althusius, Eric Voegelin, the Southern Agrarians, and Richard Weaver on Conyers's thought. I then focus on Conyers's political theology, exploring how he diagnoses the modern world and what he proposes for remedies. I explore Conyers's political theology with an eye to these influences as well as to the contribution that his work makes to current scholarship.
Second, I provide a reading of Conyers's political theology while bringing it into conversation with prominent political theologian William Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh serves as a leading representative of contemporary political theology, and he provides a position that many people find compelling. His work also proves useful in understanding Conyers, because the two read modernity in overlapping and mutually reinforcing ways, with a few important differences. Identifying these differences situates Conyers as a helpful political theologian and also contributes to some current debates in political theology.
In my conclusion, I utilize the insights from Conyers to begin building an evangelical political theology that points the way forward for overcoming typical weaknesses in evangelical theopolitical imagination.