Resurrecting Democracy: Faith, Citizenship, and the Politics of a Common Life

by Luke Bretherton

Through a case study of community organizing in the global city of London and an examination of the legacy of Saul Alinsky around the world, this book develops a constructive account of the relationship between religious diversity, democratic citizenship, and economic and political accountability. Based on an in-depth, ethnographic study, Part I identifies and depicts a consociational, populist and post-secular vision of democratic citizenship by reflecting on the different strands of thought and practice that feed into and help constitute community organizing. Particular attention is given to how organizing mediates the relationship between Christianity, Islam and Judaism and those without a religious commitment in order to forge a common life. Part II then unpacks the implications of this vision for how we respond to the spheres in which citizenship is enacted, namely, civil society, the sovereign nation-state, and the globalized economy. Overall, the book outlines a way of re-imagining democracy, developing innovative public policy, and addressing poverty in the contemporary context.

464 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2014

About the author

Luke Bretherton is professor of theological ethics and senior fellow of the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. Before joining the Duke faculty, he was reader in Theology & Politics and convener of the Faith & Public Policy Forum at King's College London. He has worked with a variety of faith-based NGOs, mission agencies, and churches around the world, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.

Reviews

[Michael Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to skim the last couple chapters, but I really enjoyed this book. Bretherton’s heavy on the ethnography and anatomy of community organization; one could basically turn to this work as a playbook for how to organize. But the theory that undergirds the practice Bretherton’s hoping to foster is really intriguing, promising even. I’d call it a kind of radical conservatism in that it prioritizes 1) the common good(s) 2) local politics 3) active citizenship. Really interesting stuff.