Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Presenting case studies from sixteen countries on five continents, The Catholic Church and the Nation-State paints a rich portrait of a complex and paradoxical institution whose political role has varied historically and geographically. In this integrated and synthetic collection of essays, outstanding scholars from the United States and abroad examine religious, diplomatic, and political actions--both admirable and regrettable--that shape our world. Kenneth R. Himes sets the context of the book by brilliantly describing the political influence of the church in the post-Vatican II era. There are many recent instances, the contributors assert, where the Church has acted as both a moral authority and a self-interested institution: in the United States it maintained unpopular moral positions on issues such as contraception and sexuality, yet at the same time it sought to cover up its own abuses; it was complicit in genocide in Rwanda but played an important role in ending the horrific civil war in Angola; and it has alternately embraced and suppressed nationalism by acting as the voice of resistance against communism in Poland, whereas in Chile it once supported opposition to Pinochet but now aligns with rightist parties.
With an in-depth exploration of the five primary challenges facing the Church--theology and politics, secularization, the transition from serving as a nationalist voice of opposition, questions of justice, and accommodation to sometimes hostile civil authorities--this book will be of interest to scholars and students in religion and politics as well as Catholic Church clergy and laity. By demonstrating how national churches vary considerably in the emphasis of their teachings and in the scope and nature of their political involvement, the analyses presented in this volume engender a deeper understanding of the role of the Roman Catholic Church in the world.
Synopsis
How much does the Vatican, and national Catholic Churches, influence politics and public policy debates in countries across the globe? From these cases studies--12 in all--outstanding political scientists explore and analyze the role of the Catholic Church in cross-national politics. After the editors lay out the contents of the book, theologian Kenneth Himes provides a theological conception of the role of the Catholic Church, and shows how theological change--specifically, Vatican II--can fundamentally alter the way the Church engages in politics. Then Lisa Ferrari demonstrates how the Church can be understood as an NGO and political actor. A series of case studies follows: Latin Europe (France, Spain, Italy, Portugal); the United States; Chile; Poland; Ireland and Northern Ireland; East Timor; Brazil; Rwanda; Angola; India; China; The Congo. These case studies are structured around five parts or themes: theological and political challenges; the challenge of secularization; the challenge of opposition; the challenge of justice; and the challenge of accommodation. Using these rubrics the editors place the Catholic Church in a context within particular countries, viz., the biggest challenge facing the Catholic Church in China is accommodation, that is, how the Church can find its place in a society where it is a distinct religious minority. Contributors are attentive to cross-referencing other chapters within the book, which helps with coherence and integration. Includes a helpful timeline of significant events in the life of the modern Catholic Church, along with eight tables and figures.