Christians, Politics and Violent Revolution [first edition]

This book is an impressive attempt by a distinguished British theologian to grapple with problems put to him by friends from the Third World and particularly the question: ""If there seems no way to alter a situation except by joining in violent revolution, is it possible to be involved and still remain a Christian?"" In his discussion, Professor Davies first considers how far obedience is a constant imperative and in what circumstances disobedience may be the right choice. As resistance to the state is necessarily to act illegally, he then reviews the subject of law and order. To this point the considerations are largely theological. However, the climax of the book comes in a discussion of revolution in human terms, together with the criticisms often raised against it. There is also a survey of the means of revolution, non-violent and violent, and the basis of Christian moral choice in such a situation. J. G. Davies (1919-1990) was Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology in the University of Birmingham.