Authors

John Rees, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow

Title

"Really Existing" Scriptures: On the Use of Sacred Text in International Affairs

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

This chapter draws on examples from the Abrahamic faiths and on the work of scholars in the fields of international relations, theology and philosophy to sketch some starting principles for thinking about how religious scripture can utilised in the construction of international affairs. A threefold argument is provided that scriptures “really exist” as a political resource, they contain a diversity of political ideas, and they can contribute constructively to open political discussion and the development of open political systems.

Originally published in the Journal of Faith and International Affairs Vol 2, No. 1 (Spring 2004) pp.17-26, this research by John Rees has now been included in Religion and Foreign Affairs: Essential Readings alongside contributions from scholars such as Peter Berger, Charles Taylor, Daniel Philpott, Scott Appleby, Scott Thomas, Jeffrey Haynes, Marc Gopin, Madeleine Albright, Katherine Marshall, Vali Nasr, Samuel Huntington and Robert Kagan.

Comments

Due to copyright restrictions the publisher's version/PDF of this book chapter is unavailable for download.

Staff and Students of the University of Notre Dame Australia may access Religion and Foreign Affairs: Essential Readings from St Benedict's Library (Sydney Campus), Main Collection: 201.727 REL 2012.

Religion and Foreign Affairs: Essential Readings may be accessed from the publisher here

Religion and Foreign Affairs: Essential Readings may be accessed from the National Library of Australia here

The Author:

Dr John Rees

Recommended Citation

Rees, J. (2012). "Really Existing" scriptures: On the use of sacred text in international affairs. In D. R. Hoover & D. M. Johnston (eds.). Religion and foreign affairs: Essential readings (pp. 109-118). Waco, Tex: Baylor University Press.