New publications

Paper, "Thomas Hobbes's Leviathan and the Theological Origins of Secular International Politics" by Ludwig Gelot

News: Sep 09, 2011

In recent years, the type of secularism accepted in much scholarly work on international affairs has been criticised for its theological roots and character. This article substantiates this view by re-appraising the intellectual contribution of Thomas Hobbes to the secularisation of politics and the separation of state and church. The argument developed demonstrates that the English philosopher, far from simply excluding religion from politics, participated in the creation of politics as a form of theology. Through scriptural exegesis and based on a specific doctrine of salvation, Hobbes privatised religion, temporalised salvation, and transfered the halo of sanctity of the Church to secular sovereigns. This resulted in the legitimisation of secular states as saviours from the violence and intolerance of religion.

Published: Political Theology, Vol 12, No 4 (2011)

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