Good government and the vocation of citizenship: A Lutheran perspective. Issue 2 (19th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kleinhans, Kathryn A.
• Is Part Of: Dialog. Volume 57:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2018-06-19
• Subjects: citizenship -- common good -- government -- Lutheran -- vocation; Theology -- Periodicals; 230.41
• DOI: 10.1111/dial.12392
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-2033

Abstract

Abstract: Martin Luther considered governmental authority to be one of the structures through which God exercises providential care of the created world. Consequently, government and civil society are dimensions of life in which one lives out the divine calling to serve one's neighbors. This theological perspective offers a distinct contribution to discussions of the appropriate role of religion in the public square. God's desire for justice for all is the criterion by which to evaluate specific governments, policies, and officials. The goal of justice provides a common framework within which Christians can work for the common good with those of other faiths and no faith.