Christianity and Coercion
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Michalson, Gordon
Keywords
Christian Fundamentalism, Christianity and Violence, Christian Theology
Area of Concentration
Religion
Abstract
This essay is a Christian exploration of coercive elements in two versions of Christianity: American Protestant fundamentalism and John Milbank's theology as outlined in Theology and Social Theory. Coercive elements in the fundamentalist tradition are discussed, and a reading of Christ is offered that shows his opposition to this kind of coercion. Potential historical and conceptual explanations for the emergence of coercion within this tradition are offered, with reference to the work of George M. Marsden and Gordon E. Michalson Jr., respectively. Milbank's theology shows a radical contradiction between Christianity and coercion, and thus initially shows promise for escaping this kind of coercion. However, he is finally shown to remain violent in his assertion of Christianity as the only possible non-violent tradition.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Ethan, "Christianity and Coercion" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3276.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3276
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.