'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.
