Nationhood, Providence, And Witness

An examination of the tension between Protestant theology and nationalism, and how it has been influenced by controversies over the status of the Israeli state. An examination of the tension between Protestant theology and nationalism, and how it has been influenced by controversies over the status of the Israeli state. In this eloquently argued work Carys Moseley provides an original angle of criticism on the issue of nationhood and Christianity, asserting that Christianity must relate to nationhood as the nation structure is part of God's plan for humanity. The book addresses three major themes in the field of theology and nationhood. The first is that anti-nationalism and anti-Zionism are often two sides of the same coin, and involve taking leave of a providential reading of the Bible as well as a willingness to understand history in broadly providential terms. The second is that such an approach tends to involve a reluctance to recognise subordinated Gentile nations, especially those that have lost independence. Moseley studies the work of four theologians - Reinhold Niebuhr, Rowan Williams, John Milbank and Karl Barth - to examine the difference between nationhood and statehood. She provides a perspective on Wales as a stateless nation, as an example of a Gentile parallel to Israel. Thirdly, Moseley links social theorists to the theologians to explore their affinities. Niebuhr is paired with Mark Juergensmeyer, and Rowan Williams is juxtaposed to the debate between Adrian Hastings and Anthon Smith. Nationhood, Recognition and Providence will interest anyone concerned with nationhood and Israel in protestant theology, and offers unique insights into stateless nations from the Welsh-born author's perspective.