Overview

A New Perspective for Biblical Justice in International Relations Practicing a Christian vision of justice as a citizen in one’s own country is difficult enough. Add on the challenge of establishing and living out a Christian ethic among states, where there may be few established norms and shared values, and you have the gargantuan task of doing international relations. Does Christianity have anything to say about global justice for modern nation-states? Can we look to the biblical vision for help with the complex problems of a globalized world? Robert Joustra answers with a resounding yes. Christ and Covenant in Global Politics casts a compelling vision for a Christian approach to international relations that seeks to transform global politics from systems driven by fear to covenantal global community based in shared loves, drawing on Augustine’s understanding of rightly ordered loves and a contemporary Christian notion of covenantal pluralism. This groundbreaking textbook is designed for professors and students of international relations, offering a unique, faith-driven approach to global politics. In Christ and Covenant in Global Politics, Joustra introduces international relations through a distinctly Christian lens; demonstrates how the Christian worldview can positively shape international politics; equips students to thoughtfully engage with pluralism and multiculturalism in international politics; and moves beyond discussions of biblical justice within states toward discussions of biblical justice between and among states. Christ and Covenant in Global Politics is a first-of-its-kind work that provides a comprehensive introduction to the state of international relations theory today as well as a constructive account of a truly Christian vision for global politics. Joustra provides a systematic treatment of introductory political theology of world politics, then applies that foundation to key issues in the international system: diplomacy, war, political economy, and climate. Ideal for the undergraduate level, this book is a gift to those who to want to learn to love their neighbor on the global stage.

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9781514007860

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Reviews

""Christ and Covenant in Global Politics is a much-needed resource for international relations instructors in Christian higher-ed institutions, as well as to anyone seeking an accessible yet theologically robust text bridging public theology and international relations. Robert J. Joustra sets the foundations for thinking Christianly about international relations by situating justice, power, and diversity within the original created order and contrasting the conceptions of justice within the main international relations traditions—realism, liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism—with a Christian understanding of justice as right relationship for shalom flourishing."" -- Ana Shippey, associate professor of political science at Lee University

""Christ and Covenant in Global Politics is a much-needed resource for international relations instructors in Christian higher-ed institutions, as well as to anyone seeking an accessible yet theologically robust text bridging public theology and international relations. Robert J. Joustra sets the foundations for thinking Christianly about international relations by situating justice, power, and diversity within the original created order and contrasting the conceptions of justice within the main international relations traditions—realism, liberalism, Marxism, and constructivism—with a Christian understanding of justice as right relationship for shalom flourishing."" -- Ana Shippey, associate professor of political science at Lee University ""Robert J. Joustra has written a book that does what no other book does, and no one could have written it but Robert Joustra. What Joustra gives us is a Christian account of international relations that will be absorbed by scholars as well as by students taking Introduction to International Relations. He brings forth his thorough expertise in and affection for Dutch Reformed theology and does so in such a manner that all Christians, indeed everyone, will grasp and engage his arguments. With the originality and rigor of his training as a scholar of international relations, he applies the two classic Christian sources of ethical reasoning—Christ and his covenant, and the reason that God implanted in humans—to traditions of international thought, globalism, nationalism, war, peace, economics, and the global environment. One other quality of Joustra's writing arrives fresh and surprising in a book such as this: it is fun. Witty prose and entertaining turns of phrase leave readers both informed and good-humored."" -- Daniel Philpott, professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame and author of Just and Unjust Peace: An Ethic of Political Reconciliation ""Christ and Covenant in Global Politics is not an ordinary introduction to international relations from a Christian perspective, though that alone would be a significant achievement. Drawing on some of the best Christian political traditions, Robert J. Joustra offers a faithful critique of prevailing norms and theories in international relations and presents a compelling alternative to the faltering liberal international order. A fitting mid-career milestone in Joustra's prolific scholarship and a promising sign of what's still to come. Highly recommended!"" -- Chan Woong Shin, associate professor of political science and international affairs at Gordon College ""Is there a place for justice in global politics? If so, how should we think about it and how should our political communities pursue it? Robert J. Joustra offers a framework for a Christian approach to international relations that helps us make sense of the messy and tragic nature of international life while demonstrating the possibility and imperative of seeking justice and peace. Combining his expertise in the theory and practice of international relations and the political-theological thinking of Augustine, Calvin, Kuyper, and others, Joustra has written a most valuable book."" -- Luke Glanville, professor of international relations at The Australian National University ""Robert J. Joustra has written a refreshing and necessary book for more fully exploring the contours of international relations theory and considering distinctly Christian contributions to the field. We hope this book becomes an essential resource for scholars and practitioners and that it will help shape the imagination of Christians generally as they think about foreign policy and global affairs."" -- Michael Wear, founder, president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and Melissa Wear, CEO of Public Square Strategies, LLC ""Reading this fine book made me realize that, in my many decades of focusing on justice issues, I have thought much about justice within nations but little about justice between the nations. Robert J. Joustra has filled in the gaps for me, and he does it here with clarity and wisdom. He has also shown me that it is okay in international relations to live with approximations to the full justice that we desperately need. The real thing will come in its fullness only when the one true and righteous King returns to make all things—including complex national systems—new."" -- Richard Mouw, author of When the Kings Come Marching In ""Many scholars have applied Christian principles to address critical international issues. Robert J. Joustra is perhaps the first to systematically develop a Christian theory of modern international relations. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a Christian understanding of international politics and a must-assign for any international relations professor in Christian higher education."" Michael McKoy, associate professor of politics and international relations at Wheaton College -- Michael McKoy, associate professor of politics and international relations at Wheaton College ""This book dares the impossible by asking, 'How does a system of international states presuppose, shape, or foreclose possibilities for justice? And how might Christian statecraft understand and practice a politics of justice in such a system? What might such active gratitude, following Jesus in law-patterned obedience, be in a Westphalian world?' Answers to these questions are profoundly difficult, but in a clear and compelling yet conversational manner of deep knowledge, Robert J. Joustra engages different perspectives with respect as he moves seamlessly between theology and international relations. Joustra writes with inviting humility, honesty, and humor, producing a hitchhiker's portal between these secular and spiritual universes. If you like a big think, a systems of systems approach that is as much philosophical as it is practical, then you will have to read, ponder, and process this wonderful work."" -- Chris Seiple, president emeritus of the Institute for Global Engagement

Author Information

Robert J. Joustra (PhD, University of Bath) is Professor of Politics and Spoelhof Chair at Calvin University. He is author and editor of several books, including How to Survive the Apocalypse: Zombies, Cylons, Faith and Politics at the End ofthe World and Calvinism for a Secular Age. He is a Senior Editor with The Review of Faith and International Affairs.

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