Title
In the Whirlwind : God and Humanity in Conflict / Robert A. Burt.
ISBN
9780674064874
Published
Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, [2012]
Copyright
©2012
Language
English
Language Note
In English.
Description
1 online resource
Other Standard Identifiers
10.4159/harvard.9780674064874 doi
Call Number
BT130 .B877 2012eb
Dewey Decimal Classification
296.3
Summary
God deserves obedience simply because he's God-or does he? Inspired by a passion for biblical as well as constitutional scholarship, in this bold exploration Yale Law Professor Robert A. Burt conceptualizes the political theory of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. God's authority as expressed in these accounts is not a given. It is no less inherently problematic and in need of justification than the legitimacy of secular government. In recounting the rich narratives of key biblical figures-from Adam and Eve to Noah, Cain, Abraham, Moses, Job, and Jesus-In the Whirlwind paints a surprising picture of the ambivalent, mutually dependent relationship between God and his peoples. Taking the Hebrew and Christian Bibles as a unified whole, Burt traces God's relationship with humanity as it evolves from complete harmony at the outset to continual struggle. In almost every case, God insists on unconditional obedience, while humanity withholds submission and holds God accountable for his promises.Contemporary political theory aims for perfect justice. The Bible, Burt shows, does not make this assumption. Justice in the biblical account is an imperfect process grounded in human-and divine-limitation. Burt suggests that we consider the lessons of this tension as we try to negotiate the power struggles within secular governments, and also the conflicts roiling our public and private lives.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
System Details Note
Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
Digital File Characteristics
text file PDF
Source of Description
Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 08. Jul 2019)
Frontmatter
Contents
Preface
Chapter One. In the Beginning
Chapter Two. The Appearance of Authority
Chapter Three. God Gives, God Takes Away
Chapter Four. God's Promises
Chapter Five. Loving Power
Chapter Six. Love Offered, Love Commanded
Chapter Seven. Grief and Grievance
Chapter Eight. As We Forgive Those
Chapter Nine. A Renewed Testament
Chapter Ten. The Same Old Testament
Chapter Eleven. Eliminating Doubts and Doubters
Chapter Twelve. The Insoluble Problem of Politics
Chapter Thirteen. Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue
Chapter Fourteen. Reconciling with Injustice
Notes. Acknowledgments. Index
Notes
Acknowledgments
Index
