After 9/11, the fear of a ‘clash of civilisations’ and the ‘war on terror’, everyone is now aware of the ‘return of religion’ as a philosophical, sociological and political phenomenon. There has been renewed interest in books in the general trade about religion and violence and a significant increase in the numbers of students taking courses in religion and theology.

Political Theology: A New Introduction supplies both a historical overview of different ways in which theology and the political have related to one another and an analysis of the current complex situation that fills the gap left by the decline of the doctrine of secularisation.

This guide to a vibrant, fascinating and sometimes bewildering subject is designed for both theology students and students from religious studies programmes. It avoids, or explains where necessary, technical theological terms, and supplies a helpful glossary. ‘Political theology’ challenges believer and non-(or not-yet) believer alike, to each learn a new language, so they can talk respectfully to one another - a situation which, for once, makes the lecture hall a microcosm of society at large, not an enclave from it.