Lexington Books Christianity and Human Rights: Christians and the Struggle for Global Justice

In Christianity and Human Rights: Christians and the Struggle for Global Justice, Frederick M. Shepherd has collected essays by scholars and activists who, in a wide variety of ways, confront the issue of Christianity's role in the burgeoning movement for human rights. The volume's contributors provide diverse perspectives on the theology behind the idea of human rights, the debate over the its meaning, and the evolution of the struggle for human rights. A wide variety of disciplinary perspectives are represented, from economics, political science and law to history, philosophy and theology. The essays also represent a broad political spectrum, including specific accounts from activists participating in the struggle for human rights. Separate chapters focus on cases from Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Christianity and Human Rights begins and ends with attempts to synthesize current theory and practice, acknowledging both Christianity's great success and its failures in defending basic human rights around the globe. Review In Christianity and Human Rights Frederick Sheperd has assembled a strong collection of contributions to one of the fastest growing areas of research in international relations, political thought, development studies and the study religion: the history, theory and future practice of human rights...this volume contains more valuable contributions than one review can acknowledge. I believe scholars in a variety of fields will appreciate the insightful, clearly argued contributions in this volume. It is a rare example of Christian institutions and arguments while furthering the struggle for global justice.--Simona Goi Christianity and Human Rights: Christians and the Struggle for Global Justice is a clarion call for the vigorous application of faith to the pressing injustices of our time. Articles by Jonathan Warner, James Waller, Jean Bethke Elhstain, Nico Horn, and editor Fredrick Shepherd were of particular note. The book is easy to read and well structured, covering a breadth of compelling contexts. Readers are offered both a foundational rationale as well as a deeply personal challenge to their own moral responsibilities. Few topics could be more prescient for people of faith in these deeply troubled times.--Andrew Christian van Gorder, Baylor University The relationship between Christianity and human rights is often commented upon, but seldom explored. Christianity and Human Rights: Christians and the Struggle for Global Justice is a sustained exploration of the topic by eminent scholars who are committed to presenting this relationship in all its complexity. The introduction, theoretical chapters, case studies, and conclusion illuminate the topic with insights from a variety of disciplines and traditions of Christian thought. The book is indispensable for anyone seeking to comprehend the relationship between Christian faith and the quest for human flourishing.--Steve Haynes, Rhodes College About the Author Frederick M. Shepherd is chair of the political science department and associate professor of internaional relations at Samford University.