Introduction

Abstract

This introductory chapter describes how the book is derived from two considerations. Firstly, the tradition of radical theology which has so far been insufficiently political; and secondly, the contemporary reading and employment of political theology has been antidemocratic in its gist. The solution lies in joining together radical theology with radical democratic theory to provide an alternative political theology. In the process, the theopolitics and practice of democratic theory is uncovered and political theology is made more democratic. The chapter offers an alternative democratic political theology that is informed both by radical theology's willingness to partake in the currents of contemporary culture, and radical democracy's faith in the ideals of self-governance, not only as a hope but as an urgent necessity for our times.