Teaching Not Preaching: Scripture as a Pedagogically Necessary Tool in Political Theory

• In Event: Theology & Philosophy

Abstract

In this paper I argue that scripture should be included in political theory instruction, as it is necessary for understanding the genealogy of western political thought. While the Bible differs substantially in purpose from commonly known works of political theory, the political lessons and implications of scripture are advocated for or argued against by many of the most prominent modern political thinkers of all time. Political theory texts exist both in their present moment and as a product for all time, but underemphasizing ¬– or altogether ignoring – the religious framework at the time they were written does not equip students with the knowledge necessary for gleaning the appropriate arguments from the texts. I propose reasons for why Christianity and scripture are largely excluded from political theory courses, focusing both on Enlightenment era religious opposition as well as modern day implications of bringing the Bible to the classroom. Ultimately, I show that excluding scripture from our understanding of political theorists in the modern period leaves out an essential piece of the conversation, leading to false narratives and misinterpretations of some of the most essential texts of the field.

Author

• Lila Hearn, University of Nevada, Las Vegas