Timothy P. Jackson Livres

What is the place of Christian love in a pluralistic society dedicated to liberty and justice for all ? What would it mean to take both Jesus Christ and Abraham Lincoln seriously and attempt to translate love of God and neighbor into every quarter of life, including law and politics? Timothy Jackson addresses such questions in Political Agape: Prophetic Christianity and Liberal Democracy. Jackson argues that love of God and neighbor is the perilously neglected civil virtue of our time and that it must be considered even before justice in structuring political principles and policies. To indicate the specific implications of civic agapism, he looks at such issues as the death penalty, Christian complicity in the Holocaust, the case for same-sex marriage, and the morality of adoption. The book concludes with Jackson s reflections on Martin Luther King Jr. as a Christian hero.

Focusing on the intersection of agape and social justice, the author defines Christian charity as a central virtue in ethical thought. The book addresses critical issues such as political violence, forgiveness, and abortion, drawing from the New Testament and contemporary theology. Jackson highlights three core aspects of Christian charity: unconditional commitment to others' good, equal regard for their well-being, and a passionate willingness to serve, often requiring self-sacrifice.

The exploration delves into the multifaceted nature of love, examining its theological, philosophical, and literary perspectives. It highlights love as a crucial element in understanding ethics, offering insights into how different interpretations shape moral considerations. Through various accounts, the book invites readers to reflect on the significance of love in ethical discourse.